Section: Clovelly to Hartland Quay

Length: 10 miles (16km)

Distance from Minehead to Clovelly: 99

Distance from Hartland Quay to Poole: 523.9

Grading: Moderate to strenuous.

Height gained (and also lost): 2323ft (708m)

Summary:

This section of Coast Path leads you through the stunning, contrasting landscapes of the Hartland Peninsula.

You emerge from ancient woodland to follow the path through pastoral land on the open cliff tops and, on reaching Hartland Point, you turn to leave the valleys and woodland behind you as you suddenly enter a more barren and dramatic landscape along the rocky coast to Hartland Quay.

Waterfalls crashing to the secluded rocky beaches of the Atlantic, wild flowers and seabirds all contribute to the sense of wilderness and distance from the busy settlements of the north coast.

Highlights along the path:

• The Angel Wings shelter above Clovelly, with beautiful wood carvings made by a former butler of Clovelly Court.
• Bird watching at Gallantry Bower. You may see stonechats, linnets and meadow pipits.
• Blackchurch Rock at Mouth Mill Cove, with its two natural archways.
• Windbury Head Camp at the summit of Beckland Cliffs: This cliff top fort stands at 142 metres above sea level. It is thought to have been an Iron Age enclosure or hill fort and unfortunately much of it has been lost to coastal erosion.
• Memories of war: The WWII memorial plaque to the Wellington bomber that crashed into nearby cliffs in the night in 1942 killing all of the crew, and the memorial to the ship the Glenart Castle which was torpedoed by a U-boat in 1918.
• Spotting the grey seals that breed in the bays and caves of Hartland.
• The extraordinary rock formations between Hartland Point and Hartland Quay.
• Hartland Point with its lighthouse built in 1874 and fantastically named Tense Rocks just beyond the point. You will also have spectacular views to South Wales and Lundy Island.
• The views from Hartland Quay back along the rugged coast you’ve just walked and the route ahead to Bude.
• Hartland Quay Museum which has fascinating displays of photographs, artefacts and documents of shipwrecks, smuggling, geology and coastal industries. Open Easter week - October half term - 11.00am - 5.00pm.

Worth a look (interesting places close to the path):

• East Titchberry Farm: National Trust 17th century farmhouse and malthouse, just east of Hartland Point. As this is a working farm it is not open to the public, but can be viewed from nearby paths and car park.
• Hartland Abbey and gardens: This 12th century Abbey served as a monastery for 400 years until Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries and gave the Abbey to the Sergeant of his Wine Cellar at Hampton Court. Passed down through the generations, the family home contains collections of pictures, furniture and porcelain which have accumulated over many years. For further information about visiting Tel: 01237 441264.
• St Nectan’s Church, Stoke: Known as the “Cathedral of North Devon”, this 14th century church has the second tallest tower in Devon and original wooden rood screen.

Shorter option:

It is not easy to shorten this walk due to lack of accommodation. Link to Hartland Point Walk and Hartland Quay circular.

Longer option:

There are very few opportunities to find refreshments between Hartland Quay and Bude, therefore it is recommended that you end the walk as above at Hartland Quay.

Public transport info:

National Express coach number 502 runs from Taunton to Barnstaple and First Great Western trains run regularly from Exeter to Barnstaple.

The Stagecoach 319 service runs from Barnstaple to Hartland, via Bideford and Clovelly.

For details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Refreshments:

Clovelly has a selection of pubs, shops and cafes where you can stock up on refreshments at the beginning of your walk.

Further on, you may find refreshments at Hartland Point, otherwise you will have to wait until you reach the shop and bar at Hartland Quay.

Nearest Car park:

Clovelly (Postcode for Sat Navs:EX39 5TA) Brownsham, Exmansworthy, East Titchberry Farm, Hartland Point and Hartland Quay.

Toilets:

Clovelly and Hartland Quay

More information:

Clovelly Visitor Centre Tel: 01237 431781.

North Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty Tel: 01237 423655,

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