Above Boscastle harbour lie the Forrabury Stitches, rare medieval strip fields, and a clifftop church. Here is how to explore them on a short walk.
High above Boscastle harbour, on the flat land between the village and the sea, is one of the most unusual farming landscapes in Cornwall. The Forrabury Stitches are long, narrow strips of land that have been farmed in much the same way for centuries. Next to them stands the little church of St Symphorian at Forrabury, looking out over the Atlantic. Both are an easy walk from the village, and they make a lovely short outing from our campsite at Lower Pennycrocker Farm, about two miles away.
What are the Forrabury Stitches?
"Stitches" is an old Cornish word for strips of land. At Forrabury, the land on the headland is divided into long, thin strips running towards the sea, a pattern that goes back to the medieval open-field system. Most of Britain's open fields were enclosed into hedged farms centuries ago, but here the old pattern survived, which makes the Stitches a rare piece of living history.
The land is cared for by the National Trust. Traditionally, the strips have been cultivated or cut for hay during the growing season and then opened up for shared grazing in the winter months. You can still see the pattern from the higher ground and the coast path, especially in early summer when different strips are at different stages of growth.
Why it matters
- It is a rare survival of a medieval farming system.
- It is a haven for wildflowers, insects and farmland birds.
- It shows how communities once shared land on exposed coastal ground.
When you walk the paths, please stick to the field edges and public rights of way and keep dogs on a lead. The land is still farmed.
St Symphorian's church, Forrabury
The church at Forrabury stands on the high ground above the harbour and has been a landmark for sailors for centuries. It is dedicated to St Symphorian, an unusual dedication in Cornwall. Parts of the building are medieval, and like many local churches it was restored in the 1800s. It is usually open to visitors, and its churchyard has fine views along the coast.
There is a local legend about the church's missing bells. The story goes that a ship bringing new bells for Forrabury sank in a storm within sight of the shore, and that on rough nights you can still hear them ringing under the waves. It is a tale worth telling around a campfire, if you are allowed one; please ask about fires when you arrive.
A short circular walk
This walk takes about an hour, more if you stop for the views.
- Start in Boscastle. From the main car park, walk down the river to the harbour.
- Climb to the coast path. On the south side of the harbour, follow the coast path up towards the Willapark headland.
- Visit the lookout. Detour out to the white lookout tower on Willapark. See our Willapark lookout guide.
- Cross the Stitches. From the headland, follow the paths inland across the edge of the Forrabury Stitches towards the church.
- Forrabury church. Look around the church and churchyard.
- Back down to the village. Follow the lane and footpaths back down into Boscastle.
The walk has a steady climb from the harbour and some exposed sections near the cliffs. Hold children's hands near the edge and keep dogs on a lead.
For more routes, see our walks near Boscastle page.
Best time to visit
- Late spring and early summer: wildflowers and the clearest strip pattern.
- Evening: soft light over the fields and the sea, and fewer people.
- Clear days in autumn: big views along the coast towards Tintagel.
The headland is very exposed, so pick a calm day if you can, or take a windproof jacket.
Wildlife and plants
The Stitches and surrounding cliffs support a range of wildlife. Look out for skylarks singing above the fields, stonechats on the gorse, and kestrels hovering over the grass. Along the cliffs, wildflowers such as thrift, sea campion and kidney vetch bloom in spring and early summer. Out to sea, gannets and other seabirds pass by, and with luck you might spot a seal or dolphins on a calm day.
Combining it with a day in Boscastle
The Forrabury walk is short enough to fit around other plans. A good day might be:
- Morning walk to Willapark, the Stitches and the church.
- Lunch in the village. See places to eat in Boscastle.
- Afternoon at the harbour and the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic.
If you are interested in the area's past, our Boscastle history for campers post adds more background.
Photography tips
The best photographs of the Stitches are taken from higher ground, where the long strips line up towards the sea. Morning and evening light brings out the texture of the fields. Forrabury church makes a strong subject against a big sky, and the views back down to the harbour mouth from the headland are some of the best on this coast.
Frequently asked questions
What does "stitches" mean?
It is an old Cornish word for strips of land, as in the long, narrow fields at Forrabury.
Who owns the Forrabury Stitches?
They are cared for by the National Trust and are still farmed.
Can I walk across the Stitches?
Use the public footpaths and field edges. Please don't walk through crops or hay, and keep dogs on a lead.
How far is Forrabury from the campsite?
Forrabury is just above Boscastle village, about two miles from Lower Pennycrocker Farm.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
Much of the harbour, valley and coast around Boscastle is cared for by the National Trust. Our National Trust Boscastle guide covers the visitor centre, parking and the best walks.
