Walk - Westward Ho! to Cornborough Cliffs

1.5 miles (2.5 km)

Westward Ho! - EX39 1JS Westward Ho!

Easy - This 1 mile long section of old railway line has been improved to make it possible for the elderly, very young and wheelchair users to experience this scenic part of the Coast Path.  

An easy walk from the outskirts of Westward Ho! along an old railway line to a viewing point on Cornborough Cliffs offering spectacular views across Bideford Bay towards Clovelly and Hartland Point. A good walk in spring, when the sea breezes whip the waves into white horses, seabirds nest among clumps of pink thrift on cliff ledges and stonechats call from bushes laden with blossom. Also good in autumn, when the noisy migrant birds start gathering in the bushes, ready to leave, and the gorse and heather are vivid in the heathland.

There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

The Waterfront Inn

The Waterfront Inn B&B is perfectly located in the heart of Westward Ho! just steps away from the golden sands of the beach

Westacott Farm Camping

Westacott Farm Camping backpacker £10 pppn - free hot showers to help ease those tired feet - fully equipped kitchen & laundry facilities

Moreton House

Self catering holiday apartments within a stately home, sleeping 1 - 20 people. Family & pet friendly. Private grounds. Ideal base for a week of walking.

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.

Marshford Camping

3 x budget pitches for couples/solo hikers on this small site with organic farm shop on-site.

Providence House

Providence House is our holiday home from home - Sleeps 5 - Dog Friendly - Log Burner - Private Garden
You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Pig and Olive Westward Ho!

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.

The Glorious Oyster

Award Winning Oyster Bar & Beach Cafe. Nestled behind the Sandhills of Instow, more than an oyster bar,enjoy their famous Glorious Fish Finger Sandwich. Full licensed.
What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

The Burton at Bideford & TIC

A vibrant and family-friendly cultural hub situated within the picturesque setting of Victoria Park in the historic port town of Bideford, where agriculture, craft and maritime heritage meet at the water’s edge. Entrance to the gallery and museum is free.

Interactive Elevation

Route Description

  1. The path starts at the car park at the western end of Westward Ho!, and heads westwards along an old railway line.

This railway was part of the short lived Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore Railway which was opened in 1901 and closed in 1917 when its rolling stock was requisitioned for the war effort.

The first half of the walk has a tarmac finish, resulting in a smooth hard surface very safe for children, elderly walkers, pushchairs and wheelchairs.

The second part has a hoggin surface and is left unsealed, yet it is still relatively smooth and safe and very user-friendly.

On this section there are great views northwards across to the rolling surf breaking on Braunton Sands and Baggy Point beyond.

  1. As the path swings south, a new view opens up across Bideford Bay to Clovelly and the cliffs near Hartland Point.
  2. The walk ends at a viewpoint, where the old railway turns inland (and is private) and the Coast Path descends down to Green Cliff and beyond.

Work is planned to improve the access along Westward Ho! seafront, provide further seating along the route, safe viewing points and specialist sensory interpretation providing information for sighted and partially sighted visitors.

Public transport

You can reach Westward Ho! by bus approximately every ½ hour from Barnstaple and Bideford. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Parking

Westward Ho! (Postcode for Sat Navs: EX39 1JS).

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