Walk 3390 - printer friendly version

Heddon Valley from Woody Bay Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 5.3 miles / 8.6 km

Ascent - 1400 feet / 424 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SS676486
Lat 51.2211980 + Long -3.8972867
Postcode EX31 4QX (approx. location only)

This walk along the North Devon coast in the Exmoor National Park provides an excellent introduction to the dramatic scenery in this area. The rolling hills of the interior drop steeply to the sea and this route offers superb views along the coat. The outward route uses the South West Coast Path to reach Heddon's Gate from where a high-level path is followed back to the start.

The start is the small parking area (grid ref. SS676486) on the side of the narrow lane dropping from Martinhoe Common down to Woody Bay. To reach the start, take Berry's Ground Lane from Martinhoe Common which is signed to Woody Bay. At the first junction bear left following the lane downhill signed Woody Bay and Lynton via the toll road. Descend the lane, continue around a sharp right-hand bend and the parking area is short way down on the right. To start the walk, continue downhill and take the first tarmac lane on the left signed as a no through road. Follow the lane for 600 metres to a hairpin bend. Leave the lane at this point and take the broad path signed as the South West Coast Path (grid ref. SS672490).

The path is easy to follow and after an initial section through trees the view opens up as you make progress to pass above Great Burland Rocks to reach Highveer Point with Heddon's Mouth Beach below. The path then descends across the hillside into the valley. A path comes in from the beach on your right and continues up the Heddon valley. Reaching a path junction (grid ref. SS655488), continue ahead leaving the South West Coast Path which heads right. Continue along the clear path to reach Hunter's Inn (grid ref. SS655482) where refreshments are available.

Retrace your steps along the path by the side of the Hunter's Inn and bear right off the path used to reach this point. The path/track climbs steadily up through trees before looping around a side valley into more open country soon arriving above Highveer Point. The path bears right with views down to the path used earlier. You soon reach a concessionary path on your right leading up to The Beacon, a former Roman Fort. To continue the main route, continue straight ahead as it winds its way above the coast with excellent views to be enjoyed. The path bears right with West Woodybay Wood below on your left. Continue following the clear path to reach a lane at a hairpin bend. Bear left and follow the lane downhill to the parking area.

An alternative starting point is the National Trust Heddon Valley pay and display car park near Hunter's Inn (grid ref. SS655482). If you take this option take the signed path to the right of the Inn and after a short way bear right at the first path junction. The follow the instructions in paragraph 4 to the parking area. Then follow the outward route as described above.

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