Boscastle - Heart, Harbour & Castle

Navigating The Route

This is a linear Treasure Hunt around Boscastle's heart, harbour and castle, with Explorers helping to follow a newly recovered map after Joshua Jacob Trago vanished from Boscastle in 1806, using its instructions to track down the treasure he hid in the Caribbean.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll explore Boscastle's fascinating village from the rippling harbourside, through winding streets and to the castle grounds, with wonderful views to admire as you go.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route follows a steep-sided valley with steep hills, cobbled lanes, narrow roads with no pavement in places, uneven stone steps and harbour steps and cliff path sections that can be very slippery when wet, so appropriate footwear is strongly advised.

Take great care around the harbour wall and on the cliff path: the steps are uneven, can be extremely slippery when wet, and there are steep drops into open water. Be alert on the hill road, which is narrow and has no pavement in places.

At the end of the hunt, retrace your steps back down the hill to the start point and expedition vehicle.

Getting There

By car: Begin at the Main Cobweb long stay car park (PL35 0HF), using ///bikes.sideburns.sulk. This is the recommended car park, and you'll need at least two hours. Your first clue can be discovered opposite the toilet block at the car park entrance.

By public transport: Make your way to the Main Cobweb long stay car park in Boscastle to begin the quest. The route is linear, and you retrace your steps back down the hill to the start point once the treasure trail is complete.

Need the Loo?

Toilets are available near the start point in the car park, making this the best place for a comfort stop before the Explorers set off.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can join the treasure hunt, with a close eye kept on them throughout. 🐾

Dogs should be supervised at all times, especially around the harbour wall and cliff path. The harbour area has slippery stone steps when wet, and the route also includes steep hills, cobbled lanes, narrow roads with no pavement in places, uneven stone steps and sections near open water.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting is hungry work, and refreshments are encountered in the village. The Bridge House Tea Rooms and the National Trust Cafe are both passed on the route.

If you'd rather bring your own supplies, pack a picnic to enjoy in the harbour at Clues 01-11.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Boscastle harbour

Boscastle's tiny harbour looks like it's been wedged into a crack in the cliffs on purpose. Once a busy medieval port trading slate and goods along the coast, it's now cared for by the National Trust and feels like a film set for smugglers, wreckers and sneaky treasure hunters.

The Museum of Witchcraft

The Museum of Witchcraft houses the world's largest collection of witchcraft-related artefacts and regalia. It has been located in Boscastle since 1960, was severely damaged in the 2004 floods, and is one of Cornwall's most popular museums.

Forrabury Church

For an optional uphill detour, head for Forrabury Church from Ivy Cottage: go up the slope opposite Ivy Cottage, cross the main road and go up Forrabury Hill, then take the Coast Path to the right to reach the church before retracing your steps. Dedicated to St Symphorian, this stunning Norman church featured in the BBC TV series 'A Seaside Parish' and occupies a beautiful spot on the clifftop. It is only a ten-minute walk away, although it is all uphill.

The Wellington Hotel

Keep an eye out for The Wellington Hotel, one of North Cornwall's oldest coaching inns, dating back to the 16th century. It was renamed after the death of the 'Iron Duke' the Duke of Wellington, in his memory, and the Castilian tower was added at that time. Well known former guests include King Edward VII, Sir Henry Irving, Guy Gibson and Thomas Hardy, and it is also known for being haunted by several active ghosts and featured in an episode of Most Haunted in 2004.

Boscastle village and castle grounds

The wider village is well worth enjoying at a slower pace once the map-work is done. The Trail explores the fascinating village from the rippling harbourside, through the winding streets and to the castle grounds, with wonderful views to admire as you go.