Challenging: Severe to Moderate
3 April 2025
Morwenstow to Bude is the second half of the Hartland to Bude stage and begins with three more steep descents and climbs, before easing into gentler cliff-top walking and sandy beaches. It’s a day of contrasts—from wild isolation to the bustle of Bude.
Points of Interest: Morwenstow to Bude
Here’s what to look out for along the way:
Hawker’s Hut
A driftwood shelter perched on the cliff edge, built by poet-priest Robert Hawker for writing and reflection.
Tidna Shute
The first major descent of the day. A narrow valley crossed by a small bridge before the climb to Higher Sharpness Point.
Stanbury Mouth
The second steep descent, once a smuggler’s cove. A rugged climb follows, rising beside the satellite dishes of GCHQ Bude.
GCHQ Bude
A striking modern landmark with 21 satellite dishes. Though off-limits, its presence adds intrigue to the clifftop route.
Duckpool
The third big descent. A rocky cove with a stream—perfect for a pause before the steady climb to Warren Point.
Warren Gutter
A hanging valley crossed after Duckpool, leading into more open meadows and easier walking.
Sandymouth Beach
A wide, sandy National Trust beach with café and facilities. A welcome break before the final stretch into town.
Crooklets & Summerleaze Beaches
Bude’s twin beaches—Crooklets with its tidal pool and Summerleaze with broad sands and sea views.
Bude Canal & The Brendon Arms
Finish at the mouth of the Bude Canal. A celebratory drink at The Brendon Arms rounds off a memorable coastal adventure.
Logistics
| Sleep Dog Friendly Accommodation | The Old Smithy Inn, Welcombe |
| Eat & Drink | The Old Smithy Inn, Welcombe Brendon Arms, Bude |
| Travel Transport back to Morewenstow | BPS Taxis with Rod (07584 318308) https://bpstaxis.co.uk/ |
Alternative: The 217 bus at 8:41 goes from Bude, The Strand to Morwenstow (which is confusingly called Crosstown!). This by the Bush Inn which is around 1km or 5/8 mile from the Coast Path, either on the path back to the top of Vicarage Cliff or the one just past Hawker’s Hut.