Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow
Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow
Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow

8 Nights
Average
79 miles / 127 km
total
10 miles / 16km
Average
3513m / 11526ft
elevation
Mixed
accomodation
3513m / 11526ft
elevation
Mixed
accomodation
Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow
Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow
Section 2 – Westward Ho! to Padstow
difficulty Grade
difficulty Grade
difficulty Grade


Accomodation Type
Accomodation Type
Accomodation Type
Mixed
Mixed
Mixed
Activity
Activity
Activity
Mixed Activity
Mixed Activity
Mixed Activity
Start/Finish
Start/Finish
Start/Finish
Devon/Cornwall
Devon/Cornwall
Average Daily cost
COST
COST
Best Months
Best Months
Best Months
May-Sept
costs based on two people sharing
costs based on two people sharing
Overview
Overview
From the remote and windswept border of the ancient Cornish kingdom to the cosmopolitan bustle of Padstow's fishing harbour lies a magnificent section of dramatic, inspiring and unspoilt coastal trail. Lose yourself in isolation on this continuous panorama of stunning cliffs, hidden coves and remote golden beaches whilst passing through an historical tapestry of shipwrecks, frontier mining, literature and a Cornish people's struggle against the rugged Atlantic coastline. Seals, kestrels, puffins and peregrines still occupy this dramatic and inspiring coastline and if you are here is both challenging and rewarding without exception on what is the toughest section of the South West Coast Path a seemingly endless rollercoaster of climbs and descents along the coastline. Recover with cosy and welcoming overnight stays in idyllic fishing villages prepare you well for days gazing out in peaceful isolation over saw toothed cliffs and rocks, passing waterfalls that tumble over precipitous crags. A trail full of variety and surprises including King Arthur's stark and imposing Tintagel Castle Bronze Age rock carvings, the driftwood cliff huts of poets, the Museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle and mysteriously abandoned villages. At the tail end of Devon overnight at Clovelly the most stunning fishing harbour in the region where the car is banned and your bags are moved up and down almost sheer cobbled alleys by sledge. With history & legend abounding there is something fascinating, unusual and surreal to encounter on every leg along with the ever rising anticipation of whether the next cove will be more beautiful and unspoilt than the last. Ultimately this is shipwreck and smuggling country and as you traverse Hells Mouth, The Strangles, The Rumps, several Devil's Holes and the Doom Bar it only adds to the atmosphere en route to Padstow. This walking holiday is truly the most inspiring way to enter and immerse yourselves in the stunning lands of Cornwall past and present. With its scenery and history preserved and unique take your personal pilgrimage into the heart of Cornwall in the footsteps of Hardy, King Arthur, Betjemen and the Celtic peoples of many centuries past and present.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Section 1 of the North Cornwall Coast Path runs 11 miles from Westward Ho! to Clovelly and is graded strenuous. This challenging stretch begins from Westward Ho!'s beach huts and dunes, climbing steeply through wild gorse and dramatic cliffs. The route follows remnants of the short-lived Westward Ho to Bideford railway before descending to Babbacombe Mouth and climbing again through flower-filled woodlands. Passing Bronze Age earthworks and the remote hamlet of Bucks Mills with its lime kilns, the trail continues through ancient woods to the scenic Hobby Drive—a 19th-century carriageway winding through lush forest. Views of Clovelly emerge before a gentle descent to this iconic fishing village, marking a dramatic and beautiful end to this strenuous coastal section.



Gallery
















TRIP TESTIMONIAL
This is our third walking holiday now with Encounter.
Mixed Activity
79 miles / 127 km
Once again a wonderful time was had and everyone at Encounter were brilliant with their organisation.

Anne and Tom

TRIP TESTIMONIAL
This is our third walking holiday now with Encounter.
Mixed Activity
79 miles / 127 km
Once again a wonderful time was had and everyone at Encounter were brilliant with their organisation.

Anne and Tom

TRIP TESTIMONIAL
This is our third walking holiday now with Encounter.
Mixed Activity
79 miles / 127 km
Once again a wonderful time was had and everyone at Encounter were brilliant with their organisation.

Anne and Tom
Travel To And From The Route
Fast direct trains run from London, The Midlands and the North to Exeter station where you change for the scenic branch line journey to Barnstaple on the North Devon Coast. Time from London to Barnstaple is 3.5 to 4 hours.
Everything You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know
Everything You Need to Know
What is a self guided walking holiday?
What is a self guided walking holiday?
What is a self guided walking holiday?
How do I choose a route
How do I choose a route
How do I choose a route
How hard are the walks?
How hard are the walks?
How hard are the walks?
Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries
Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries
Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries
Can I add in rest days and activity days?
Can I add in rest days and activity days?
Can I add in rest days and activity days?
Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.
Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.
Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.
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Stay Inspired and Informed
Adventure Emails
Stay Inspired and Informed
Adventure Emails
Stay Inspired and Informed