Crackington Haven Circular - a short walk using the South West Coast Path



Short Walks (up to one day) Suitable for Geology Suitable for Wildlife Suitable for Scenery
Walk name: Crackington Haven Circular
: Crackington Haven car park
Finish location: Crackington Haven car park
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Grade Moderate/Difficult
Terrain This walk has varied terrain including steep hills and stiles and steps, and is muddy in places.
Circular Walk: Yes
Free from obstacles & steep gradients: No

Walk description:

From the car park at Crackington, follow the Coast Path south towards Cambeak. The path is well marked, and there are some short but steep ascents and descents along this section. Between Crackington and Cambeak, you will get a lovely view of the bay, which is popular for surfing. The path also takes you through some hay meadows, rich in wildflowers, and down some hanging valleys at Tremoutha.

When you reach the bottom of Cambeak there is an opportunity to take a short cut by taking the left hand path, signed with a waymarker. This joins up with the Coast Path again on the southern side of Cambeak. The main route, however, takes the steep ascent up the hill. From the top there are some spectacular views up and down the coast. On a clear day you can see from Trevose Head to the west to Hartland Point in the east, and out to Lundy Island.

Continue along the Coast Path following the cliff tops. The geology between Cambeak and Strangles beach is fantastic. You will be walking over slumping cliffs, which are full of fissures, and be able to see the amazing layers of rock on the south-facing cliffs of Cambeak. As you follow the path round, Strangles beach will also become visible below you. You may also see herds of Soay sheep or goats along this section. These animals graze the cliffs to keep down the scrub and encourage maritime grassland and wild flowers. Peregrine falcons, kestrels, buzzards and seals are also regularly sighted here.

Keep following the path until you are above the southern end of Strangles beach – the more adventurous may decide to take the path down to it. To continue this walk, take the path going off to the left, signed to Trevigue and the car park. Follow this until you reach the road.

Go left up the road until you get to the ‘Trevigue’ sign. Here there are two tracks leading into the farm. Take the left hand track (this has some stone mushrooms next to it) then go across the grass to a gate in the wall, to the left of the farmhouse. Go through the gate and follow the path down across the fields and down a steep slope to a stile at the bottom, and into the woods.

At the bottom of the hill take a left, signposted ‘Haven’. This path can be very muddy in places during wet periods Follow this path all the way down the valley. The woods here consist mainly of oak, holly, ash, hazel, and other native species, and are a haven for wildlife. Near the end of the valley go over 2 footbridges and follow the track to the road. Go left down the road, and back to the car park.

Public transport information:
Western Greyhound run the 594 service which runs between Bude-Wadebridge-Truro. There is a bus every couple of hours from Bude, which can drop you off at the start of the walk.
For details visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33
Toilets:
Crackington Haven (including disabled facilities)
Nearest Car parks:
Crackington Haven post code for sat navs EX23 0JG
Nearest refreshments:
Crackington Haven (pub and cafes)
Further Information:
Tourist Information Centre at Bude and temporary facility at Boscastle.
OS Explorer Map number: 111


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PICTURE: Crackington Haven. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton.
Crackington Haven. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton.

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Click map to enlarge This map is reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. The Countryside Agency. Licence Number: 100018881
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DC from Birmingham  (17/03/2009)

starstarstarstarstar
I took this route from Crackington Haven to Strangles and enjoyed a fantastic walk. I climbed down the cliff to Strangles beach which was well worth it despite the very strenous climb back up. After visiting Strangles I walked the coastal route back because I'd enjoyed it so much on the way out.

Nick Milton  (18/04/2008)

Excellent walk - took my dog on the circular walk leaving the car at Crackington Haven. Lovely walk up the wooded valley south of the town, well signposted, then up through of the valley to the clifftop. Some electric fences to negotiate. Lovely along the cliff tops, some steep descents on wooden steps, but all very well maintained. Took under 2 hours.

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