There is something inherently atmospheric about the North Cornwall coast in winter, especially as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. On a recent evening in Boscastle, the conditions were classic for the season, extremely windy with the first drops of rain beginning to fall just as the light turned golden. On the approach to the Willapark headland, two of the area’s semi-wild ponies were found grazing quietly near the cliff edge, seemingly unbothered by the Atlantic gusts.
Walk details
- Location: Willapark Headland, Boscastle.
- Access: Via the South West Coast Path from the harbour.
- Wildlife: Semi-wild ponies and various coastal birds.
- Website: National Coastwatch – Boscastle
- Google Maps: Willapark Lookout
Watch the video
The ponies of Willapark
While these ponies appear entirely wild as they roam the headland, they are actually owned by a local resident. They are classified as “semi-wild” because, although they live outdoors year-round and forage for their own food, they are managed and monitored to ensure they remain healthy.
These animals play a vital role in the conservation of the Cornish coastline. By grazing on the tough gorse and grasses, they prevent the headland from becoming overgrown, which in turn allows rare wildflowers and insects to thrive.
On this particular evening, they were feeding at the foot of the cliff just below the Willapark Lookout, framed by the dramatic drop to the sea.
The Willapark Lookout
The prominent white building that stands as a sentinel over the southern entrance to Boscastle Harbour is the Willapark Lookout. Also known as the Summer House or Prospect Tower, this whitewashed, castellated Victorian structure sits 317 feet above sea level.
Originally built in the 1800s as a pleasure house for local entertaining, it later served as a coastal lookout for the Board of Trade and is now maintained by the National Coastwatch Institution. Its position provides a panoramic view of the coastline, making it a landmark for both mariners and hikers following the South West Coast Path.
A winter evening in Boscastle
Watching the ponies against the backdrop of the setting sun and the castellated tower captured the raw, rugged essence of Boscastle. As the weather shifted and the rain started to set in, it was a short but bracing walk back down toward the village.
The evening concluded at the Wellington Hotel, where we had booked an overnight stay following its recent renovation. As one of the oldest coaching inns in Cornwall, the building carries a tangible sense of history; its thick stone walls provided a welcome shield from the winter wind that had been whipping across the headland just moments before.
Boscastle’s unique geography, where towering cliffs drop into a narrow, sheltered harbour, makes it one of the most atmospheric locations in the county for a winter break. The “Welly,” as it is known locally, sits perfectly at the heart of this landscape, offering a warm, refined retreat after a day on the coast path.
Read all about our stay at The Wellington Hotel.
Accessibility
It is important to note that the ascent to Willapark Lookout is physically demanding and may not be suitable for everyone. The path involves steep gradients and uneven, rocky terrain that can become quite slippery, particularly during the winter months or after rainfall.
For those who are unsure on their feet or have limited mobility, this specific route is not recommended due to the narrow cliff-side tracks and the lack of level ground. If you are looking for a more accessible way to enjoy the Boscastle scenery, the walk along the flat harbour quay provides a much safer and more stable alternative.
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