The South West Coast Path: North Devon
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The South West Coast Path: North Devon The South West Coast path is England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath and National Trail. The area is full of interesting wildlife and birdlife, and you may even spot dolphins and seals. Our north Devon holidays include stopover nights in the popular towns of Minehead, Lynmouth and Ilfracombe. 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 Exmoor meets the sea. There are extensive views inland and north across the Bristol Channel with the coast of Wales 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 dunes 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 footpaths following the route taken by Tarka the Otter 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 Porlock Weir dramatic and longest coastlines. heavy rain The South West Coast Path begins in • Unspoilt countryside with abundant Minehead, actually in Somerset 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 combes with bracken and gorse. Navigation: Pretty straightforward – After a few miles you emerge from good signposting, and generally well Grade 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 Steep Holm 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 Valley of Rocks 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 Lee Abbey on your right which was as Sister’s Fountain. built in 1850. You then continue up a Porlock Weir to Lynton/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 Combe 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 Culbone 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 Combe Martin 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 Tarka trail 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 Lundy. 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 Croyde and Instow to Westward Ho! Martin where you can rest your feet after your challenging days walk. Saunton 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 Saunton Sands which is an Instow is mainly on paved pathways Combe Martin to Woolacombe 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 Bideford. Cross the views. There are some easy cliff Braunton 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 Lee Bay and Morte Braunton Burrows Nature Reserve, which is well signposted. Soon you Point. Morte Point is designated a has the largest sand dune 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.