Bideford to Westward Ho! Walk

7.6 miles (12.3 km)

This walk takes you along the South West Coast Path from Bideford to Westward Ho!. The route runs for 7.6 miles, following the River Torridge north to Appledore before skirting the coastal edge of the lovely Northam Burrows Country Park.... The final section runs south along the beaches of Westward Ho before finishing on the seafront.
Starting in Bideford, the route follows the broad estuary of the River Torridge, passing waterside paths with views across mudflats, saltmarsh and the surrounding countryside. These estuarine habitats support a variety of birdlife, particularly during the winter months when large numbers of waders and wildfowl can be seen feeding and roosting along the shoreline.
The walk continues to Appledore, an attractive fishing village situated at the meeting point of the Torridge and Taw estuaries. Narrow streets, colourful cottages and a long maritime history give the village much of its character. Beyond Appledore, the route enters Northam Burrows, a large area of coastal grassland and common land that forms part of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The burrows are known for their grazing livestock, dunes, saltmarsh habitats and extensive views across Bideford Bay.
The final section follows the long sandy beach at Westward Ho!, a popular seaside resort named after Charles Kingsley's novel of the same name. Backed by a pebble ridge and open seafront, the beach is one of the best-known surfing destinations in North Devon. The combination of estuary scenery, historic villages, wildlife-rich coastal habitats and expansive beaches makes this a particularly varied section of the South West Coast Path.