Surrounding Area
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location of the BBC television drama SENSE & SENSIBILITY
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.
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.
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, garage, bakery, potteries and craft shops.
Hartland Abbey and Gardens are open to the public. Enjoy a cream tea.
The Vale
Situated below the village, this open woodland offers you an easy one and a half mile walk toward the Abbey.
Winter walks through Hartland Forestry
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.
“Walk the wild Atlantic coastline”
Feel the salty air on your face. Experience the exhilaration of being as one with the elements of nature.
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.
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.
One of many spectacular formations on our shoreline.
Boat trips to Lundy Island, a marine conservation area. Plus specialist fishing and diving trips.
Docton Mill Gardens
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