South West Coast Path - North Devon - Walking Holiday
An amazing Self Guided Walking Holiday including: Saunton Sands, Croyde Bay, Woolacombe Bay, Baggy Point, Morte Point, Ilfracombe, The Hangman Hills of the Exmoor Coast, Heddon Valley, Woody Bay, Lynton and Lynmouth.
DATES: All year (Please contact us before booking to confirm dates)
DURATION: 3 Nights Accomodation and 3 Days walking
DISTANCE: 35 miles (option to shorten)
GRADE: Moderate with some short challenging sections
The North Devon coastline really has to be seen to be believed!
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Based from just one location, walkers will be dropped off and picked up each day. This will allow you make yourself comfortable at your own ‘Base Camp’ for the entire duration. Alternatively, opt for a different B&B each night as you progress along the coast.
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Starting at Saunton Sands next to the UNESCO designated biosphere reserve of Braunton Burrows, walkers head to Croyde Bay and Woolacombe Bay, regularly voted amongst the top beaches in the country. It’s no wonder this area is known as the Golden Coast.
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Stroll the majestic headlands of Baggy Point and Morte Point where the land meets the Atlantic. Encounter dramatic sea cliffs; discover hidden inlets like Grunta Beach, Bennett’s Cove, Lee Bay, Wild Pear Beach and many more.
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Enjoy fish and chips and grab a pasty for later at the Victorian harbour town of Ilfracombe, home to Damien Hirst’s iconic bronze statue Verity and the 13th century hilltop chapel of St Mary’s.
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Included on this route is the highest point on the whole SWCP, Great Hangman Hill at 318m providing breathtaking views across Exmoor, to Lundy Island and the Welsh Coast.
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Admire the lush wooded Heddon Valley from high above, a favorite of poet William Wordsworth. Woody Bay is next before finishing at the Victorian towns of Lynton and Lynmouth in an area nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland’. The towns are connected by the highest and steepest water powered funicular railway in the world.
Day 1 - Car drop off at Peaks & Trails HQ or pick up from Barnstaple train station
SAUNTON TO MORTEHOE – 10 miles (transport provided to Saunton).
Saunton Sands provides the backdrop before turning the headland to Croyde Bay and Baggy Point beyond. Continue to Woolacombe Bay and then onto the magnificent but notorious Morte Point, the site of shipwrecks and smugglers gone by. Finish at Mortehoe village. Overnight at Woolacombe or Ilfracombe.
Day 2 – MORTEHOE TO COMBE MARTIN – 12 miles
Rockham Bay is the first notable beauty spot before reaching Bull Point lighthouse and onto the secluded Bennett’s Cove, perfect for a tranquil break before reaching the tiny old coast road to beautiful Lee Bay. Head through the rugged zig zag paths of the Ilfracombe Torrs carved by the Victorians prior to reaching the harbour town itself. Hele Bay is next before reaching the charming inlets at Watermouth. Finish and overnight at Combe Martin.
Day 3 – COMBE MARTIN TO LYNMOUTH – 13 miles
Enter Exmoor National Park on a high, quite literally! The Hangman Hills stand tall, proud and rugged with true Exmoor fame. Great Hangman is the highest point on the whole South West Coast Path. Tackle Holdstone Down and then drop down to Heddon’s Mouth and take a break at the National Trust owned Hunters Inn or café. Push on to Woody Bay and then enter the Valley of the Rocks, which can only be described as a Star Wars film set! Finish and overnight at Lynton or Lynmouth.
Day 4 – CHECK OUT - transport back to Barnstaple or preferred location.
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