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Information and advice on Walking near Hartland

 

Walking in the area

The jewel of the Hartland peninsular is the dramatic and ever changing coastal footpath situated within North Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The stretch along the Hartland coast runs from Mouthmill, a softer coastline until you reach Hartland Point. From here  westwards the fantastic coast stretches until you reach the Cornish border at Marsland Mouth.

There are many stretches wuitable for all abilities, for strollers, walkers, ramblers and hikers.  There are circular walks to take you inland but the coastal views vary and can be enjoyed by walking there and back.

Marsland Mouth

A very small secluded bay, reached either over the rocks and boulders from Welcombe Mouth (mid-low tide only) or via the coastal footpath from Welcombe Mouth in the north or Mowenstowe to the south. Country footpaths from Welcombe and Goosham meet and cross the valley and join with the coastal footpath. An unusual valley with a Mill at the head.

Welcombe Mouth

A quiet bay accessible from the coastal footpath, north from Speke's Mill Mouth or south from Marsland Mouth, or from the rough tracking, with car park, weaving through the valley or the riverside path from the council road. At mid-low tide sandy stretches and rock pools are revealed. At mid-low tide it is possible to roam and ramble over the rocks to Marsland Mouth, at other times take the cliff path to Marsland Mouth.

The stretch between Speke's Mill Mouth and Welcombe Mouth is the longest stretch with out a valley meeting with the sea. It is, nevertheless, an interesting stretch to enjoy, with Southole valley running parallel to the coast until nearly Welcombe Mouth and with interesting coastal views. There are various points to join the coast path, mostly by parking in a layby and taking a ciruclar route to the coast and back to the quiet council road.

Speke's Mill Mouth

A quiet rocky beach with sandy strips revealed from mid-low tide. The fantastice waterfall, with a clear drop in excess of 200 ft, is possible the finest coastal fall in the Westcountry.

Access from the coastal footpath, north from Hartland Quay or south from Welcombe Mouth or along the rough track in bottom of the valley. Country footpaths from Milford and Kernstone meet and cross the valley giving a variety of circular walks to enjoy the scenery. Very restricted parking by Kernstone Farm, the rough valley track is not recommended for vehicles, although many do risk their cars on the brambles and potholes. Refreshments at Docton Mill Tearooms at the end of the rough valley track.

Hartland Quay

Hartland Quay is home to some of the most spectacular cliffs, with amazing rock strata, and coastal scenery found in the country. Car park available at different levels to enjoy this dramatic coastline to the north and the south. The rocky beach reveals sandy strips and interesting rock pools at low tide. Facilities include, toilets, shop, parking refreshment in the Wreckers Bar at the Hartland Quay Hotel.

Access to the coastal footpath, going north, Blackpool Mill, and south, Spekes Mill Mouth, country footpaths to Stoke and the church of St Nectan's. Refreshements at Stoke Barton Tearooms.

Blackpool Mill

A quiet rocky beach. Accessible from the coastal footpath from Hartland Quay to the south and Berry Beach to the north.

Berry Beach

A quiet rocky beach, with a few sandy strips at low tide. Accessible from the coast footpath, Hartland Quay via Blackpool Mill from the south, and Blegberry in the north. Limited parking available at the end of the track inland from the beach. At Berry look north to Blegberry, take the country path that runs parallel to the coast for a circular walk, out to the cliff and back to Berry via the coastal footpath.

Blegberry

No beach here but access to the coastal footpath through the farmyard. Once on the cliff path go south for Berry Beach and north towards Blagdon (passing Damehole Point) and on to Hartland Point.

Hartland Point

This is where the Atlantic and the Bristol Channel meet, with huge tidal races through the rocks at the Point, overlooking Barley Bay. Access via coastal footpath south from Blegberry or north/east from Mouth Mill, or toll road at Blagdon. Circular route along the coastal footpath towards Blegberry, turning inland towards Blagdon and back to the car park at the Point. Cafe during the summer season, car park.

Shipload Bay

Now fairly inaccessible, sandy Shipload Bay, lies on the northern side of the Hartland peninsular, the softer coastline. The coastal footpath here travelling east takes you on to Mouth Mill and looks over Bideford Bay towards Saunton Sands and Morte Point. National Trust car park.

Mouth Mill

A quiet, rocky beach, accessible via the coastal footpath, from Hartland Point in the west and through the woods to Clovelly in the east. A rough track leads down from Brownsham to the lime kilns, by the river at the top of the beach.National Trust car park at Brownsham.