A coastal trail between Devon and Cornwall has been named Britain’s favourite walking route, and it’s easy to see why.
Chosen from a list of 1,000 paths by The Ramblers, a walking charity dedicated to preserving the UK’s natural landscapes, the Bude to Westward Ho! route has been crowned the nation’s favourite.
The trail, which is part of the 630-mile South West Coast Path, winds along clifftops on the Hartland Peninsula and passes by ancient woodlands, secret coves, and filming locations from ‘The Salt Path’, making it popular among hikers and nature lovers alike.
Judges said the win was well deserved and described the route as ‘one of the jewels of the crown of the paths we have got in Britain’.
Key sights along the Bude to Westward Ho! Path
While the path is packed with natural beauty and local history, there are a few standout locations to watch out for along the way.
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Northcott Mouth
This remote, rocky beach gives way to one of England’s rare sandy shores dotted with rock pools at low tide.
The surrounding cliffs showcase the Bude Formation, alternating beds of sandstone and mudstone that date back over 300 million years.
Located at the start of the path, Northcott Mouth is the perfect place to take in the view, dip your toes in the sea, and, at high tide, watch surfers riding the waves.
Sandy Mouth
Further along the coast, Sandymouth lives up to its name with a vast sandy beach framed by dramatic sheer cliffs.
This stunning location is a hotspot for surfers and rock-pool explorers, and wildlife enthusiasts might be lucky enough to spot dolphins or basking sharks offshore, while peregrine falcons soar high above.
Welcombe Mouth Beach and Waterfall
Listed as a site of Special Scientific Interest, Welcombe Mouth is a secluded gem where rugged cliffs open up to a small sandy beach.
But the true highlight of this spot is the waterfall that tumbles down the cliffside.
Cross the stepping stones to get a closer look and soak in the beauty before continuing your journey.
Vicarage Cliff/Hawkland hut
Just past Morwenstow, make a detour to visit Hawker’s Hut, a tiny driftwood shelter built by Reverend Robert Hawker, the eccentric Victorian vicar of Morwenstow and friend to literary legends like Charles Dickens and Alfred Lord Tennyson.
With sweeping views of the Atlantic and the wooded Tidna Valley below, it’s a serene spot where you might even catch a glimpse of a rare Large Blue butterfly.
Speke’s Mill Mouth
Set within a dramatic cliff-edge, Speke’s Valley is a haven for wildlife, with butterflies and dragonflies fluttering above the stream that winds its way to the Atlantic.
This part of the route features one of North Devon’s most iconic waterfalls, a striking 60-foot cascade that plunges over a sheer sandstone cliff onto the beach below.
The South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path, where the Bude to Westward Ho! route can be found, is the longest National Trail in the UK.
Renowned for its breathtaking cliffs, beaches and fishing villages, the path is a unique journey through the natural beauty and rich heritage of the South-West of the UK.
Beyond just the landscapes and scenic appeal, the trail also passes through areas of notable cultural and ecological interest, with protected areas and Sites of Special Scientific interest on the route.
Designated a national trail in 1978, The South-West coast path is considered a treasured national asset, cared for and supported by the South West Coast Path Association. Featuring over 115,00 feet of ascent and descent, walking the whole path from Minehead to Poole is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest four times!
While tackling the whole path might be slightly challenging, the Bude to Westward ho! route is worth a go – check out all of the key sights below.
Hartland Point
Where the Bristol Channel meets the Atlantic Ocean, the currents around Hartland Point are so powerful that the Romans named it the ‘Promontory of Hercules’.
A lighthouse, built in 1874, is the centre point of this dramatic location.
Hartland Point holds military significance, once home to a WWII radar station and later a Cold War-era Coastal Ground Intercept site. Rich in both natural beauty and layered history, it’s a must-see along the South West Coast Path.
Bucks Mills
This small, secluded beach is teeming with marine life, a great spot for those hoping to spot (or catch) crabs and lobsters among the rock pools.
Tucked away nearby is the Bucks Mills waterfall, a hidden cascade that adds to the natural beauty of the area.
But it’s the village itself that’s worth a visit. Bucks Mills dates back to the time of the Spanish Armada, when shipwreck survivors are said to have found refuge and settled here in peaceful isolation.
Peppercombe
Near the end of the path lies the striking Peppercombe cliffs.
Their deep red hue sets them apart, a result of the distinctive Triassic stone they’re carved from. It provides a final dramatic flourish to this part of the route.
It’s clear to see why the Bude to Westward Ho! route has been crowned the best in Britain.
This section of the South West Coast Path offers a mix of striking landscapes, wildlife, and local history that’s well worth exploring.
Whether you’re walking a short stretch or tackling the full route, these highlights provide a good reason to slow down and take a closer look at what this coastline has to offer.
Getting to the Bude to Westward Ho! Path
By car, the easiest way to get to this stretch of the South West Coastal Path is to drive on the M5 to Exeter, then up the A303.
If you’re travelling by train, take the line from London to Exeter St David’s, and then you’ll have to rely on buses and the local transport network. For this journey, we really recommend a car.
