Walking the South West Coast Path, Cornwall, England

We started walking The South West Coast Path in May/June 2021. We were on holiday at Whitsand Bay and walked to Ramehead, Cawsand/Kingsand and Cremyll. We then decided to walk the whole length of the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole, in our own order, which may seem random to some. Here are the walks we have done so far, you will see some gaps, and hopefully these gaps will be filled in the not too distant future. Click on the photos to see the videos.

Exmoor

Exmoor - Minehead to Combe Martin

Minehead to Porlock Weir

Porlock Weir to Lynton

Lynton to Combe Martin

To be done

North Devon

North Devon - Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth

Combe Martin to Ilfracombe

Ilfracombe to Woolacombe

Woolacombe to Croyde Bay

Croyde Bay to Braunton

Braunton to Barnstaple

Barnstaple to Bideford

Bideford to Westward Ho!

Westward Ho! to Bucks Mills

To be done

🚶‍♂️🌿 Coastal Treasures: Bucks Cross to Clovelly Visitor Centre via The Hobby Drive

Our latest adventure took us from Bucks Cross to Clovelly Visitor Centre, weaving through woodland trails and historic paths steeped in charm.

We set off from Bucks Cross, stopping at St Anne’s Church, before navigating through the South West Coast Path past Bucks Mills, guided by our trusty Paddy Dillon map. The journey led us through Buck’s Wood, Keivill’s Wood & Barton Wood, where towering trees and dappled sunlight created an immersive escape into nature.

Then came The Hobby Drive, a 19th-century carriageway offering a scenic approach into Clovelly Visitor Centre. The towering trees framed our descent beautifully, providing a welcome break from the rugged terrain.

Finally, we reached Clovelly Visitor Centre, where a well-earned cup of tea (soya milk, of course!) rounded off the day.

🌿 Clovelly to Hartland Quay – A Journey Through Time and Tide 🌊

We began at the Clovelly Visitor Centre, perched on the edge of woodland and sea—an unassuming gateway to a truly unforgettable walk. Within minutes, the track led us to Mount Pleasant, a viewpoint that earns its name with sweeping coastal vistas that seem to stretch forever.

Beyond, Snaxland Wood welcomed us with its quiet canopy, and tucked deep within lay the Bronze Age Gallantry Boy Tumulus—a burial site older than memory. It’s the kind of place that hums with the weight of history, where the rustle of leaves could be echoes of ancient footsteps.

Then came the drama: Blackchurch Rock, with its twin arches carved by relentless Atlantic tides. It’s part cathedral, part sculpture—and entirely breathtaking. Brownsham Cliff was another highlight for the panorama.

At Mouthmill Beach, a hidden waterfall trickled over rocks, softly filling the silence. The ascent to Windbury Head revealed traces of an Iron Age hillfort, its outline faint but resolute against the skyline.

Beckland Cliff, Exmansworthy Cliff, and Chapman Rock kept our senses on high alert—with winds howling and gulls wheeling like sentries of the sea. But it was Eldern Point that stopped us in our tracks. In 1943, this dramatic headland became the resting place of a US Air Force Liberator—its story etched into the cliffs and into our memories.

By the time we reached Hartland Point, the day had woven a tapestry of history, wild beauty, and reflection. This walk wasn’t just scenic—it was soul-stirring.

🌊 Surviving the Wild Coast – Morwenstow to Hartland Quay 🌿

This walk definitely lived up to its reputation—wild, remote, and absolutely unforgettable. Starting from The Bush Inn at Morwenstow, we braced ourselves for one of the most challenging stretches of the South West Coast Path… and it didn’t disappoint.

The trail is raw and dramatic, with sheer cliffs, crashing waves, and winding paths that test your stamina—and your nerve! But woven into the ruggedness are moments of pure magic:

Hawker’s Hut: Tucked into the cliffside, this tiny retreat was once used by Rev. Robert Hawker—a poet, eccentric, and fearless rescuer of shipwrecked sailors. Standing inside felt like stepping into another world.
Ronald Duncan’s Writing Hut: Hidden in a dip along the coast, this little cabin oozes inspiration. You could almost hear the whispers of words drifting across the sea.
The Green Ranger Memorial: A sobering and beautiful tribute to lives lost at sea. It stopped us in our tracks and reminded us how deeply the ocean is entwined with the stories of this coastline.

There were four serious climbs—each one steeper than the last—and yes, they left us breathless (and maybe muttering under our breath!). But the views from the top? Worth every single step. Seals, seabirds, ancient rocks, and endless horizons… it’s the sort of place that gets under your skin.