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From this rocky outcrop, which is reached by
walking through gorse and heather, the path north towards Hartland
Quay offers some of the most spectacular scenery on the north
Devon coastline. To the south is a five mile walk to the
beautiful cove of “Welcombe Mouth.” |
| Walking north towards
Spekes Mill beach, where
occasionally dolphins can be seen frolicking in the Atlantic
surf. |
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The famous and most beautiful waterfall on
the north Devon coast is that of Spekes Mill Mouth.
The two streams that rise on the high ground of Bursdon
Moor meet near Lymebridge and wind their way through the
secluded Spekes Valley before cascading down a shear rock face
sixty feet, through a series of four smaller falls before
finely reaching the sea.
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St.
Catherine’s Tor
Behind the Tor is an area of land known as
the Swanery, once a shallow lake used by the monks of Hartland
Abbey.
From here the view extends south five miles to Welcombe
Mouth.
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The Warren
The breezy cliff-top grassland of the Hartland coast
support a variety of interesting plant life, some of which are
rare and local to this area. One in particular is the early
scurvy-grass a specialty of the north west Devon coast.
This is also the ideal spot to watch the spectacular
aerial display of the peregrine falcons, as they scream overhead
at speeds approaching two hundred miles per hour.
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Blackpool Valley
As you walk north towards Hartland Point, the cliff
paths are heady with the scent of gorse and the incessant
chatter of stonechats.
Location of the BBC television drama SENSE & SENSIBILITY
For
further details of the history of the area see the www.hartlandforum.co.uk |
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Low tide at Hartland
Quay
Like all rocky shores on the North Devon coast-line, the
reefs at Hartland provides a wealth of exploration, with rock
pools harbouring rock gobies, blennies and sea anenomies.
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| At low tide the reefs are exposed for a brief
period, here kelp, sea lettuce and numerous wracks provide
shelter for a variety of crabs and shellfish. |
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Here we see what can only be described as a
geologist’s dream, where once sub-marine layers of sandstone
have been thrust upwards, twisted and folded into the
spectacular formation we see today. |
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This group of students have walked the
beach at low tide from Blackpool Mill to Hartland Quay.
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Arial view of Hartland
Quay
This shows the natural view of the site. Life
Rock in the
foreground and behind it
the ledge on which the Quay buildings were erected , now a hotel
and pub offering
good food, local ale and also host to a maritime museum,
showing the colourful history of this once thriving little
port. The southward course of the sea-eroded valley can be
traced in the middle distance.
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The
hamlet of Stoke and the Church of St. Nectan
Known as the “Cathedral of North
Devon”, the view from the church tower shows Hartland Abbey
set in this beautiful valley with its many enchanting and
delightful walks. In the distance is the picturesque village of
Hartland, which accommodates three pubs, a post office, general store, petrol/garage,
bakery, potteries and craft shops.
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Hartland Abbey and
Gardens are open to the
public.
Enjoy a cream tea.
Website: Hartland
Abbey
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The
Vale
Situated below the village, this open woodland offers
you an easy one and a half mile walk toward the Abbey.
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| Winter walks through Hartland
Forestry |
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“Autumn”
Brownsham Wood near Clovelly |
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Walk through ten acres of wild and
unspoilt
woodland on our farm with wild orchid, bluebells and many other
varieties of plant and wildlife in abundance
Listen to the plaintiff call of the buzzard, look out
for the illusive dipper as it follows the course of the stream,
you may be lucky and see a wild deer. Bring your wellies.
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One of several shallow and fast flowing rivers in
the parish. |
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“Walk the wild Atlantic coastline”
Feel
the salty air on your face. Experience the exhilaration of being as one with the
elements of nature.
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Hartland
Point
The Romans called this wind blasted headland “Promontory of
Hercules.” It is here between January and March that large flocks
of the great Northern black and red throated Divers are seen.
From April to September the mass movement of Manx Shearwater
pass over these turbulent waters on passage to rich feeding
grounds.
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Surfing at Welcombe
Mouth
The Atlantic swell offers some of its best waves on the
North Devon and Cornish coast. Bude and Widemouth Bay are within
15 miles.
Surf School; Ravensurf
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| Bear Rock
One of many spectacular formations on our shoreline. |
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'Jessica Hettie'
Boat trips to Lundy Island, a
marine conservation area. Plus specialist fishing and diving
trips.
Website: Fishing
Trips & Lundy Island |
| Docton Mill
Gardens.
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