Port Quin via the Coastal Path (from Port Isaac)

Where did Mrs. Tishell on Doc Martin take James Henry after she abducted him? If you said Doyden Castle in Port Quinn, you would be correct. Doyden Castle is run by the National Trust and is a vacation/holiday rental. You can get there by car or you could walk from Port Isaac.

To see this filming location one could walk from Port Isaac to Port Quin on the Coastal Path. Walk up the hill past the the house that stands in for the Doc’s surgery on Roscarrock Hill in Port Isaac to the footpath and follow it three miles. It will take you right into Port Quin.

I do not recommend walking on the coastal path if you have health issues, knee, ankle, or foot issues. It is not an easy hike due to steep ascents and descents. If you are afraid of heights, this may be an issue as in spots you are walking along the side of a cliff with steep drop-offs. I also do not recommend walking the path in the rain or after it rains, as the rocks become very slippery when wet. I did not take my camera out on the steep sections hugging the coast. I was afraid of dropping my camera.

The day I undertook this it was not predicted to rain, but it started to drizzle when I got close to my halfway point outside of Port Quin. Luckily, a friend told me about an alternate foot path inland that passed through farms. I decided to do that for safety reasons after I got to Port Quin.

Upon arrival I saw a food truck in the little village. I was told one is sometimes there. Fiona’s Cafe is in a vintage van. She advertises that she serves crab, lobster, and halloumi. I tried the halloumi and it hit the spot. It was delicious. There were a few picnic tables to sit at close by. I brought two bottles of water with me for the trip, but that did not seem enough, so I bought more for my return. Be safe, bring plenty of water and food with you.

I proceeded to Doyden Castle to walk around. It is a lovely location on the coast. It was raining harder at that point. I kept getting water on my lens.

When I walked up to the road leaving Port Quin, I was able to find the sign for the inland path. The path at times was hard to follow. It is not marked well and it does not get as much foot traffic as the path that hugs the coast does. It is a good option though if it start to rain. It is easier trek than the coastal path. I was able to figure it out based on what a friend previously told me, however.

I am used to walking 5 miles or more, however, most of my walks are flat or gradual ascents and descents. This hike was taxing for me.

I do not recommend bringing your dog along with you on a hike. The trail is narrow at times and is occasionally cliffside. Your dog would need to be in excellent shape. I could easily see a dog getting distracted by a bird.

There are other filming locations in Port Quin. A site named Portwenn Online is a repository for all kinds of information on the TV show Doc Martin. Kate Kennedy, who runs the site, says the house Peter Cronk lived at in season 7 is in Port Quin. It is also the location of where Mark arrested Caroline in season 2 and where the loan sharks were at the market in season 5. Kate has lots of information on the show on her site categorized by Cast, Wardrobe, Episodes, Locations and links to other sites. It is worth a look if you are a fan of the show. You can view her website at: http://portwennonline.com .

If you are a fan of Doc Martin visit Port Quin by car or via the coastal path. Even is you are not a fan of the show, it is worth the trip to see a tiny castle and the gorgeous ocean views.