Woody Bay and the Beacon

Start Hunters Inn (SS 655 481)

Distance 9 km (5 ¾ miles)

Time Approx 3 ½ hours

Route Terrain Non rocky paths, steady ascents and descents and coastal woodland

OS Map Landranger 180 ( and Ilfracombe) Explorer OL9

A circular walk taking in both the coast path and a wide Victorian drive with spectacular views of Exmoor, the coastline and South Wales.

Coming out of the Hunters Inn take the path to the left of the hotel signposted Heddon’s Mouth Woody Bay . Keep left at a fork and at the bridge do not cross the river but keep straight ahead. The terrain opens up as you ascend and at a junction turn right onto the Coast Path, signposted Woody Bay. A narrow path ascends steadily up the east side of the valley and crosses Hill Brook. Reaching Highveer Point, cast your eye over the magnificent coastal views to Widmouth Head near Ilfracombe and east to the Foreland beyond . The coast path runs east to Great Burland Rocks, past the 656ft waterfall in hollow Brook Combe with views to Woody Bay and Lee Abbey.

The Coast Path wends through Woody Bay Woods, finally meeting a lane on a hairpin bend. The path bears left downhill; take the right fork walking uphill climbing steadily to reach a T junction. Turn right and walk uphill past the parking area on the left and where the lane turns sharp left carry straight on along a wide track, a Victorian carriageway signposted to Hunters Inn . The track takes you along West Woody Bay Wood, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its sessile oakwoods. Passing through a gate the track enters open country and drops down into a combe, Hollow Brook. A small path to the left leads to the Beacon, the site of a round fortlet which was occupied by a garrison of 80 Roman soldiers c AD50 – 74.

The track leads on and inland to Heddon Mouth Cleave with stunning views of the steep sided valley ahead. The track descends gently crossing Hill Brook and steadily on to the welcoming sight of the Hunters Inn and a deserved pint!

Heddon Valley, Exmoor, North , EX31 4PY | 01598 763 230 www.thehuntersinn.net | [email protected]