Explore
the Coast & "Country" Side of Bideford Bay
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Explore
the Coast & "Country" Side of Bideford Bay
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Haven at Hartland Quay |
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your way across the Hartland Peninsula to Hartland Quay. From Hartland Town
the road winds down and round passed Hartland Abbey and onwards through
the small hamlet of Stoke, home to the impressive Church of St. Nectan which
towers above the parish. Eventually the road comes to an end and a small
kiosk can be seen on the left. This is the entrance to Hartland Quay. In
the holiday season (Good Friday until the end of the October half term)
and weather permitting this kiosk is manned from 10am until 5pm. There is
a small car parking charge, just £1.50 per car and this entitles you
to park all day. There is a steep tarmac road so you can drive all the way
down which is ideal for families with young children or anyone who has difficulty
walking back up. If you prefer a leisurely stroll down and always carry
a camera you will be rewarded with plenty of photo opportunities as Bideford
Bay and the famous jagged Hartland Rock Formations come into view. There
is another car park and grassy picnic area about half way down. For over
400 years Hartland Quay has been a haven for mariners and travellers in
fair weather or foul. The old 16th century quay has long since gone but
a visit to the Shipwreck Museum will unlock the mysteries of how this historic
quay worked in bygone days, the geology and natural history of this dramatic
part of the Atlantic Heritage Coast. The museum also displays photographs,
paintings and relics which bring to life stories of daring-do, smugglers,
shipwrecks, fishing and coastal trade and industry. Three generations of
the Johns Family have welcomed visitors to the Hartland Quay Hotel which
is owned by the Stucley family who live nearby at Hartland Abbey and today
the hotel is proudly run by Chris and Jill Johns. When the tide is out the
beautiful sheltered cove exposes some interesting rock pools and a sandy
beach which can be reached easily via the slipway. Enjoy safe bathing, fishing,
surfing and exploring. Twenty minutes walk South of Hartland Quay is Spekes
Mill Mouth, the most spectacular waterfall on the North Devon Atlantic Heritage
Coast. It is also a short walk to Blackpool cottage, the setting for the
BBC's recent adaption of Sense and Sensibility. So bright and breezy, wet
and windy if you're a walker needing a well earned rest from the rigours
of the South West Coast Path, a geologist in awe of the incredible Crackington
Formation or simply spending an enjoyable family day out make your way down
to Hartland Quay and the Wreckers Retreat. We would like to thank Jill Johns
for help with this editorial. To find more information about accommodation
and "weddings on the rocks" please visit Hartland
Quay Hotel Web Site. Use the following web link for opening times for
Hartland
Abbey & Gardens The Wrecker Retreat Bar is open all year round
from 11am to 11pm every day. The Shipwreck Museum is open in the holiday
season from 11am to 5pm, >Go
to Hartland Focus |
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Articles, Photographs & Illustrations ©Copyright Pat Adams Advertising & Print Options 2002/8 - All rights reserved |
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