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Home , Combe Martin, Culbone, Flat Holm, Instow, Lee Bay, Lynmouth

The : North

The South West Coast path is ’s longest waymarked long-distance and National . The area is full of interesting wildlife and birdlife, and you may even spot dolphins and seals.

Our holidays include stopover nights in the popular towns of , and .

There is diverse scenery on this section of the South West Coast Path.

The first stretch takes you over some of the highest cliffs in England where the expanse of meets the sea. There are extensive views inland and north across the Channel with the coast of as the backdrop. You will pass through coastal woodland and see vast sandy beaches popular with surfers. In contrast is the large estuary of the Taw and Torridge rivers, flanked by sand and marshland, where the path follows the former railway and later the estuary. This is an area valued for its birdlife and incorporates the

Tarka Trail, a series of following the route taken by in the book by Henry Williamson.

Why do this walk? What’s it like underfoot? Generally Route good paths and tracks, although a • Walk along one of Britain's most few sections can get muddy after Minehead to Weir dramatic and longest coastlines. heavy rain The South West Coast Path begins in • Unspoilt countryside with abundant Minehead, actually in How much up & down? – More than wildlife. rather than Devon. To mark the start • The ‘Great Hangman’ is the highest you’d think! Although you never of the full 630 miles there is a point on the South West Coastal reach more than 400m above sea wonderful sculpture of two hands path. level (and most of the time not more opening a map of the route. Have than 200m) there are many short • See purple tinted moors and Exmoor your photo taken to mark the start ponies steep sections. Most days involve of your adventure! Minehead is a ascents of 200-400m metres, lively town with lots of museums and although no section is very steep for good public transport links.

Essential Info very long. The trail eases you in as you leave the town behind you and follow the Length 8 – 10 nights Signposting: Good – the path is well path through woodland, along steep Full Route Length 88 miles/ 142 km waymarked. cliff tops through beautiful wooded

with bracken and gorse. Navigation: Pretty straightforward – After a few miles you emerge from Grade good signposting, and generally well the woodland at North Hill where defined tracks. you have two options of the route to choose from. The low route is a Moderate Weather: You may be lucky enough gentle walk through farmlands to encounter warm, dry weather passing by field of livestock. The

over the whole route and enjoy dry more rugged alternative route offers paths and tremendous views, but a wilder, longer and more remote Grades - This is not a technically difficult you must be prepared because the experience with better sea views walk and should be easy to tackle for most weather can change quickly. Good where you might be able to spot reasonably fit people. clothing and waterproofs are some of the local wildlife.

Terrain - The paths are good, and there essential, but don’t forget you On a clear day this section has are no major route finding challenges. sunhat, sunblock and shorts! fantastic views across the Bristol

.

Once back on the main route you Channel to the Welsh Coast and tiny skirting Hollerday Hill. There are islands of and Flat Holm. then follow the coastline under the stunning views out to sea and along The two paths meet up at woodland canopy climbing the the shoreline to the spectacular rock Bossington from where you follow a slopes onto the clifftops. Here you formations of with flat track to the village of Porlock will cross the Somerset-Devon the appropriately named Castle Rock Weir which is home to a thousand border. The path then deviates off ahead of you. From here there’s a year old port and several thatched the main track to allow you to visit short but pleasant road walk with cottages. the 19th Century stone cross known on your right which was as Sister’s Fountain. built in 1850. You then continue up a to /Lynmouth From here the trail becomes more steep and wooded road route, or From Porlock Weir you leave the exposed which is a pleasant change you can choose a more off-piste harbour and houses at Millers and from walking through the Woody Bay alternative route around Anchor, climbing the steep slopes woodlands. From Coddow Crock Point. passing thatched houses. One you then reach Foreland Point which On this section you can enjoy the essential stop on the South West is the most northerly point in Devon many cliff top flowers, especially the Coast Path is at Church of St with beautiful view of Lynmouth in abundance of bluebells and Beuno which is apparently the the near distance. smallest parish church in England at primroses in the springtime. The Exmoor coasts provides a wide and only 35ft long with enough room to Lynmouth to fit 30 people. From this church you interesting habitat for many rare From here your walk connects with have two options of the trail to species of flora and fauna, which another trail called the choose from. include red deer, stag beetles, which is named after Henry The southern trail from here heads blackneck moth and the whitebeam Williamson’s book ‘Tarka the Otter’. up the hill, out of the trees, into trees which are unique to Exmoor. There are several locations along this farmland and from there onto a part of the trail that Williamson Soon you will reach the highest point quiet road. The northern trail is based his book on and it is on the South West Coast path at through ancient woods and is known interesting to spot these whilst on Great Hangman standing at 1043 to be rugged but it is rich in history your walk. feet and rewarding you with breath- and a wonderful alternative to the taking views here of Exmoor, the southern trail. You will start the day along an easy Welsh coast and . Please note tarmac path then a grassy path this is a challenging walk, particularly

the steep climb up Great Hangman views change from the cliff tops and the SWCP keeps in-line with the from Sherrycombe as you are woodland paths to a much flatter Tarka Trail with views of the marshes exposed to the elements. It is only a and easier path closer to the across the estuary. short distance from here to Combe shoreline. The route then passes through the village of and to Westward Ho! Martin where you can rest your feet after your challenging days walk. which are both known as a The Tarka trail diverts away from you haven for surfers. You will also pass now on the last stage. The trail from through which is an Instow is mainly on paved pathways Combe Martin to army training location and access and is fairly flat walking. You are With stunning coastal views, this can be limited. Although, you are treated to views back over the river section from Combe Martin is well well compensated as the dunes at Taw as you follow the Torridge River known for its wild and spectacular the back of Saunton form the south towards . Cross the views. There are some easy cliff Burrows which is an area bridge then again follow the river paths but also a few strenuous of Outstanding Natural Beauty. north sticking to the paved path ascents between and Morte Nature Reserve, which is well signposted. Soon you Point. Morte Point is designated a has the largest sand system in will reach the village of Appledore Site of Special Scientific Interest for England and is home to rare snails and, shortly after that, Northam its heathland and grasses. You might and lizards. Burrows Country Park which is filled be able to spot grey seals, gannets with grassy plane landscapes and and in the summertime dolphins, Braunton to Instow marshes that are a brilliant spot for sunfish and even basking sharks. From Braunton the trail follows the birdwatching. The route then hugs After Morte Point the vast sandy bay estuary on the disused railway track the side of Pebble Ridge which is a of Woolacombe will come into view. and you need to keep a close eye on hot spot for surfers and you can the directions in your guidebook to stroll along the beachfront to your Woolacombe to Braunton avoid taking a wrong turn onto a final evening at Westward Ho! From Woolacombe the trail is a lot paved path near a busy road. The flatter which allows you to take in trail continues on through the the view a bit more and you’ll notice Burrows along the banks of the Taw the change in scenery. From Baggy River, where you mights spot the Point you can spot lots of seabirds odd heron, oystercatcher and even and even the odd rock climber. The an egret or godwits. This section of

Additional Days Ilfracombe Getting There and Away We can arrange extra nights at any of With a growing reputation as North the overnight stops, allowing for rest Devon’s culinary and cultural hub, General Travel information for the days, or giving you more time to Ilfracombe is built around a small South West Coastal path area will be working harbour and offers fresh in your holiday pack including train explore the locality. We recommend Lynmouth/ Lynton, Ilfracombe and seafood brought in daily and a and bus timetables where available. thriving local arts and crafts scene. Westward Ho! Don’t miss the divisive ‘Verity’ – Detailed instructions on getting to Damien Hirst’s 20 metre bronze Lynmouth / Lynton your first night’s accommodation by statue representing truth and justice car, or on foot from the nearest train Spend a day off the trail in the – or the Tunnels Beaches, reached picturesque twin villages of Lynton or bus station, will also be included through tunnels hand carved in the and Lynmouth, dubbed “England’s in the holiday pack on individual 1820s, which helped turn the village accommodation maps. Little Switzerland” ever since Robert into a popular seaside hotspot. Take a Southey remarked upon their ferry to Lundy Island, fantastically To view train times please visit distinctly Alpine appearance. Ride diverse for an island only three miles the Cliff Railway funicular which qjump where you can also purchase long and half a mile wide. Or if you tickets in advance. For information connects Lynmouth at the foot of the prefer to keep your feet on dry land cliffs to Lynton, perched 500 feet on bus timetables please visit try an evening stroll to Capstone Hill traveline above. Visit Watersmeet and indulge for panoramic views across the town in a cream tea (and argue about and watch the sun set into the where the jam goes) in the tea If you require secure car parking Atlantic. garden before exploring the ancient whilst walking this route, please woodlands in and around one of the contact us for information. Westward Ho! country’s deepest river gorges. There It’s famed for its surfing beaches and are plenty of historic houses and Getting There: the long expanse of clean sand gardens nearby, or just spend a day By Air: If travelling from overseas the backed by a pebble ridge and experiencing the local arts and crafts main airport to fly to is London grasslands. The village was developed and a spot of shopping Heathrow. From London Heathrow by Victorian entrepreneurs in response to the bestselling novel you can travel by train from London

'Westward Ho!' by Charles Kingsley. Paddington Station to station

station, you then take the bus (No. Railway Station half hourly (hourly on Inbuilt Flexibility 28) from Taunton to Minehead Sundays), journey time approx. 50 Our holidays are designed to be (journey time approx. 4 hours). minutes. flexible and can therefore be tailored

Alternatively you may wish to travel By Road: From Westward Ho!, follow to suit your requirements. If you’re via Bristol Airport. From Bristol the B3236 towards the A39 in the looking for something different, or Airport you take the bus to Temple direction of . When the extra, from the holidays described Meads train station, the train to road meets the A39 follow signs for here, give us a ring and we’ll do our Taunton, and bus (No. 28) onward to , after approx. 9 miles the best to please.

Minehead (journey time approx. 3 A39 meets the A361 at a roundabout. You can start on any day you like and hours) Follow the A361 for approx. 35 miles we can arrange extra nights at any of By Public Transport: The nearest passing Barnstaple and Tiverton to the overnight stops allowing for rest mainline railway station to Minehead join the M5 at junction 27. days, or giving you more time to is at Taunton. You can travel to explore the locality. You can book

Taunton from London Paddington by part of a walk if you don’t have the train and then from Taunton to How our holidays work time to complete the entire distance. Minehead by bus (No. 28) (journey

We specialise in self-guided walks time approx. 4 hours). By Road: Minehead is located just off because we think it’s the best way to How to Book the A39. Leave the M5 motorway at really experience local landscapes, Once you have decided which holiday

Junction 23 and follow the A38/A39 cultures and history. You walk under you wish to book, please fill in the towards Bridgewater/Minehead. Stay your own steam, at your own pace, form at the back of this brochure on the A39 for approx. 25 miles. The safe in the knowledge that we have which can then be emailed, posted or town centre and seafront are signed organised everything, and help is only faxed to us. We will get in touch with from the A39 . a phone call away. We book all your you once we have received your accommodation, move your luggage booking to confirm your holiday

Returning from Westward Ho!: between overnight stops, provide you details.

By Public Transport: The nearest with maps and guidebooks and all the Alternatively, you can either book railway station to Westward Ho! is details you need for a successful online using our website at Barnstaple. Stagecoach South West holiday. You just turn up and walk! bus service 21 runs between www.mickledore.co.uk or telephone

Westward Ho! and Barnstaple us during office hours.

Accommodation converted barn, a Victorian guest Guidebook A guidebook with route house, on a working farm, and in a information, maps, photos and Good accommodation and friendly Georgian hotel. background information. hosts are an essential part of any Information of Services Along the holiday. We understand this and go We always try to arrange en suite Route A comprehensive service Info out of our way to find the best. We accommodation, i.e. rooms with their sheet, including services such as cash put a great deal of effort into hand own bathrooms, for each night of points, banks, post offices, village picking our accommodation and your stay. However, in some of the matching it to individual customer shops, inns, cafés and taxis. more remote locations requirements. As well as visiting the Maps 1 waterproof 1:40000 Harvey accommodation is limited and accommodation ourselves, we ask all occasionally we may have to book map covering the whole route. our customers to complete a short rooms with shared bathrooms for Personal Itinerary A personal evaluation on each night’s one or two nights of your holiday, itinerary setting out each overnight accommodation, which then gives us (especially if the booking is made at stop, including large scale maps of an insight in to the day-to-day short notice), but we will always let each accommodation, to ensure you operation, and lets us spot any you know if this is likely to be the find it easily. potential issues before they become a case. Emergency Telephone Support If you problem. get in to difficulties during your Single Rooms We are happy to book We use a variety of accommodation, holiday, we are always available to single rooms on this walk but cannot help, even out of office hours. including small country house hotels, normally book more than two for any 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors guest houses in market towns, bed one group. Single room bookings We will issue you with a 15% Discount and breakfasts in farm houses, include a supplement. country cottages and Victorian town Card valid at all Cotswold Outdoor houses. In selecting the What We Provide stores, and online, for the whole year accommodation we look for helpful, All Holidays on confirmation of your booking. friendly hosts with good quality, Accommodation Overnight Bed and characterful accommodation close to Options Breakfast accommodation in selected the trail. For example, over the course Luggage Transport We will transfer hotels, farmhouses, village inns, guest of your trip you might stay in a village your luggage between each overnight houses and family B&Bs. inn, a bed and breakfast in a Full English or Continental breakfast. stop – leave your luggage at the

accommodation when you set off in there is good food available at the for the outdoors. If you’ve got any the morning, it will be moved on to accommodation, we’ll book that for queries, we’re always happy to help, your next B&B. You only need to carry you. Allow about £20.00 per night. so don’t hesitate to pick up the phone a small day sack with the clothes and Transport to the start & away from or drop us an email, or call in and see provisions you require during the the finish Taxi or bus transport if you us if you’re in Keswick. We specialise in UK holidays, and by day’s walk. We ask you to limit your need to miss a stage (but we’ll help luggage to one bag per person, up to concentrating on what we consider you organise it if you need help) 18kg. the best routes, we get to know the Travel Insurance Even if you are Packed Lunches Provided for each , accommodation, and local area based in the UK travel insurance is day’s walking and recommended on intimately. this holiday as there will not always worth having. be a handy shop or café on the route. - All your accommodation has been Prices Off Road Parking If you are travelling carefully selected and is regularly Detailed prices for all our holidays are monitored. by car we can usually arrange off road - We listen to you and tailor each parking for the duration of your trip. available on the website. holiday to meet your requirements. www.mickledore.co.uk. (There may be a small charge for - We have an excellent level of this). customer service. Arrangement of return transport We About Mickledore - We have 15 years’ experience, and can also arrange your transfer back to very high levels of customer Mickledore Travel is based in Keswick your car, (or advise you when public satisfaction. at the heart of the English Lake transport is a better option!) - Peace of mind – help is only ever a District. We are one of the leading telephone call away. specialists in self-guided walking and - We’re all outdoor enthusiasts – we What’s not included cycling holidays in the UK, and know what makes a good holiday, and provide a friendly, professional and we want you to have one! Evening Meals Your evening meal isn’t included in the package, but we flexible service. - 15% discount card for all your outdoor equipment purchases from Cotswold include full details and We are walkers and cyclists ourselves, so it really matters to us that you Outdoors. recommendations for each evening - 100% financial protection – in the very have a good holiday. We are still a meal in your itinerary. You will unlikely event of Mickledore’s normally be within walking distance small business, with a lot of local financial failure, you receive a full of a pub and/ or restaurant, or where knowledge, and personal enthusiasm refund.

Financial Protection AITO Quality Statement Your payments are fully protected against Mickledore Travel is a member of Mickledore Travel abides by AITO’s our financial failure. We are members of the Association of Independent Tour Code of Conduct and adheres to the the Association of Independent Tour Operators. The Association Quality Charter which can be viewed

Operators (AITO), and the Association of represents Britain’s leading at www.aito.com. Visit the website British Travel Agents (ABTA). We have independent tour operators. It to find out more about the arranged bonding through ABTA. This promotes high levels of Association or call 020 8744 9280. means that in the unlikely event of our professionalism and a shared concern for quality and personal financial failure, any monies you have service. The Association encourages paid to us will be refunded. This bonding the highest standards in all aspects is fully compliant with the Package Travel of tour operating. Regulations and provides 100% financial protection.

Our Itineraries

The South West Coast Path: North Devon – 88 miles/ 142 km

Minehead to Westward Ho! Minehead to Westward Ho! Minehead to Westward Ho! in 7 days Walking Code: DN8 in 8 days Walking Code: DN9 in 9 days Walking Code: DN10

Mile km Mile km Mile km Day 1 Travel to Minehead for your first nights Travel to Minehead for your first nights Travel to Minehead for your first nights accommodation accommodation accommodation Day 2 Minehead to Porlock 7 11 Minehead to Porlock 7 11 Minehead to Porlock 7 11

Day 3 Porlock to Lynmouth/Lynton 14 23 Porlock to Lynmouth/Lynton 14 23 Porlock to Lynmouth/Lynton 14 23

Day 4 Lynmouth/Lynton to 14 23 Lynmouth/Lynton to Combe Martin 14 23 Lynmouth/Lynton to Combe 14 23 Combe Martin Martin Day 5 Combe Martin to 14 23 Combe Martin to Ilfracombe 5 8 Combe Martin to Ilfracombe 5 8 Wollacombe Day 6 Wollacombe to Braunton 15 224 Ilfracombe to Woolacombe 9 14 Ilfracombe to Woolacombe 9 14

Day 7 Braunton to Instow 13 21 Woolacombe to Braunton 15 24 Woolacombe to Croyde 5 8

Day 8 Instow to Westward Ho! 11 18 Braunton to Instow 13 21 Croyd to Braunton 10 16

Day 9 Depart from Westward Ho! after breakfast Instow to Westward Ho! 11 18 Braunton to Instow 13 21

Day 10 Depart from Westward Ho! after breakfast Instow to Westward Ho! 11 18

Day 11 Depart from Westward Ho! after breakfast