This was an unplanned rest day. I’m hoping to prevent my shin splints from worsening so I’ve sent my pack ahead to my next BnB and I’m taking the bus. Interestingly, the man who I spoke with at breakfast yesterday, the one who was shattered from the walk HQ-Bude, is also injured from walking yesterday and is stopping his walk altogether. And he’s a mailman, so no stranger to walking every day! We think it’s the cumulative steepness stressing our muscles/tendons.

I broke the journey to Tintagel by stopping in Boscastle, a popular tourist spot for its unique long, narrow harbour, shops & cafes, and excellent walks.

Then it was just 30 minutes further by bus to Tintagel, that of King Arthur fame. This is definitely a touristy town with lots of gift and souvenir shops, restaurants, witch & black magic(!) stores, and the ruins on the cliff that inspired the legend. I didn’t bother trekking down to see the ruins as there’s little there but a few walls and a really cool bridge but I did venture into the quaint National Trust property “The Old Post Office”. Dating from the 14th century it was added on and renovated through to the 20th century being used as a home/farm, home/cobbler, home/post office, etc over the centuries.

As I’m supposed to be resting I just mooched around town until it was time to check in at my BnB. All accommodations in Britain include a tea tray with kettle and, if you’re lucky, cookies in the room. This makes it pleasant to spend an afternoon inside reading or watching my favorite new program: Chateau DIY!