The best walks in Bude
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.
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.
Bude Canal & Marshes Circular
Bude Canal & Marshes Circular
Bude Marshes is a countryside gem that reaches into the heart of Bude. Situated alongside the canal and behind the Bude Tourist Information Centre, it attained recognition as a Local Nature Reserve in 1983, marking the first of its kind in Cornwall! It offers an idyllic setting for a leisurely flat, traffic-free stroll on a tarmac surface amidst nature’s beauty. Not only is it significant to Bude’s wildlife conservation efforts but it stands as a vital cornerstone of the Bude Flood Prevention Scheme.
Bude Marshes Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of flora and fauna. Among the species commonly spotted in the reserve kingfishers, herons, geese and ducks, which frequent the wetland habitats. You may also encounter small mammals like otters, voles and shrews, as well as amphibians like frogs and toads, particularly around the marshy areas. In addition, the reserve supports a variety of plant life, including reeds, rushes, and sedges, as well as wildflowers that bloom throughout the seasons.
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 WWII Heritage Trail
Bude WWII Heritage Trail
This Bude WWII Heritage Trail is a guide around the town to some of the places used by the American troops who came here to train for the D-Day landings in 1944. When you come to each blue plaque you’ll find a QR code – scan these to hear stories of local people and narratives come to life!
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.