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South
West Coast Path - Peppercombe to Bucks Mills - You can start this walk
from Bucks Mills, which has car parking facilities, or Horns Cross on the
A39 between Bideford and Clovelly. The photographs here depict the walk
starting from Horns Cross which is about 139 metres above sea level and
takes you down through Peppercombe Valley. Take the right trail through
the gate with the National Trust sign and follow the path about a mile down,
passing by the pink cottage and onwards until you come to the big copper
beech by the old stables. The gate to the right leads you onto the coast
path westward to Greencliffe and Westward Ho! To pick up the coast path
to Bucks Mills, which is about 3½ miles from here, carry on left
over the bridge and start your ascent at the first set of steps to the left.
"Ascent" best describes this section which twists and turns rising
from about 79 metres above sea level from the start to 133 metres at its
highest and 55 metres at its lowest, heavy going with a pack or rucksack!
This part of the national trail does not afford the awesome views of other
sections of the North Devon Heritage Coast. This is great if, like me, you
are a little afraid of heights, however, there are a couple of good vantage
points on the way up where you can take in some stunning views of Bideford
Bay. The best time for this walk is in May when all your efforts will be
rewarded with the breathtaking bluebell displays at each new plateau as
the trail winds upwards through Sloo and Worthygate Woods. Although it is
a good path through the woods and mostly away from the cliff edge, it can
be a little narrow and muddy in parts, especially on rainy days, so great
care must still be taken. On reaching the top the path emerges from the
woods with pastures on the hillside to the left and a grassy clearing to
the right with views across to Gallantry Bower and Hartland Point ahead
and glimpses of Peppercombe and Greencliffe behind. At this stage it is
wise to remember the climb up before you decide to continue and make the
very steep descent into Bucks Mills. Hardened coastal walkers can pick up
the coast path again at Bucks Mills and carry on to Clovelly or, if you
prefer, there are connecting trails which lead you back to Horns Cross via
Northway or via the "Green Lane" which
both run parallel to the coast path. The walk benefits from newly appointed
signposts.
Be Prepared: The South West Coast Path is a National Trail,
designated by the Countryside Agency, managed and maintained in the area
by the Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service and the National Trust.
Before setting out we recommend you visit the Devon.gov
Access to the Countryside Service web site for helpful links and updates
on the re-routing of the path, information on safety and public rights of
way. The ANOB
have a variety of guided walks throughout the year. We suggest you take
refreshments with you. Please note there is no public car park at Horns
Cross, the Post Office stores has closed and the nearest shop is Bucks Cross
Post Office. There are no shops or pubs in Bucks Mills itself, however,
cream teas are sometimes available in St. Anne's Church between June and
August. There are two local Inns in Horns Cross, the Coach & Horses,
which also sells ice creams and the Hoops Inn. OS Explorer Map OS 126.
Always check
for route changes before setting off
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