Sunday 8 February 2015

Merlin's Cave - a magical experience!

Merlin's Cave in #Cornwall.

Merlin features in book three of 'The Camelot Inheritance' series (yet to be published), so of course I had to visit this famed place.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/tintagel-castle/directions
Looking up to Tintagel Castle

In a previous post I've discussed the immense benefits of hands-on research. That time I was talking about visiting the British Museum; this time it was as far from a museum as it was possible to get...
Because today I had the good fortune to visit this wonderful place - Merlin's Cave in Cornwall.

Merlin's Cave sits on the beach right underneath Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, UK, the legendary home of King Arthur. 
So as my series features the fabled king, and will soon feature his wise man, Merlin, this special place just had to be visited.

Pete and I drove from the south coast of Cornwall to its north coast, (Cornwall isn't very wide) and to Tintagel village.  
We walked down to the beach along a steep, winding path, past the little English Heritage shop and on to the slate steps leading to the beach. Believe me, the walk was worth it. (Even the walk back up!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merlin%27s_Cave
Merlin's Cave
Because there, at the bottom of the cliff, is THE CAVE. 


You can only reach this cave at low tide - we 'happened' to get there on the dot of 2 pm, the lowest point of the tide. (If you live in the Mediterranean you won't experience the wide tide movement we have here in the UK. It comes of being a northerly country. The tug of the moon is very strong here.)


The roof of the cave reaches high into the foundations of the cliff supporting the castle. 

And the waterfall is quite beautiful.


Mystical...

https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCcQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tripadvisor.co.uk%2FLocationPhotoDirectLink-g186245-i64139848-Tintagel_Cornwall_England.html&ei=a8vXVN6IDeuR7AaA_IHwDA&usg=AFQjCNGPSSamB5j6c8yHbhz19rk8WwGfNA&sig2=6gtO9fEEThi6zxZ4HbEAcw&bvm=bv.85464276,d.ZGU
Merlin's waterfall
And magical.

Looking out to sea from the beach below the castle.

Another time I'll be visiting the castle itself, but today I wanted to concentrate on the cave. Having seen just a selection of the photos I took, I think you'll understand.
     
Keep an eye on this blog for news of the release of the third in 'The Camelot Inheritance' series.
And if you are interested in a dash of contemporary fantasy set in Cornwall, UK. and would like to read for review either 'The Golden Sword', or 'The Time Smugglers', please contact me in the box in the sidebar.
Thank you for stopping by! :)

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