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Knap Head to Mansley Cliff

Devon Walk

County/Area - Devon

Author - Martyn Hanks

Length - 8.0 miles / 13 km    Ascent - 1600 feet / 485 metres

Time - 5 hours 40 minutes    Grade - moderate

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer 126Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer 126Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 190Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 190Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Knap Head to Mansley Cliff
Click image to see photo description.

The North Devon Coast is well known for its high cliffs, which offer fine views and excellent walking. This walk starts from the small car park on the coast at Welcombe Mouth (grid ref. SS212179) and after a short section south along the South West Coast Path, turns inland to Mead from where paths, tracks and country lanes are followed north to Elmscott. Here the route continues back to the start following the South West Coast Path.

Leave the car park and follow the South West Coast Path south (with the sea on your right). The path climbs steeply out of the valley. Nearing the top of the climb turn right onto the path signed to Mead at grid reference SS213177. Follow this path eastwards as it climbs across fields to reach a lane in Mead (grid ref. SS221176). Turn left along the lane to reach a cluster of houses. Turn right onto a signed footpath (grid ref. SS221177). This path leads across fields and later becomes a track which leads to a lane (grid ref. SS230180) just to the north of Darracott.

Cross the lane and take the track opposite signed 'Unsuitable for motor vehicles'. This is Well Lane. After 50 metres take the footpath on the left. This path descends to cross a stream via a footbridge and the climbs up to a lane (grid ref. SS230183). Turn left along the lane and almost immediately right onto a signed footpath. Follow this path which soon leads onto a driveway which leads to a lane. Turn left and then bear right down a lane signed 'Unsuitable for motor vehicles'. This lane twists and turns as it descends into a valley before climbing up to a 'crossroads' (grid ref. SS229192).

Go straight across and follow the lane north for a mile to reach Hardisworthy Cross (grid ref. SS233205). Continue straight ahead and continue walking to Elmscott. Continue straight through Elmscott ignoring lanes going left and right. Continue past the Youth Hostel on your left. When the lane beads sharp right (grid ref. SS231218), turn sharp left and follow the signed path along a track which leads to a footpath across a field to reach the South West Coast Path (grid ref. SS224218) at Mansley Cliff.

Turn south along the coast path (with the sea to your right). After half a mile to coast path reaches a lane at Sandhole Cross (grid ref. SS224210). Turn right along the lane (signed as the Coast Path). After 500 metres turn right over a stile following the Coast Path sign. The remainder of the walk follows the South West Coast Path back to the start passing over Embury Beacon to reach Knap Head. From here there is steep descent back to the car park used at the start of the walk.

This walk is one of many routes prepared by Martyn Hanks for Youth Hostellers. The routes were drawn in a 'Wainwright' style and provided annotated maps offering additional information for walkers. Prepared before the days of GPS they were an invaluable resource and Walking Britain is happy to ensure that these walks remain in the public domain.

Knap Head map

 

Other walks nearby

Walk 3208 Stoke & Hartland Quaymoderate6.4 miles
Walk 1996 Woodford & Hollygrove Woodeasy/mod5.1 miles
Walk 1261 Hartland Point circularmoderate10.0 miles
Walk 1824 Hartland Point Circulareasy3.0 miles
Walk 1719 Clovelly & the South West Coast Patheasy/mod6.0 miles
Walk 2295 Buck's Mill & Peppercombeeasy/mod6.2 miles
Walk 3755 Dizzard Point, Millook from Penhalt Cliffmoderate6.0 miles
Walk 1076 Dizzard Point & Crackington Havenmoderate8.0 miles
Walk 2730 St Gennys & Castle Point from Crackington Haveneasy/mod3.0 miles
Walk 2731 Cambeak & Crackington Haveneasy/mod4.3 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - St Ives to Plymouth

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - St Ives to PlymouthMap of part of the southern section of the 630 mile (1014km) South West Coast Path National Trail. Covers the trail from St Ives to Plymouth along the west Cornwall and Devon coastline. This convenient and compact booklet of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps shows the route, providing all of the mapping you need to walk the trail in either direction.
More information

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast PathGuidebook to walking the entire South West Coast Path National Trail. The route runs for 630 miles from Minehead to Poole along the north Devon, Cornish, south Devon and Dorset coastline. Divided into 45 stages, this long-distance coastal trek could be completed within 4 weeks, or walked in sections. Guide includes maps and essential information.
More information

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