Westward Ho! to Clovelly - Walk - South West Coast Path

11.1 miles (17.9 km)

Westward Ho! - EX39 1LQ Clovelly

Challenging -

Follow the easy route along the old railway track up on to the cliffs above Westward Ho! The Coast Path then begins to zigzag and rollercoaster making for some strenuous walking. Woodland paths along the second half of the route contrast with the open cliff tops at the beginning of the day.

The path continues above the village of Clovelly, but if you have had enough walking, Clovelly is a truly beautiful and fascinating place to end the day. A historic fishing village with its links to smuggling and wrecking, it is here that Charles Kingsley found inspiration for his children’s classic The Water Babies and the village has featured in many T.V. programmes and films such as the 1990 version of the classic Treasure Island, starring Charlton Heston as Long John Silver and Oliver Reed as Captain Billy Bones.

Highlights

The views from the top of Cornborough and Abbotsham Cliffs above Westward Ho! looking northwards to Braunton Sands and Baggy Point.
Having a picnic by the stream at Peppercombe. There are many woodland plants inhabiting Peppercombe Valley, such as sweet woodruff and wood millet. If you feel like exploring the valley further you will find betony, orchids and ragged robbin, well-loved by butterflies.
Although prominently marked on the map there are now few visible signs of the Iron Age hill fort known as Peppercombe Castle. But about 2 miles further along, just before you enter the woods and start the steep descent down to the village, the Path passes through the remains of Bucks Mills defensive earthworks.
Views of Bideford Bay and Lundy from Buck’s Mill Cove. Here you will find projecting from the cliff face the remains of a limekiln which is said to have operated from 1760-1860, using limestone and coal imported from South Wales.
Winding through the ancient, wild oakwoods beyond Peppercombe and emerging into fields on the cliff tops with wonderful views of the bay.
Walking The Hobby Drive, built in the early 19th century, with glimpses through the trees of Bideford Bay and Clovelly harbour. Clovelly’s woodlands are nationally important for lichens and there are over 250 species here.
Walking the beautiful steep and cobbled streets of Clovelly and resting at the look-out to watch the boats and occasional falcon go by. In 'A Message from the Sea' (1892) by Charles Dickens the village of Clovelly is called Steepways: “The village was built sheer up the face of a steep and lofty cliff. There was no road in it, there was no wheeled vehicle in it, there was not a level yard in it … No two houses in the village were alike, in chimney, size, shape, door, window, gable, roof-tree, anything."

Shorter option

Walk the fairly easy Coast Path to Peppercombe and walk up the valley to Horn's Cross from where there is a regular bus back to Westward Ho!, 6 miles (9.5km).

Longer option

It is not easy to find accommodation or refreshments between Clovelly and Hartland Point. Therefore it is recommended that you end the day in Clovelly.

Public transport

National Express coach number 502 runs from Taunton to Barnstaple and First Great Western trains run regularly from Exeter to Barnstaple, where you can take the First North Devon bus number 1 to Westward Ho! via Bideford (running throughout the day every
30 minutes or so). For details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Parking

Westward Ho! (Postcode for Sat Navs: EX39 1LQ), Bucks Mills and Clovelly. Note: The parking charge at Clovelly includes the entrance fee to their Visitor Centre so can appear expensive if you are just going for a walk along the Coast Path.