Lundy Island wildlife walk
Prepare for a ramble around this alluring granite outcrop off the north Devon coast in the Bristol Channel, taking in seals and possibly puffins. Don't forget to pack some binoculars for a spot of wildlife watching; you can add any interesting sightings to the wildlife logbook in the Marisco Tavern.
Near to
LundyStart point
Marisco Tavern, Lundy, Devon EX39 2LY. Grid ref: SS140440.Trail information
Visiting Lundy
Please note that Lundy is open to day visitors only from April to October. Lundy is financed, administered and maintained by the Landmark Trust.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Marisco Tavern, Lundy, Devon EX39 2LY. Grid ref: SS140440.
Stage 1
From outside the Marisco Tavern, head east through the kissing gate, along the footpath and through a second gate towards Millcombe House. As you reach the house take a sharp left up the hill towards the upper footpath, heading along the eastern part of the island.
Stage 2
This stretch of the walk commands some spectacular views and is slightly undulating, with an old stone wall to your left and the scrub sloping away to the cliffs.
A grey seal on a rock off Lundy, Devon | © National Trust Images/Nick Upton Stage 3
By keeping along this route you'll eventually come to the ruins of Quarterwall cottages and the old quarry. If you follow the stony path past the pond you'll reach the quarry timekeeper's hut; a good place for a rest and to take in the sea air. Keep on down to the flat quarry platform, where the route now follows the old quarry railway north, which transported the quarried stone for collection by boats.
Stage 4
Turn left up the hill, heading for the main road that dissects the island. You're now at Halfway Wall and you can wander further afield to the north of Lundy, the wilder part of the island, with its one remaining house.
Stage 5
Cut across westwards towards Jenny's Cove and the Devil's Chimney. It's here that you can catch a glimpse of puffins.
A puffin on the wing | © National Trust Images/Ian Ward Stage 6
Now head south along the western side of the island towards Old Light. Walk through the area known as The Earthquake, where the rock opened up into great chasms in 1755, at the same time as the Lisbon earthquake. Once you reach Old Light, head back along the track and turn left back towards the tavern for some well-earned refreshments.
End point
Marisco Tavern, Lundy, Devon EX39 2LY. Grid ref: SS140440.
Trail map
Route map for the Lundy Island wildlife walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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