Coastal walks in Bude
A COASTAL CORNISH GETAWAY
The South West Coast Path was once described by Lonely Planet as “walking at its most diverse, most spectacular & most delicious,”. So during our recent trip to Bude, Cornwall, we indulged in coastal walks along the sandy beaches and the rugged coastline.
Bude is a destination that captures the essence of Cornwall's natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle. The charming town along the south west coast offers miles of coastline, beaches and Cornish countryside.
Surfers flock to the renowned waves, while nature lovers explore the dramatic landscapes the South West Coastal Path offers. The town itself boasts a delightful array of independent shops, cozy cafes, and traditional pubs, providing a warm and friendly atmosphere to all who wander its streets.
The untamed wildflower-topped cliffs, were voted as the nation’s best walking route in the UK. So here is a round up of the best coastal walks in and around Bude, Cornwall.
Bude to Northcott Mouth
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km
Circular? Yes
Places to see: Maer Cliffs, Northcott Mouth Beach, Crookletts Beach, Summerleaze Beach, Bude town centre, Bude Castle, Bude Tidal Pool
This “3 beach walk” takes you on an adventure along the coastline, boasting towering cliffs, wave-torn coves and sandy shores.
The route starts in Bude town centre and stretching up the coastline, along Maer Cliffs to Northcott Mouth Beach, via Crookletts and Summerleaze Beach. Being the smallest and less visited out of the 3 beaches, Northcott Mouth Beach is the ideal half way destination before returning to Bude via the green Mare Downs.
Crooklets Beach and Summerleaze Beach are sandy neighbours. During low tide, you can walk between the two beaches across the sand in 10-15 minutes. Or at high tide you can walk along the headland to reach the adjoining beach.
One of the highlights of this coastal route is the Bude tidal pool. The iconic sea pool is a free, semi-natural pool built in the 1920’s in the rocks of Summerleaze Beach. The pool is topped up by the sea at high tide each day and is a great place to swim if you’re not a fan of the big waves in the sea.
While in Bude you can’t miss Bude Castle, overlooking Northcott Mouth Beach. One of Bude’s oldest buildings, built in 1830, the castle has since been transformed into a beacon of culture. Today, the castle houses a heritage centre that takes visitors on a journey through the town's history. Along with the museum there are art galleries, a cafe and live music and events.
Our food & drink recommendation: At the top of the route, head to Sip & Sea at the Rustic Tea Garden. With benches by the stream, this renovated horse box sits just to the side of Northcott Mouth Beach. Offering cream teas, cakes and beverages during the summertime and the occasional live music on weekends.
At the bottom of the route is Life’s a Beach. Sitting high up, this restaurant is behind the colourful beach huts looking over Summerleaze beach. They offer sea views, fresh seafood and yummy deserts. Life’s a Beach is next to Summerleaze Carpark so this is a great starting and ending point of the circular walk.
2. Crooklets to Sandymouth
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.7 miles / 7.5 km
Circular? Yes
Places to see: Maer Cliffs, Northcott Mouth Beach, Crookletts Beach, Sandymouth Beach
Similar to Walk 1, this route takes you along the Maer Cliffs to Northcott Mouth Beach but keeps heading north on the South West Coast Path for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km) to reach Sandymouth Beach and a decent down the cliffs to the sand. From Sandymouth Beach head back south along the cliffs to Bude and Crooklets Beach.
Sandymouth is an unspoilt sandy beach backed by rocky cliffs. Head there at low tide, walk along the beach and discover some natural waterfalls falling to the beach below.
While walking along the headland by Northcott Mouth Beach, lookout for the wreck of the SS Belem which was shipwrecked in 1917. Parts of the wreckage can be seen at low tide along the sand!
From Northcott Mouth, you’ll head to Crooklets Beach which is one of the main beaches within a short walking distance to Bude town centre. This blue flag, award winning beach has a huge expanse of golden sand and is a popular surfing spot with huge waves.
Our food & drink recommendation: At the top of the route, right above Sandymouth Beach is the Sandymouth National Trust cafe. Perfect for food and drink while visiting the beach.
At the bottom of the route is Rosies Bistro. Known for their wood-fired pizzas, special milkshakes and fresh seafood. The bistro is right in between Crooklets Beach and Crooklets car park so a great place to start and end the walk.
3. Bude Canal & nature reserve
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2 miles / 3.2 km
Circular? Yes
Places to see: Summerleaze Beach, Bude Castle, Bude Canal, Bude Marshes, Bude Nature Reserve
If you want a break from the busy town and beaches then walk around peaceful Bude canal. In contrast to the walks above, the canal is the perfect place for a quiet stroll, with a hide to go bird watching, benches along the waterway and bridges over the canal.
This short circular route starts at Bude castle, along the canal and then returns along the cycle track across Bude Marshes.
Built in 1819, the unique waterway was created for transporting lime rich sand to the local farms. Now the canal is used for canoeing, paddle boarding, pedaloes and fishing. The well-maintained path along the canal entices walkers and cyclists to explore its banks, where a diverse array of wildlife can be spotted in the thriving marshes.
The local nature reserve has been ranked as one of the richest and most interesting nature reserves in Cornwall. The reserve has a combination of the freshwater canal, damp grassland and marsh. The perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife. Look out for otters, swans, herons, kingfishers, little egrets and grass snakes to name a few.
Our food & drink recommendation: A unique experience on the water, head to The Barge for a traditional Cornish cream tea in the cosy cafe which floats on the canal. Or if you want something to go then visit the Electric Bakery, but visit early in the day as their famous baked goods fly off the shelves!
4. Widemouth to Bude
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Distance: 6.2 miles / 10 km
Circular? Yes
Places to see: Widemouth Bay, Summerleaze Beach, Bude Castle, Bude Canal, Bude Marshes, Helebridge, Bude Nature Reserve, Compass Point
This walk takes you from Widemouth Bay to Bude town centre and back.
From Widemouth Bay head north along the South West Coast Path. Along the way you’ll come across a couple of viewpoints atop the rocky cliffs looking out to sea. Walk along the coastal path till you reach the Watchtower at Compass Point on Efford Down and then the Viewing Point on the Levee. This viewing point has a great view opposite Summerleaze Beach and Bude sea pool. From Bude head inland and follow the canal away from the town. The walk then takes you back to Widemouth Bay through Helebridge, following footpaths over fields from Whalesborough to the coast.
The widest out of all the beaches mentioned, Widemouth Bay stretches for nearly 2 miles while the South West Coast Path runs along side. This blue flag beach has an abundance of rock pools and is home to an array of biodiverse marine life. The sandy beach has a distinctive rock formation known as the “Black Rock” which prominently stands out from the sand.
Our food & drink recommendation: Stop for a bite to eat at Widemouth Bay Cafe or Black Rock cafe. Both overlooking the crashing waves of the sea.
For something special, head to Widemouth manor late in the day to watch the sunset while drinking cocktails on their outdoor terrace.
5. Henrosa to Widemouth Bay
Difficulty: Easy
Circular? No
Places to see: Widemouth Bay, Cornish countryside
This walk starts and finishes from the accommodation we stayed in (more info below!). From the cabin, head south through the fields, on an old railway track till you find The Weir Bistro. From there head West, over the fields to reach Widemouth Bay. The path along the fields will bring you out near Trelawny Beach House and the North viewing point.
Our food & drink recommendation: In the middle of the countryside, is The Weir Bistro, which sits right over the lake. Once at Widemouth Bay walk down to Widemouth Bay Cafe for views over the sea.
WHERE TO STAY WHEN VISITING BUDE
We stayed in a Unique Hideaways accommodation named “Henrosa” which means “to dream” in the Cornish language.
Nestled in nature, you can wake up to the sound of the birds, look out to the endless views of the rolling hills and have your morning coffee in the soft sun. In the evening cook over the fire pit, relax in your private hot tub and gaze up at the stars.
We’d highly recommend staying here if you’re visiting Bude and other parts of Cornwall. Whether you want those relaxing 'do nothing days’ curled up by the fire with a book in hand or you’re after a trip filled with beaches, coastal walks and pub lunches, this cosy cabin is perfect.
We hope this article has been helpful for your visit to Bude!
This trip was in partnership with Unique Hideaways. Head to Unique Hideaways for more unique accommodation in Cornwall and the rest of the UK.
