RIVALS FOR THE THRONE

Snowdonia isn’t alone in trumpeting its Arthurian connections. Sites across Britain and as far away as Mount Etna stake a claim to the legend of Logres and its knights.

CORNWALL

A fairytale castle on a coastal promontory, Tintagel is reputed to be Arthur’s birthplace. It’s here Uther Pendragon disguised himself using Merlin’s shapeshifting magic to woo Arthur’s mother Igraine. The cliffs below conceal Merlin’s Cave, while four miles inland, the town of Camelford is linked to Camelot. Dozmary Pool on Bodmin Moor is mooted to be the Lady of Lake’s home.  WALK HERE: Download Tintagel at www.livefortheoutdoors.com/bonusroutes

BRITTANY

Like their Celtic cousins in Cornwall and Wales, Bretons revel in Round Table folklore. Their towns of Quimper, Carhaix and Camaret all have Camelot potential, while L’île d’Aval sounds uncannily like Avalon. They also claim Lancelot was raised by Vivian in the legendary Forêt de Broceliande (the Paimpont Forest), home to Merlin’s grave. Le Château de Joyeuse Garde on Cape Finisterre could also pip Bamburgh’s claim to be Lancelot’s Castle.  WALK HERE: Find described walking trails in the Forêt de Broceliande, plus travel info at www.broceliande-vacances.com

SOMERSET

In 1191, the monks of Glastonbury Abbey unearthed two skeletons buried in beneath the high altar. Convinced it was Arthur and Guinevere, they promoted Glastonbury to pilgrims as the legendary royals’ final resting place, stoking the claim that Glastonbury Tor was the fabled Isle of Avalon. 11 miles southeast, the prehistoric hillfort of

Cadbury Castle is a convincing candidate for Camelot, along with Cadbury Camp further north. WALK HERE: Download Glastonbury and Cadbury at www.liveforthe outdoors.com/bonusroutes