13 Leg 4   - SW Coastal Path 13: Hartland Quay to Bude

21 August 2018

'This spectacular section is said to be the toughest part of the entire South West Coast Path and involves a long hard day of walking, with some very relentless and tiring ascents and descents. It is, however, definitely worth the effort! The Coast Path climbs above the rocky shoreline, notorious for shipwrecks (over 150 ships lost on the rocky outcrops between Morwenstow and Bude), past tumbling waterfalls, across secluded combes, crossing ten river valleys before easing on the approach to Bude.

There is a real sense of isolation here and the views are stunning, in particular those from Higher Sharpnose Point and Steeple Point. A less strenuous section, following enticingly sandy beaches, leads you into Bude and the end of this challenging and extremely rewarding section of the South West Coast Path.' https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walksdb/145/

1. The Route

2. Stoke to Hartland Quay. It was pretty misty when we set off but, fortunately, the mist lifted soon after we joined the path. 

3. View to Lundy Island

4. Hartland, Screeda Point

5.  St Catherine's Tor - Elmscott Beach

6. St Catherine's Tor .. bridge!

7. Elmscott Beach

8. Hardisworthy

9. Very large mushroom

10. South Hole

11. Welcombe and Welcombe Beach

12. Welcombe Mouth

13. Marsland Mouth Beach - Devon/Cornwall border

14. Flora

15. We ate plenty of these along the way!

16. Marsland, including one for Gilly!

17. Gull Rock/Devil's Hole

18. Devil's Hole - Marsland Cliff

19. Morwenstow

20. The Rectory Tearooms, Morwenstow - delicious Elderflower and Gooseberry Jam!

21. Stanbury Beach

22. Approaching Duckpool 

23. Duckpool Coombe Valley .. another one for Gilly! (Julian wasn't too happy about this one!)

24. Sandymouth. Bude was in sight but our tired feet still had a way to go!! .. it was deceptive!

25 Crooklets Beach where we ripped our boots off and took to the waters! 

26. Final destination, Bude!