Hartland Point circular from Hartland Quay

Devon Walk

Walk Route Description

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Countryside and coast combine to make this route a worthwhile walk. The start is the small car park on the cliff top adjacent to the Rocket House above Hartland Quay (Grid ref. SS225248). Hartland Quay is reached by taking the B3248 off the A39 near Clovelly.

After parking follow the path back towards the village of Stoke. Note the path runs just inside the field on the north side of the lane and continues rather strangely across front gardens in the village before petering out near the large church. Continuing with care along the road to Hartland, turn left at the first junction (Grid ref. 246247). Cross over Abbey River and turn right along the track towards Pattard Wood. In just under half a mile a signed footpath turns off left and climbs up through the woodland into open pastures.

Reaching a track, turn left and continue in a north-easterly direction with the hamlet of Cheristow on your left to reach the road at Pattard Cross. Head east along the road to reach the next junction at Youltree Cross. Go straight over this crossroad and take the left fork at the next junction. Follow the road round to turn left for Exmansworthy and Fattacott. Heading north pass Exmansworthy Farm and enter the small National Trust car park on your right. At the far end is a signed footpath (not shown on the 1:25000 map) that leads you to the South West Coast Path above Chapman Rock.

Turn left along the coast path. The route undulates but is easy to follow with good waymarking. Out to sea you will be able to make out Lundy Island whilst ahead you will be able to see the ugly radio communications tower on Hartland Point. Quite soon you will reach the small car park at Barley Bay from where it is a short distance to Hartland Point. There is an interpretation board, which details amongst other items the circumstances of the wrecked ship that can seen below rusting on the beach.

The coastal path now swings south and begins to become more challenging. After climbing to Blagdon and Upright Cliffs the path descends to cross a stream before crossing the flat ground on the landward side of Smoothlands, which is very distinctive feature, to reach Damehole Point. Suddenly the scenery becomes superb with incredible rock formations carved by the sea. Climbing onto Bleaberry Cliff the path descends again to cross a stream before another ascent and descent brings you to Blackpool Mill. From here a steep final ascent onto The Warren and a level section back to the Rocket House complete the route.

Walk GradingMore Devon Walks

Other walks nearby

Walk 1824	Hartland Point Circular from East Titchberry	easy	3.0 miles
Walk 3208	Stoke & Hartland Quay from Elmscott	moderate	6.4 miles
Walk 3207	Knap Head & Mansley Cliff from Welcombe Mouth	moderate	8.0 miles
Walk 1788	Welcombe Mouth and Darracott	moderate	6.0 miles
Walk 1719	Clovelly & the South West Coast Path	easy/mod	6.0 miles