Bude is a great place to explore on foot. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll along the beach or an adventurous hike through the hills, there’s something for everyone.
From the popular Summerleaze Beach to the lesser known Northcott Mouth, this article will take you through the 15 best walks in Bude. You’ll learn why each of these routes is so special, and how you can make the most of your time outdoors.
So, grab your walking shoes and let’s get started!
Summerleaze Beach
Come explore Summerleaze Beach, one of Bude’s most beautiful and popular beaches! It is situated in the heart of the town, with the stunning rolling hills of North Cornwall to the south and the wild Atlantic Ocean to the north.
This beach is a great spot to spend a sunny day. It offers a wide range of activities such as swimming, bodyboarding, and surfing. You can also take in the scenery with a leisurely walk along the beach or take a dip in the nearby rock pools.
There are plenty of benches and picnic areas for you to relax and take in the view. With its golden sand, crystal clear waters, and stunning views, Summerleaze Beach is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing walk in the outdoors.
Crooklets Beach
Tucked away in Bude is the picturesque Crooklets Beach, where visitors can take in stunning views of the Cornish coastline and enjoy a peaceful stroll. This secluded beach is a great spot for a leisurely walk with its soft sands, crystal clear waters, and picturesque rock formations.
It’s a great spot for beachcombing, with a wide variety of shells, pebbles, and other treasures to find. The beach is also popular with surfers, as it offers great waves for experienced and novice riders alike.
There is a car park at the end of the beach, making it easily accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
The nearby town of Bude is full of quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great place to visit before or after your walk.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll by the sea or a more adventurous hike, Crooklets Beach is the perfect spot for your next outing.
The Valley Trail
For those looking for an adventurous hike, the Valley Trail is the perfect route. Located near Bude, this 6 mile trail is a great way to explore the North Cornwall countryside.
It starts at the Crooklets Beach car park, where you can take in the stunning coastal views, before heading inland. Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the beauty of the rolling countryside, and the sights of the nearby villages.
The trail culminates at the ruins of the 13th century Penstowe Manor. Here, you can take some time to explore the grounds and take some amazing photographs.
The Valley Trail is a great way to get out and explore some of the stunning scenery that Cornwall has to offer. It’s an especially good choice for those looking for a longer, more challenging hike. With the stunning views, and plenty of places to explore, this is a great route for those looking for a memorable outdoor experience.
Widemouth Bay
Nestled between the rugged cliffs of Cornwall, Widemouth Bay is a must-visit destination for those looking to take in the stunning views of the Cornish coast.
This beautiful stretch of coastline is ideal for a leisurely stroll along the beach and a chance to take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The beach at Widemouth Bay is also a great spot for a picnic, with plenty of benches located along the shoreline. Visitors can take advantage of the many rock pools and explore the wildlife that can be found in the area.
For those that are looking for a more challenging walk, there are plenty of cliff-top trails that offer stunning views of the coastline.
With so much to explore, Widemouth Bay is a great spot for a day of walking and taking in the scenery.
Duckpool Beach
You’ll find Duckpool Beach tucked away in the town of Bude, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll along the sand and pebbles, or a more challenging hike up the cliffs for a stunning view of the North Cornwall coastline.
The beach is backed by a lush grassy area that’s perfect for picnics, making it a great spot for a family day out.
On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the nearby Welsh coast.
The beach is particularly popular with wildlife watchers, with a wide variety of seabirds and wading birds making their home here.
For the more adventurous, Duckpool Beach is also a great spot for kayaking and surfing, with plenty of small caves and coves to explore.
It’s also a great spot for a romantic sunset walk – just make sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views!
Rocky Valley
Discover a hidden gem in the heart of North Cornwall: Rocky Valley. This serene and picturesque valley is the perfect spot for exploring the natural beauty and ancient history of the region.
Rocky Valley is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the best of the unique Cornish landscape. Located just a few miles from Bude, the valley has been carved out of the limestone cliffs by the River Valency, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The rocky valley walls, which are up to 200 feet high in some places, offer spectacular views across the valley, while the lush vegetation, including dense woodland, meadows, and heathland, provides a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.
The valley is also a great spot for walking, with a network of trails offering a range of experiences from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The trails take you through the valley, with plenty of interesting features to admire along the way, including the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and the ruins of an ancient chapel.
The valley is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, otters, and bats, making it a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Rocky Valley is a great spot for a peaceful and picturesque walk, and is a must-see for anyone visiting Bude.
Bude Canal
Meander along the Bude Canal and be amazed by the variety of wildlife and stunning views this tranquil spot has to offer.
The canal is located in the heart of North Cornwall and is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The beauty of the canal lies in its peacefulness, with no roads or railways alongside it.
The canal is lined with a variety of trees and shrubs, including ash, willow, and alder. Along the canal, you can spot many different species of birds and insects. In the summer months, look out for the brightly colored kingfishers that dart across the water.
On the banks of the canal, there are many hidden gems, from quaint little bridges to stunning views of the countryside.
It’s a great way to get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet, while being surrounded by nature.
Sandymouth Beach
Soak up the sun and take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Sandymouth Beach. Located in Bude, Cornwall, this beach is a popular spot for swimming and surfing.
With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, visitors can take a peaceful stroll along the beach. They can marvel at the vast expanse of the ocean and the unique rock formations that adorn the shore.
The beach is also a great spot for fishing, as there’s plenty of fish to be caught in the bay. Visitors will also find a variety of amenities, including a cafe, shops, and toilets.
For those looking for a bit of adventure, there are also plenty of water-based activities to try, such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and more.
Whatever you choose to do, Sandymouth Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxing day out in Bude.
Millook Haven
For those looking to explore the rugged Cornish coastline, Millook Haven is an ideal destination. Located near the town of Bude in Cornwall, this beach is a stunning stretch of sand and rock, with an impressive backdrop of cliffs.
The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as sea birds and seals, making it a great spot for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Millook Haven is a great spot for a leisurely stroll. The beach can be accessed via a public footpath from the nearby village of Millook. Once you arrive, you’ll be met with a stunning view of the ocean and a unique rock formation at the beach’s entrance.
There’s also a small café near the beach, serving up refreshments and snacks. The area is also full of interesting geological features, such as natural archways and interesting rock formations.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Millook Haven provides plenty of options for exploration.
Widemouth Valley
Having explored the rugged beauty of Millook Haven, the Widemouth Valley is a great spot to explore for a longer hike. This picturesque valley is located near the coast just outside of Bude and offers stunning views of the countryside.
It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of town and enjoy a peaceful walk. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, the Widemouth Valley has something for everyone.
The valley is filled with a variety of paths and trails, so it’s easy to find one that’s suitable for your skill level. There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the stunning scenery, making this a great spot for a day trip.
It’s also a great place to bring the kids, as there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep them busy.
The Strangles
Just off the coast of Bude lies the dramatic and beautiful Strangles, a great spot for a unique adventure. The Strangles is a series of spectacular rocky outcrops that stretch from the beach into the sea.
The beach is scattered with large boulders and is surrounded by steep cliffs, creating an impressive landscape. It’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, or a more adventurous hike.
The views from the top of the cliffs are especially breathtaking, and the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks is simply amazing. There’s also lots of marine life to explore, making it a great spot for snorkeling and diving.
The Strangles is a great place to take in some of the best of what Bude has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an exciting outdoor adventure, this is definitely the place to go.
Northcott Mouth
Perched atop a rugged cliff face, Northcott Mouth is a stunningly picturesque spot offering captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean. The area is accessible from the South West Coast Path and is known for its immense natural beauty.
From here, you can get an incredible view of the wild, untamed sea, as well as some of the most incredible sunsets you’ll ever see. On a clear day, you can even see the Welsh coast in the distance.
A visit to Northcott Mouth is a great way to spend an afternoon. The area is full of interesting wildlife, and you may even spot some seals playing in the sea. There’s also plenty of opportunity to take some stunning photographs.
The area is also a popular place for rock-pooling, so don’t forget to bring a net and a pair of wellies.
So, if you’re looking for a great walk with stunning sea views, Northcott Mouth is a must-see.
Tamar Lakes
Leaving the awe-inspiring Northcott Mouth, I embark on a new adventure to explore the Tamar Lakes.
Spanning over 40 hectares, these lakes are known to be the largest natural freshwater lake in Cornwall. With its lush vegetation, it’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and take in the beauty of its nature.
The area boasts a plethora of activities, ranging from watersports such as sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing, to birdwatching.
There are also trails for those who wish to explore further, with plenty of secluded spots to relax and enjoy the views.
The lake is teeming with wildlife, so it’s the perfect spot to go for a picnic and take some pictures.
With its plentiful amenities, Tamar Lakes is the ideal place to spend a peaceful day in the outdoors.
The Tamar Valley
Nestled in the beautiful Tamar Valley, the Tamar Lakes provide a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Located in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Tamar Valley is a tranquil region with some of the best walking experiences in Bude.
With its lush green valleys, rolling hills, and winding rivers, the valley is a paradise for hikers, walkers, and nature lovers. The Tamar Valley offers a range of walking experiences, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes. Whether you prefer to take a leisurely walk along the banks of the River Tamar or explore the valleys on a vigorous hike, there’s something for everyone.
For those looking for a more adventurous walk, the valley is home to a network of footpaths and trails offering a range of landscapes and scenery. With its diverse flora and fauna, the valley is a great place to spot wildlife and appreciate nature.
Crackington Haven
From Crackington Haven, you can take in the breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline while enjoying a peaceful stroll. The village is located on the south coast of Cornwall, directly across from the town of Boscastle.
It is a popular destination for visitors in the summer months, with its sandy beach and spectacular views of the sea. The South West Coast Path also passes through the village, providing an opportunity for visitors to take in the beautiful scenery of the area.
The village is home to a number of attractions, including the National Trust property of Crackington Haven. It is a picturesque village with a great selection of shops, cafes, and pubs. There are also plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained, such as fishing, surfing, and kayaking.
The beach is surrounded by dramatic, rugged cliffs, creating a stunning backdrop for any walk. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll along the beach or a more challenging hike to the top of the cliffs, Crackington Haven has something to offer everyone.
Conclusion
After visiting these beautiful places in Bude, I’m definitely sure of one thing – there’s no shortage of incredible hikes and scenic walks.
From Summerleaze Beach to Crooklets Beach, The Valley Trail to Widemouth Bay, Duckpool Beach to Northcott Mouth, and the Tamar Lakes to the Tamar Valley and Crackington Haven, there’s so much to explore and appreciate.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Bude has something for everyone.
So grab your shoes, get out and explore this stunning corner of Cornwall!