Walks & Guides
Welcome to our guide to walks and trails in Bude, your gateway to exploring the stunning landscapes and natural wonders of this beautiful coastal destination. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a leisurely stroll, our curated selection of walks and trails caters to all interests and abilities.
From the rugged cliffs of the South West Coast Path to the tranquil woodlands and scenic beachfront promenades, Bude offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences waiting to be discovered. Each walk is accompanied by route descriptions and difficulty levels, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable adventure for every visitor.
So lace up your walking shoes, grab your map, and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery through the breathtaking landscapes of Bude and its surrounding areas.
Week St Mary to Penhallam

Week St Mary to Penhallam
This captivating walk offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and scenic splendor, making it a must-visit destination for any explorer. The route traverses Ashbury Woods, where ancient trees whisper tales of centuries gone by. Beneath the watchful gaze of the iron age fort, explore the rugged terrain and imagine the lives of those who once roamed these lands. The path leads you to the evocative ruins of Penhallam Manor, a testament to the enduring legacy of times long past. As you wander through this atmospheric site, let your imagination roam free, conjuring images of bygone eras.
Morwenstow Cream Tea and Hawker's Hut

Morwenstow Cream Tea and Hawker's Hut
Embark on a leisurely clifftop stroll along the stunning coast at Morwenstow, where breath-taking views, historic landmarks, and abundant wildlife await. This gentle walk offers a perfect blend of natural beauty with lush valleys, farmland, heritage, and tranquil surroundings. Highlights including the beautiful Saxon-era church and the iconic Hawker’s Hut, once the refuge of the eccentric Rev. Hawker. Complete the walk with a Cornish Cream Tea at the 18th century Rectory Farm Tearooms.
Simple walking instructions are included, but we advise you use this route alongside the Ordnance Survey OS190 map.
Millook Haven to Dizzard Point

Millook Haven to Dizzard Point
An inspirational journey through the ancient woodland of Dizzard Point, a testament to Bude’s rich natural history dating back to prehistoric times. Explore the depths of this historic forest, where rare lichens flourish in the pristine air, and meander through hay meadows adorned with a vibrant tapestry of wildflowers and butterflies.
Parking is limited at Millook, but it is possile to get the 95 bus to Widemouth Bay and walk to the start point.
Bude Quadrathlon Route

Bude Quadrathlon Route
Since 2002, the Awesome Foursome Quadrathlon has been an adrenaline-packed multi-sport race held every September, welcoming individuals, pairs, and relay teams. This challenging event has become a staple in both the British and European Quadrathlon calendars, often serving as a World Cup ranking event or hosting the European Short Course Championships.
Designed to showcase the unique geography of Bude, the race pushes athletes to their limits. It kicks off with an open water swim sheltered by Bude’s iconic breakwater. The cycling leg takes riders along breathtaking coastal hills, including the notorious 1-in-3 incline at Millook. Next, competitors navigate the serene waters of the Bude Canal for the kayaking portion. Finally, the race concludes with a scenic run along the canal towpath, merging onto the coastal path before returning to Bude.
With the fastest competitors completing the course in around 3 hours and most finishing within 4 hours, the Awesome Foursome is a true test of endurance, skill, and determination.
Morwenstow to Marsland Mouth

Morwenstow to Marsland Mouth
This circular walk starts and finishes at the Rectory Farm Tea Rooms. The route uses the South West Coast Path and inland footpaths and tracks. You’ll be treated to a combination of breathtaking dramatic coastal cliff views, Lundy Island (on a clear day) and the quiet solitude of farmland, mostly unchanged since the building of the agrarian manor houses which dot the area.
Crackington Haven and Strangles Secret Beach

Crackington Haven and Strangles Secret Beach
A picturesque circular walk starting from Crackington Haven car park, offering varied landscapes, including stunning coastal views, tranquil valleys, a secret beach (Strangles) and charming countryside scenery. This walk is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful coastal adventure.
To reach Crackington Haven, take the 95 bus from Bude. Alternatively, its a 20-minute drive from Bude.
Bude to Widemouth Bay

Bude to Widemouth Bay
Embark on a journey through Bude’s stunning coastal landscapes and historic canal on this captivating walk, brimming with diverse scenery. Marvel at the sweeping panoramas on the South West Coast Path and walk along the historic Bude Canal, a remarkable relic of 19th century engineering.
The Tamara Way

The Tamara Way
Introducing the Tamara Coast to Coast Way, a captivating 87-mile walking route that seamlessly connects the south and north coasts of Cornwall. Embark on a remarkable journey tracing the Tamar River from its origin in Plymouth to the rugged cliffs of Morwenstow, just north of Bude, where Cornwall meets Devon.
This well-marked trail offers a variety of experiences as it winds its way along the riverbanks, allowing walkers the option to traverse either the Cornish or Devonian sides at various points. Divided into seven manageable sections, each day’s walk offers its own unique charm, from expansive estuary views to tranquil ancient woodlands and meandering water-meadows steeped in Cornwall’s rich mining history.
Venture through lush farmland and follow the winding path of the historic Bude Canal before reaching the source of the Tamar River, where a newly erected marker stone awaits. The final stretch leads to the remote Marsland Mouth and its secluded beach, offering a picturesque end to your coastal journey.
Continuing along the South West Coast Path to Morwenstow, walkers are treated to breathtaking views of the Atlantic coast and the opportunity to explore Cornwall’s designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage landscapes. For avid hikers, extending the adventure along the South West Coast Path to Land’s End and completing the Circuit of Cornwall is a tempting option.
Accessible by public transport and featuring sections suitable for varying abilities, the Tamara Coast to Coast Way promises an unforgettable experience for all who venture along its path. Whether you’re seeking panoramic vistas, cultural heritage, or simply the joy of exploration, this new walking route delivers on every front.
Bude Canal and Coast Path Circular Walk

Bude Canal and Coast Path Circular Walk
This historically rich walk is filled with varied scenery and panoramic views. The level path follows the Bude Canal, a remarkable relic of 19th century engineering, to its terminal as a barge waterway. The wide open views from the fields of Whalesborough overlooking Widemouth Bay and the rugged cliffline to the south are without doubt, breath-taking, especially when the surf pounds the coast. Then there are the clifftops with their dramatic, geological formations, leading you to views overlooking Bude, its bay, and beyond to Hartland and Exmoor.
Crackington Haven to St Gennys

Crackington Haven to St Gennys
Explore the stunning coastal scenery surrounding Crackington Haven on this energetic circular walk, offering panoramic views, charming hamlets, and a visit to the historic St. Gennys Church.
Morwenstow to Stanbury Mouth

Morwenstow to Stanbury Mouth
Embark on a picturesque circular journey traversing the renowned South West Coast Path and meandering through inland footpaths and tracks. This route unveils a tapestry of scenic wonders and cultural gems, include the awe-inspiring Church of St. Morwenna, renowned for its exquisite Norman architecture, the iconic Hawker’s Hut steeped in maritime history, the enchanting Tidna Valley, and the secluded beauty of Stanbury Mouth’s clandestine beach.
Duckpool and Coombe Valley

Duckpool and Coombe Valley
A captivating journey meandering through footpaths and woodland. Starting at Duckpool, the walk takes you inland and delves into the Coombe Valley and the enchanting woodlands of Stowe.