Section 3. Hartland Quay to Bude (or Morwenstow) - Cornwall Coast Path

Distance 15 miles - Grade Severe with moderate ending - What this grade means

Note: This section is a long days walking with many ups and downs, many of our walkers opt to split this day into two with an overnight at atmospheric Morwenstow giving two days walking to Bude of around 8 miles a day.

Leaving Devon's final outpost at the exposed Hartland Quay you follow a challenging days walking up and down a range of isolated combes, ravines and cliff tops . This is border country, passing the plunging waterfalls at Spekes Mill and the ancient Iron Age ramparts of Embury beacon. Celebrate as you cross finally into the ancient lands of Kernow (Cornwall) at the nature reserve of Marsland Mouth and on past the 70 foot waterfall at Litter Mouth. The day ends with the bizarre square fissure of Devils Hole as your backdrop to climbing stark and sheer Henna Cliff.

Heading inland out of the wilds appears the atmospheric hamlet of Morwenstow for a fascinating overnight stop or an afternoon break. Isolated hospitality in the lands of Parson Hawkers and the Morwenstow Wreckers. Welcome to Cornwall.

Overnight stops at Morwenstow on the South West Coast Path

You are now passing through true shipwreck country, with over 150 ships lost on the jagged rocky outcrops between here and Bude. Perched above the cliffs you pause to visit Hawkers Driftwood Hut, his lookout for ships in trouble. The morning is towering cliff climbs and zigzagging cove descents with glorious views throughout. Keep a sharp watch, this is Peregrine Falcon habitat.

A brief return to the modern age as you pass the gigantic white satellite dishes dominating the landscape at Cleave Camp, the ears for GCHQ, before you drop into the rocky reefs and pools at idyllic Duckpool. During the afternoon some respite on a less strenuous section of path along the back of what seems to be a never ending line of dazzlingly sandy and enticing beaches to Bude. Enjoy a welcome overnight stay in this laid back costal town with all its facilities and attractions... other than villages the next significant town is not until Padstow over 40 miles away.

Overnight stops in Bude on the South West Coast Path