Morwenstow circular walk
Explore the most northerly area we look after in Cornwall in a parish made famous by the eccentric Reverend R S Hawker of Morwenstow. This is a walk of contrasts with dramatic, towering cliffs, sheltered wooded valleys, wildlife-friendly organic farmland and the opportunity to visit one of the smallest buildings in our care.
Total steps: 8
Total steps: 8
Start point
Rectory Farm Tearooms, Morwenstow, grid ref: SS205153
Step 1
From the Rectory Farm Tearooms, pass through the lychgate into the churchyard. Taking the path to the right of the vicarage, descend into Morwenna Valley.
Step 2
Turn left along the valley at the waymarker signed Coast Path. This path was opened to the public under the farm's Countryside Stewardship scheme. Continue along the length of the valley, walking through woodland, scrub and then open grassland to reach Vicarage Cliff and the coast path.
Step 3
Turn left at the path and ascend the cliff path to the farmland plateau above.
Step 4
On reaching a kissing gate there's an option to turn left and return to the tea-room (dashed line on the map), or continue along the clifftop until you reach a walled entrance marked Hawker's Hut. The hut is just below you, down some slate steps.
Step 5
Continue on the coast path, passing another gate into the next valley: Tidna Shute. Alternatively, for a slightly shorter route, take the path to the left (dashed line on the map) to jump to step 8 and return to the tea-room.
Step 6
Turn inland at the base of the hill. The farmland and valleys of maritime heathland are important areas for a number of rare species. See farmland birds and butterflies in the hedges and heath and look out for grey seals in the water far below, while kestrels and peregrines hover around the cliffs. The farm has recently undergone conversion to organic status.
Step 7
Turn left at the waymarker and enjoy a walk through the Tidna Valley and woodlands until you reach a waymarker directing you back uphill towards Rectory Farm.
Step 8
Crossing several stiles and a farm track you will see a sign for the tea-room where you started.
End point
Rectory Farm Tearooms, Morwenstow, grid ref: SS205153
Trail map
More near here
Hawker's Hut walk
This gentle clifftop walk encompasses breath-taking views of North Cornwall's coast and a visit to Reverend Hawker's famous hut.
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Sandymouth to Duckpool and Stowe Wood circular walk
This circular trail offers walkers contrasting landscapes as it follows the coast from Sandymouth to Duckpool before heading inland to historic Stowe Wood.
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