Section: Bude to Crackington Haven

Length: 10 miles (16km)

Distance from Minehead to Bude: 124.6

Distance from Crackington Haven to Poole: 498.7

Grading: Strenuous

Height gained (and also lost): 2664ft (812m)

Summary:

An easy start on the grassy cliff path along the back of the beaches from Bude to Widemouth Bay should not mislead you into imagining the whole day will be like this. The path soon proves challenging as it becomes rough and narrow in places and plunges into steep valleys, including Scrade which is one of the deepest and steepest valleys on the Cornwall section of the Coast Path. This walk provides you with wide, open views of the Atlantic from high cliff top paths where you are always conscious of the force of the sea and winds due to the uneven ground and crumbling cliffs below you.

Highlights along the path:

• The 1830’s octagonal Storm Tower on Compass Point, also known as the Tower of the Winds, was rebuilt in the 1880’s matching the Temple of the Winds in Athens.
• Watching the surfers from Efford Beacon. On a clear day it is even possible to see some of the inland tors of Dartmoor.
• Spotting grey seals from the magnificent cliffs at Phillip’s Point Nature Reserve, with views north to Hartland Point and south to Widemouth Bay. Sea Campion and pink Thrift grow in abundance here.
• Searching for marine wildlife in the many rockpools of Widemouth Bay.
• The folded, contorted strata of Millook Cliffs are of national importance. They can be appreciated better from the beach below.
• Spotting the many butterflies in the steep stream valleys. The local name for Chipman Valley is actually Butterfly Valley due to the many red admirals, pearl-bordered fritillaries, ringlets and meadow browns found here.
• Looking down on Dizzard Wood’s sessile oak trees which are stunted by the force of the Atlantic winds. This stretch of coastal woodland is of international biological importance for the many rare lichens and mosses which enjoy the exceptionally clean air of the North Cornwall coast. Dizzard Wood is actually said to be a remnant from the prehistoric wood that once covered the entire country.
• Tremendous views from Castle Point.
• The many waterfalls, including the final one at Aller Shoot.
• The fantastic views from Pencannow Point to Hartland Point, Tintagel and out to Lundy Island. In the summer, the valley below becomes ablaze with colour from masses of heathers and gorse.
• Resting on the beach and looking at the extraordinary geology and rich coastal heathland around the enclosed bay of Crackington Haven.

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

• Wanson Mouth: At low tide a large area of rocky reef is exposed, making a great spot for rockpooling.
• Leave the Coast Path to cross the large field near Lower Tresmorn which is the site of a medieval village.
• The tiny church of St Gennys with its churchyard full with graves of shipwrecked mariners and St Genny’s Well, a site of baptism since the 7th century when Celtic Monk St Genesius brought Christianity to the locals.

Shorter option:

There are plenty of buses running between Bude and Widemouth Bay, so you could walk out to the Bay and bus back or visa versa.

Longer option:

Continue on to Boscastle (an additional 6.7 miles, 10.8 km).

Public transport info:

There are a couple of good bus services running between Exeter (which has a mainline train station) and Bude. The Western Greyhound 595 bus service runs every 2 hours between Bude and Crackington Haven. For details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Refreshments:

You can stock up on supplies from the shops and cafes of Bude or find refreshments along the route. Widemouth Bay has a few shops and pubs and there are two Big Barn members within reach of the Path serving local produce: National Trust’s Lower Tresmorn farm, St Gennys, Tel: 01840 230667 and the National Trust’s Trevigue Farm at Crackington Haven, Tel: 01840 230418. There are also a few shops and cafes and a pub in Crackington Haven.

Nearest Car park:

Bude (Postcode for Sat Navs: EX23 8LG) Widemouth Bay, just inland of Lower Longbeak and Crackington Haven.

Toilets:

Bude, Widemouth Bay and Crackington Haven

More information:

Bude Visitor Centre Tel: 01288 354240,

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