Description:
This walk starts at the attractive village of Buck’s Mills and follows the coastal path to Peppercombe before heading inland to Horns Cross and Parkham. Sections of this walk follow quiet minor roads which are not devoid of traffic.
Walk Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
6.7 miles / 10.7 km
Total Ascent:
1613 feet /492 metres
Time:
2 hours 45 mins / 3 hours 30 mins
Parking:
This walk starts from the free car park on the edge of Buck’s Mills village (Grid Ref: SS358233).
Walk Route:
Leave the car park and turn right on the road and head down into the attractive village following the road for 400 metres to reach a footpath on the right by a Telephone Kiosk (Grid Ref: SS355236) before turning right here it is worth making a short detour to continue down to the old harbour.
From the Telephone Kiosk follow the footpath, this is the South West Coast Path, as it climbs steeply out of the village soon entering woodland. Stay with the signs for the coastal path which now runs along the edge of Worthygate Wood where the occasional gap in the trees provides a view of the coast.
Keep with the coastal path as it goes through Sloo Wood and descends into Peppercombe which is 3km from Buck’s Mills. Here turn right to leave the Coastal Path (Grid SS382241) and follow a track heading south with a stream to the right. (To visit the beach at Peppercombe turn left here). After 250 metres at a fork in the track go left and follow the lane to reach the Coach and Horses pub on the A39 at Horns Cross (Grid Ref: SS385232).
Cross the A39 and continue straight on along Acre Road. As the roads turns to the left take a lane on the right and after 60 metres turn left onto a footpath heading south. This path leads through West Goldworthy farmyard and then continues over fields to Bunkhole where the footpath divides (Grid Ref: SS389223). Turn left and then after 100 metres take a path on the right, over a footbridge. Then continue uphill over fields for 500 metres to reach a track (Grid Ref: SS390217).
On joining the track turn right heading into the village of Parkham. On entering the village turn right into Chapel Road and at the end of this road turn right to soon pass a road junction. Follow the lane signposted to Broad Parkham. At the crossroads (Grid Ref: SS382222) go straight over still following signs to Broad Parkham.
Go uphill for 400 metres to reach a farm at the edge of Broad Parkham, here right on a footpath leading along a track through the farmyard with farm shop. This track soon starts to descend and after 900 metres reaches a junction of track (Grid Ref: SS373228), keep heading north and after a further 300 metres the track reaches the A39.
Cross the road to join a lane. After 80 metres take a footpath on the left (Grid Ref: SS371231). Follow this path to reach Lower Worthygate Farm and at a junction of paths turn left following the footpath through the yard (Grid Ref: SS367232).
After walking along the edge of a field enter woodland and gradually descend to reach the starting point at Buck’s Mills car park.
Toilets:
There are no public toilets.
Toilets are available in the pubs on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Horns Cross: The Coach and Horses Inn
Parkham: A short diversion from the route in Parkham will reach the Bell Inn.
Broad Parkham: Langs Farm Shop and Tea Room
To download GPX and print a map click “Learn More” below:
To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps OL126 Clovelly & Hartland
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.