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.

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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.

Moreton House

01237 425519

Self catering holiday apartments located within a stately home sleeping from 2 - 10 people. Group bookings available.

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Westacott Farm Camping

01237 472351/ 07900597047

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

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Marshford Camping

01237 477160

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

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Baker's Cottage

07783037863.

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.

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Peppercombe Bothy

0344 800 2070

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.

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Tarka Trail Camping

01271861011

Tarka Trail Camping is right on the South West Coast Path. There are Showers and Toilets on site with a Local Ale Brewery next door. We are an ideal spot to stop off.

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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

01237 488 056

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.

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Johns of Instow & Appledore

01271860310

Using our artisan delis as our larder, the Johns cafés offer unrivalled freshness & quality in our picturesque locations.

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The Glorious Oyster

07843278521

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.

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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.

Northam Burrows Visitor Centre

01237 479708

Cafe, exhibition area & shop set in area of dunes and coastal grassland on SWCP, part of Northam Burrows Country Park

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Bideford Tourist Information Centre

01237 477676

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Route Description

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.

As the path swings south, a new view opens up across Bideford Bay to Clovelly and the cliffs near Hartland Point.

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.

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