Devon

Peppercombe Bothy circular walk

Small stone dwelling on hill overlooking beach — Bucks Mill cabin, Bideford Bay, Devon | © National Trust / Hannah Burton

This is a four-mile circular route starting and finishing at Peppercombe Bothy. It passes through wooded valleys and quiet lanes, and incorporates part of the South West Coast Path, where you can see find sweeping views of Bideford Bay and Lundy. Please note that there is no vehicle access to the valley, and so if you're arriving by car, you'll need to find somewhere to park in Horns Cross and walk down to the bothy to start the walk from step one, which will make the walk nearly a mile longer. Or you could park at Bucks Mill (where there is a car park) and start the route from Step 5.

Near to

Bideford Bay and Hartland

Start point

National Trust Peppercombe Valley, grid ref: SS383239

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 5 (km: 8)

Short trail

DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)

Duration1 hour

Dog friendly***

*A hilly route over uneven ground. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Rough terrain with a number of gates, steps and stiles. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs welcome under close control. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

Caution

Due to the number of trees along this route it is advised you only use it during daylight hours and not in windy conditions.

Address
National Trust Peppercombe Valley, Bideford, Devon, EX39 5DF
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Barnstaple, 14.5 miles (23km) from Horns Cross.
On foot
On the South West Coast Path between Abbotsham and Bucks Mills.
By road
From Bude: Take the A39 through Kilkhampton, continue on past Clovelly and Bucks Cross. On arrival at Horns Cross turn left next to the Coach and Horses pub and walk down the lane to the National Trust Gate on the right, follow the track to the bottom. No parking in the valley unless staying in holiday accommodation.
From Bideford: Take the A39, past Fairy Cross, arriving at Horns Cross. Walk up to the Coach and Horses pub and follow the lane past pub car park to the National Trust gate on the right, follow the track to the bottom.
Total stages: 13
Total stages: 13
Start point
National Trust Peppercombe Valley, grid ref: SS383239
Stage 1
From Peppercombe Bothy, continue down the track and over the bridge, then turn left, following the coast path.
Stage 2
Continue straight on for about a mile, following signs for Bucks Mills.
Stage 3
Upon reaching the fingerpost either continue straight on towards Bucks Mills for the longer route or turn left, following the sign for Green Lane, for the shorter route. If taking the latter route, cross three stiles and turn immediately left after the third (you are now at Step 7).
Stage 4
Pass through two wicket gates and then turn left, following the sign for Green Lane.
View of Clovelly, Devon | © National Trust Images / Luke Johns
Stage 5
Continue through the next wicket gate and follow Green Lane uphill until you reach the top.
Stage 6
Pass through the field gate.
Stage 7
Follow the track up to the quiet lane, keeping an eye out for traffic along the way.
Stage 8
Turn left after Northway Farm Cottages down a dead end lane. Head down the lane to the public footpath.
Stage 9
Turn right after approximately 100 yards and head down a public footpath opposite a house. Follow the stone path downhill.
Stage 10
Cross over the bridge and continue to follow the path down into the valley.
Stage 11
Upon reaching the track at the bottom of the hill turn left, following the sign marked 'Peppercombe Beach/Coast Path'
Stage 12
Pass the house and continue on through the gate.
Stage 13
Pass the National Trust holiday cottages, over the bridge and turn right heading back up to the bothy, situated on the left.
End point
National Trust Peppercombe Valley, grid ref: SS383239
Trail map
Peppercombe to Bucks Hillfort Trail Map | © © Crown copyright and database rights 2016 Ordnance Survey
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