Braunton to Hartland Quay

We walked 45 miles from Braunton to Hartland Quay, initially along the Tarka Trail, a path shared with cyclists and described by some SWCP affiionados as ‘boring’ – not a view shared by us as the views across the tidal estuaries of the River Taw and River Torridge were fabulous and ever changing. The path runs from Braunton to Barnstaple, then onto Instow and Bideford, around the stunning Northam Burrows to Westward Ho! From there on it’s proper South West Coast Path with sharp climbs up and down steep wooded valleys, culminating in a few miles on the Hobby Drive to Clovelly. Leaving Clovelly, the first section is in wooded cliff tops, opening out after a few miles onto open cliff tops with good walking and great views. At Hartland Point, the path changes direction towards the south, and the section from Hartland Point to Hartland Quay is characterised by spectacular rock formations, wild scenery and a feeling of remoteness. After completing the trip, on arriving back to pick up our car at Clovelly, we also walked down and up the very steep slope to visit this lovely village - the path itself passes above the village, just below the visitor centre.