Whether you want to spend a day or week exploring North Devon and the Cornwall Atlantic Coast, this is the trip for you. With the help of local experts we've pulled together ideas for days out on this wild and rugged coastline. These walks take in the local highlights of the world renowned South West Coast Path National Trail.
This is one of a selection of holiday ideas produced by the South West Coast Path Association - a charity dedicated to protecting and improving the South West Coast Path, and providing information to help people enjoy it.
The historic fishing village of Clovelly and the Iron Coast
Morning
Park at Clovelly (17 miles/27.6km north of Bude) and veer westwards onto the Coast Path for a challenging 5 mile circular walk (8km). Camera ready, capture striking coastal scenery and views to Lundy Island from the Angel’s Wings Shelter, built in 1826 by Sir James Hamlyn Williams of Clovelly Court. Then make your way along the cliffs of the Iron Coast, nicknamed for its countless shipwrecks. Check out the double archway of Blackchurch Rock at Mouthmill Cove, before heading back through the ancient Brownsham Woods.
Afternoon
By now you’ve earned a Devon cream tea back in timeless, traffic-free Clovelly, which was an important herring fishing port in the 1800s. Thatched cottages tumble down cobbled streets to a 13th Century quay, where you can still see a handful of fishermen loading catch onto carts pulled by donkeys. Sample the seafood in an historic inn, then visit Kingsley Cottage, where author Charles Kingsley wrote Westward Ho! and gleaned the inspiration for his children’s classic, The Water Babies. If there’s time, find the waterfall beyond the lifeboat station, where, legend says, King Arthur's magician, Merlin, was born in a cave behind the falls.
Shipwrecks and smuggling at Hartland Point
Morning
If you’re up for a serious workout, start at Hartland Quay (16.5 miles/26.6km north of Bude) for a 5.8 mile (9.4km) circular walk via Hartland Point. Or, for an easier undertaking, opt for the 1.7mile (2.7km) circuit from Hartland Point. Either way, you’ll clap eyes on jagged cliff scenery, the decommissioned lighthouse, the wreck of the Johanna and the granite hulk of Lundy Island in the distance. Pause for a pasty or a ploughman’s lunch at Hartland Point and look out for grey seals that breed in these treacherous seas where the Atlantic meets the Bristol Channel.
Afternoon
Back at Hartland Quay, dip into the local inn decorated with memorabilia from shipwrecks, and delve into the smuggling and seafaring heritage at the adjoining Hartland Quay Museum. Leaving behind the wave-lashed backdrop that’s starred in numerous films, including Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, hit the road (a taxi is required if you haven’t got a car) past Devon’s second-tallest church tower at St Nectan’s. Finish the afternoon at Hartland Abbey and Gardens – one of North Devon’s finest ancestral country homes. [If you skip Hartland Point and Hartland Quay, you can take the No. 319 bus from Clovelly to Hartland Abbey.]
Marsland Valley Nature Reserve, Morwenna’s Well and Hawker’s Hut
Morning
From the wild Devon beach of Welcombe (12.5 miles/20.1km north of Bude), where rocky ridges streak the sand, cross the border into Cornwall via a short, sharp 2.7-mile loop (4.4km). Look out for dormice, otters and butterflies in the Marsland Valley Nature Reserve (turned into a nature reserve by the chocolate magnate, Christopher Cadbury). Fuel up on hearty pub grub in the retro-styled boozer back in Welcombe.
Afternoon
Next stop is Morwenstow Church, built around a shrine to the 5/6th Century Saint Morwenna. It’s a 7.6-mile (12.2km) drive from Welcombe and only accessible by car or taxi. From here take a 2.2-mile walk (3.5km) past Morwenna’s Well (said to have sprung when the saint stopped to rest here) to the cliff-edge Hawker’s Hut, which is made out of shipwreck timbers by the eccentric poet and clergyman, Robert Hawker. As well as writing here, Hawker also entertained friends such as Tennyson and Charles Kingsley. No doubt you’ll feel inspired as you trace the cliff-tops and track back through woodland to Morwenstow’s 13th Century inn.
Duckpool to Bude for rockpooling, wildflowers and surfing
Morning
Duckpool – where vast cliffs collapse onto a boulder-strewn beach and only hardy surfers brave the waves – lies 6.1 miles/9.8km north of Bude. There are no trappings except for an ice cream van, but it’s only another mile’s walk (1.6km) south to Sandymouth – another rugged bay with a seasonal café and lifeguards (if you do fancy a dip). The Coast Path between the two, and onto Northcott Mouth, another mile (1.6km) or so, is fringed with wildflowers – pink thrift and yellow bird’s-foot trefoil – while at sea level this stretch of coast is a haven for rockpooling. On the lowest tides you can see the remnants of a Portuguese steamship at Menachurch Point, between Sandymouth and Northcott Mouth.
Afternoon
Either complete a 6.8 mile (11km) circuit back to Duckpool, via Coombe Valley and the country home of the Elizabethan explorer, Sir Richard Grenville, or continue to Bude’s town beaches on foot, another 1.5 miles (2.4km). If you choose the latter and have left your car at Duckpool, hop on the No. 217 bus from Bude to retrieve it later. Meanwhile, in Cornwall’s northern-most surf town of Bude, it’s time for a surf lesson or a bracing swim in the Bude Sea Pool. Then climb to the octagonal tower on Compass Point, before a sundowner and seafood feast in a surfside bistro.
Bude’s wildlife, coastal woodland and dramatic cliffs
Morning
Explore the canal towpath of Bude. Gen up on local flora and fauna via exhibits at the Weir Wildlife Centre and Bistro a couple of miles (3.2km) out of town (accessible via the No. 218 bus), then follow the canal to Bude’s wharf and sea lock (one of only two in the country). This easy 4.5 mile (7.2km) loop walk returns through the Marshes Nature Reserve, where you can spot herons, egrets and if very lucky, otters.
Afternoon
Now to the secret gem of Millook Haven, 4.6 miles (7.4km) by car or cab, to witness dramatic cliffs folding to a remote and rocky surf spot. Another five minutes’ drive takes you to Dizzard, from where you can explore ancient coastal woodland laden with rare lichens and mosses, and steep stream valleys where butterflies thrive. If you dare to tackle the steep, winding roads into Crackington Haven, 2.5 miles (4km) from Millook by car or taxi, gawp at cliffs zigzagged with veins of quartz before wrapping up the day in a seafront foodie pub.
-
Brendon Arms
Bude's best known inn, owned and run by the Brendon family since 1872.Overlooking Bude's inner harbour and 200 yards from the unique sea-loc..01288 354542 -
The Break Bar, Beach House
Enjoy seafood, soul food & sunsets and tunes at our laid back beach bar. Listed in top 20 best beachside bars & restaurants in UK (t..01288 361256
Boscastle: a trip through Thomas Hardy country and Cornish folklore
Morning
Bring a head for heights to Boscastle, 14.4 miles (23.2km) south of Bude (and accessible via the No. 95/96 bus), for a 5.6 mile walk through Thomas Hardy country. The route doesn’t take you quite as far as the highest cliff in Cornwall, but it brings you out at the equally staggering Beeny Cliff: “In all its chasmal beauty bulks Beeny to the sky,” wrote Thomas Hardy. Spot seals, skirt St Juliot – where Emma Gifford first met Thomas Hardy in 1874 – and experience the power of the landscape at the 120-foot Pentargon Falls.
Afternoon
Back in the ancient town of Boscastle you won’t detect many scars from the devastating floods of 2004. Explore the harbour that was once a busy commercial port and feel the spray from the blowhole beneath Penally Point, which bellows about an hour each side of low tide. Climb to the tower overlooking the harbour at Willapark, then dip into the world of poppets and piskies at the quirky Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft.
Arthurian legends at Tintagel Castle and St Nectan’s Glen waterfall
Morning
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and Cornish piskies as you explore the magical Rocky Valley and St Nectan’s Glen. [If you don't have a car you will need a taxi, except on Saturdays, when the No. 95 bus stops here.] The 3.7-mile (6km) circuit starts 2.7 miles (4.3km) by road from Boscastle and follows the River Trevillet through a breath-taking glen to a 60-foot (20 metre) waterfall thundering through a rock arch. It’s believed that, as part of a ritual to turn them into knights, King Arthur’s squires passed through the rock arch and dropped, cleansed, into the plunge pool of St Nectan's Kieve below.
Afternoon
Nearly two miles (2.7km) further on (five minutes by car or cab, or 25 minutes via the No. 95 bus on Saturdays), finish your tour at a place swathed in Arthurian legend: Tintagel Castle. Cross the footbridge to the mighty ruins atop a sea-lashed promontory, below which waves bellow from the eerie Merlin’s Cave – the alleged place of King Arthur’s magical conception. More accurate evidence proves this majestic site was the Earl of Cornwall’s 13th Century fortress, a major trading port and a prosperous Dark Age settlement. Ponder your own version of history as you fuel up in the swanky sea-view café, pad barefoot on the low-tide beach, and watch the sun go down on this magnificent coast of legends.
-
Vega - Feed Your Soul
Vegan cafe serving hearty, healthy, homemade food. Fully licensed & dog friendly. 5 minutes walk from the coast path. Open for lunch/din..07871 089719 -
Pengenna Pasties Tintagel
Delicous home-made pasties including ncluding vegan & gluten free (pre-order by phone). order by phone). Take-away and restaurant. Open all ..01840 770223
-
NCI Boscastle
01840 250965 -
Boscastle Tourist Information Centre
The Boscastle Visitor Centre has been incorporated into the National Trust Shop and Pilchard Cellar cafe.01840 250010 -
Tintagel Visitor Centre
All the information you need about where to stay, eat and drink and visit in the Tintagel area.01840 779084
Bude is the most convenient base, with a wide range of hotels and B&Bs. Chic and characterful self-catering cottages are scattered along the coastline, as are quirky campsites and a handful of country inns offering comfortable rooms.
The businesses shown below are supporters of the Coast Path and welcome walkers. Additional listings can be found on the Visit Cornwall and Visit Devon websites. If you would like to have your accommodation and luggage transfer arranged, Encounter Walking Holidays and Contours Walking Holidays can create your perfect package.
Valley View Holiday Cottage
Valley View is a pretty upside down cottage situated down a private driveway, just a short walk from the stunning South West Coast Path.
Stones Throw Apartment
Sunrise Guesthouse
The Bude Guest House, Sunrise is situated 200m from the South West Coast Path offering opportunity to walk both north and south using us as your base.
Sea Jade Guest House
Canalside Bude
2 Bed, 2 Bath self catering apartment overlooking Bude's gorgeous canal. Walking distance from South West Coast Path, Pubs and Restaurants. Private Garden with BBQ.
Efford Down Campsite
Basic hillside camping right in the heart of Bude. Close to SWCP, cafes, pubs, beaches and shops.
The Tree Inn
The Tree Inn is a charming former Manor House dating back to the C13th. We offer 6 comfortable rooms, 2 bars, restaurant a flower filled courtyard.
Welcombe Cottage
Welcombe Cottage is a beatifully presented sleeps 18 holiday home, with outdoor swimming pool & hot tub. Walk to the coast and to the Pub.
Beach House B&B and Break Bar
Sat on Widemouth Bay with private access to golden sands, our B&B has a restaurant, bar, garden and family rooms. Listed in The Times top 20 beachside bars.
Gwelmor
Widemouth Bay Caravan Park
Set in 50 acres of grounds in peaceful countryside with the famous Widemouth Bay within walking distance. A lively park, great for children with entertainment and an indoor pool. Self-catering & camping available.
Gawlish Farm B&B
Philham Holiday Lets
Rural, warm comfortable self-catering accommodation 3 miles from Hartland Quay. Each with wi-fi, tv, towels, linen and fully equipped kitchen & washer dryer
Little Barton Hartland Cottage & Farmhouse
20 mins walk from the Path at Spekes Mill, Hartland, Little Barton Farmhouse sleeps 10. Cottage sleeps up to 6. The Cottage can be booked for 2 people, for 2 nights or more
Hartland Quay Hotel, Hartland
Stoke Barton Farm Campsite
Fosfelle Country House Glamping and Cottages
Fosfelle Cottages, Camping and Glamping. Perfect for those who want to stay within easy access of the coastal path with its easy access to Hartland, Clovelly and Bude.
Hartland Caravan Holidays
Cheristow Farm Cottages
Coastal country, dog-friendly, farm cottages sleeping 2-6 with hot tub and sauna. 1.5 miles from the Path. Near Hartland Quay. Lifts arranged.
Quincecote
Moorhead Country Holidays
Roeys Retreat Campsite
West Titchberry Farm
The New Inn, Clovelly
A historic pub half-way down Clovelly's world-famous cobbled street. Offering comfortable accommodation, home-cooked food, and a great range of locally-sourced drinks.
Harbour View Cottage
Trevigue Farm
16th century farm on the cliffs of North Cornwall between Crackington Haven and Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm Campsite
Lower Pennycrocker Farm Campsite is 700 yards from the South West Coast Path with stunning Coastal Scenery.
Peppercombe Bothy
Comfortably sleeping up to four guests, Peppercombe Bothy is a very basic stone dwelling benefiting from wonderful views to Bideford Bay and close proximity to the famous South West Coast Path.
The Hayloft, Boscastle
Lovely 3-bedroom cottage in Boscastle, less than 5 mins walk from coast path and 2 great pubs. A luxurious retreat with comfy beds, woodburner, washer/dryer and parking.
Westacott Farm Camping
Bosayne Guest House
Bosayne B&B in legendary Tintagel, offers 8-guest bedrooms, a self-catering cottage and is only 300 metres from the sea. A warm welcome awaits guests in our comfortable home.
Dolphins Backpackers
We are a friendly, comfortable, affordable backpackers hostel with 10 person dorm. Bar & Kitchen available. Minutes from the Path. Call or Text WhatsApp
Moreton House
Cabin Beaver
Beaver Cottages
2 dog friendly self catering cottages (sleeping up to 4 and 6) with enclosed gardens, close to SWCP, Tintagel and Trebarwith Strand beach. 0.25 miles from Coast Path. WiFi and car parking available. Also offering one night stays for walkers.
Baker's Cottage
A relaxing, hideaway cottage in town with restaurants, pubs, shops & quayside nearby. Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms. Space on deck for bicycles. Luggage drop-off available.
Corner House B&B
Chandlers Lodge B&B
A fresh, modern and cosy B&B situated in the Heart of North Cornwall. The perfect base for exploring! Supper available.
Marshford Camping
3 x budget pitches for couples/solo hikers on this small site with organic farm shop on-site.
Moorview Enterprises
Moorview House B&B luxurious, private, in room breakfast in quiet gardens close to Tarka Trail
Catboat Cottage
A stone's throw from the beach and a two minute walk to restaurants, pubs and cafes. Our comfortable 200-year-old cottage sleeps 8 guests. 4 bedrooms/3 bathrooms
A couple of herring fishermen still operate out of Clovelly, and the restaurants there serve seafood that’s only travelled metres from the fishing boats to your plate. Bude offers the widest range of seafront restaurants, while most of the region’s eateries focus on local, seasonal ingredients.
The businesses shown below are supporters of the Coast Path and welcome walkers. Additional listings can be found on the Visit Cornwall and Visit Devon websites.
Rectory Farm Tea Rooms
13 Century tearooms are situated just a 5 minute walk from the South West Coast Path. Serving morning coffee, cornish cream teas, homemade cakes and light lunches. Open 11am-5pm daily Easter to October.
Brendon Arms
Docton Mill Gardens and Tea Rooms
Hartland Point Refreshment Kiosk
A welcome Refreshment stop - fresh coffee, tea, soft drinks, light bites, snacks, ice creams etc.
Red Lion Hotel
18th Century Inn on the Harbour. Locally caught fish from the Bay including Lobster. 3 Dog-friendly rooms. Single Nights Stays Welcome
Vega - Feed Your Soul
Vegan cafe serving hearty, healthy, homemade food. Fully licensed & dog friendly. 5 minutes walk from the coast path. Open for lunch/dinner Easter til end October.
Pig and Olive
Refuel with our award-winning contemporary Neapolitan-style Pizza. Grab a special to-go or linger in our casual dine-in area. We also serve fresh coffee and ice cream.
Bude has the best transport links, but a car is needed for much of this itinerary. The most useful bus services include the No. 519 between Clovelly and Bude; the No. 319 between Barnstaple and Hartland (via Clovelly); the No. 595 between Bude, Crackington Haven and Boscastle; and the No. 95/96 between Bude and Wadebridge, servicing Boscastle and Tintagel. For easy bus and train journey planning and timetable information visit www.travelinesw.com. For Baggage transfers visit...www.lttaxis.co.uk
From Dover it is 299 miles (481km) and approx 5½hrs drive to Bude. From Harwich it is 342 miles (550km) and a 6 hour drive.