Hartland Quay to Bude Walk

15.8 miles (25.5 km)

The walk from Hartland Quay to Bude is widely considered the most challenging and spectacular section of the entire 630-mile South West Coast Path. Spanning just under 16 miles, the route involves "up and down" trekking across several river valleys, which can be punishing on the legs but offers unparalleled rewards in scenery and solitude.
Starting at the dramatic, jagged reefs of Hartland Quay, you head south past the striking St Catherine’s Tor and the cascading falls at Spekes Mill, where the geology features unique zigzag rock folds formed millions of years ago.
As you cross the border into Cornwall at the Marsland Valley, the trail enters the wild and remote Welcombe Reserve.... This area is a haven for coastal wildlife and rare flora, featuring deep-cut combes that provide sheltered contrasts to the windswept cliff tops. You will pass the restored Ronald Duncan’s Writing Hut, a small stone building overlooking the Atlantic where the poet composed his epic works, before reaching the fabled village of Morwenstow. Here, you can find Hawker's Hut, the National Trust’s smallest property, which was built from shipwreck timbers by the eccentric Reverend Robert Hawker. The final stretch toward Bude eases slightly as the cliffs lower, passing the beautiful beaches of Duckpool and Sandymouth before arriving at the colourful beach huts of Crooklets and the town’s iconic sea pool.