Cornwall

Sandymouth to Duckpool coastal walk

Setting off from Sandymouth beach, north of Bude, this walk follows the South West Coast Path to Duckpool before returning along the same route. Views stretch far along the coast with clifftops adorned with wild flowers during the summer. The beaches at Sandymouth and Duckpool are backed by twisted cliffs and are ideal places to explore rock pools. You can also do the walk in reverse, starting from Duckpool and heading towards Sandymouth.

Near to

Sandymouth

Start point

Sandymouth car park EX23 9HW

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)

Duration 50 mins

Dog friendly***

*Follows undulating path with slopes and steps along the way. For further details, see section marked Terrain.
**Uneven route with slopes and steps. For further details, see section marked Access.
***Dogs welcome on a lead. For further details, see section marked Facilities.

Address
Sandymouth, near Bude, EX23 9HW
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
The walk follows the South West Coast Path.
By road
Approaching from the south: Follow the A39 north from Bude. Turn left before arriving at Kilkhampton and follow the minor road through Stibb. The turn to Sandymouth beach is located on a sharp right bend about 500m beyond Stibb.
Approaching from the north: From Bideford follow the A39 south through Kilkhampton. Turn right as you leave the village and follow the minor road through Stibb. The turn to Sandymouth beach is located on a sharp right bend about 500m beyond Stibb. If starting the walk from Duckpool ignore the turning to Sandymouth and continue on the minor road. It will descend into a steep, wooded valley. Cross the bridge and turn left signed to Duckpool.
Total stages: 4
Total stages: 4
Start point
Sandymouth car park EX23 9HW
Stage 1
From the car park follow the path down towards the beach and cliffs (past the café and toilets). Before the path drops to the beach (where the information panel is located) turn right and follow the footpath through a kissing gate.
Stage 2
Follow the path across the field and over the river. Take the sloping path up the valley to your right, to arrive on top of Stowe Cliffs.
Stage 3
Continue along the coast path (wooden fingerposts will guide you), passing through a gate and eventually descending to the footbridge at Warren Gutter. Cross the stream and climb the slope to Warren Point. Keep walking and soon you’ll pass through another gate and look down on Duckpool and the freshwater pond behind the pebble bank which might have given the beach its name.
Stage 4
Follow the footpath down to the footbridge and car park. Duckpool beach is also accessible the most at low tide. Retrace your steps to Sandymouth.
End point
Sandymouth car park EX23 9HW
Trail map
Sandymouth to Duckpool coastal walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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The cliffs above Sandymouth on the Cornish coast looking north at dusk, with the cliffs falling sheer to the sea

Trail

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.

near Bude, Cornwall

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bude@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Visitors walking in the parkland at Lyme Park, Cheshire

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Sandymouth to Duckpool coastal walk

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