Self-Guided Walking Bude
Holiday Overview
Bude is a superb destination for self-guided walking with relatively easy terrain along wild flower abundant rolling cliffs either side of this pretty Georgian sea port. Uniquely it also boasts miles of golden sands firm enough to walk comfortably, amazing folded rock strata, a canal with sea lock that once carried vital cargo and wetland areas ideal for birdwatchers.
Ranging from 6 to 12 miles our walks are flexible and are verified regularly by local experts so you get the best possible walking experience. You can rest assured that someone knowledgeable is on hand to offer advice and will be happy to discuss all the options with you.
Package Highlights
- Historic Georgian port with lots of interesting variety
- Easy going flexible walks to choose each day
- Detailed walking route information cards and maps
- Elegant 3 Star Hotel accommodation
- Unlimited support and advice throughout
- Free travel planning service
Walks Information
After booking we provide detailed walking route guides by email for you to ponder and plan your options ahead of your holiday, then waiting at the Hotel will be hard copies and maps for you to use on the walks.
Our self-guided walking holiday is totally flexible so you can choose which walks to enjoy each day and we can help you with any questions that may arise.
Bude to Widemouth Bay
A nice leisurely walk along the Bude Canal then up to the headland where the sandy bay of Widemouth stretches out before you. Spend some time exploring the dunes before returning along the undulating coast path to Bude harbour, to explore and possibly visit the Castle Museum.
Crackington Haven to Widemouth Bay
This more challenging walk south along the coast path is worth the effort as the rugged cliffs take you through an ancient stunted oak forest and rocky isolated bays, delivering you to the gentility of Widemouth Bay. A bus from outside the Hotel runs to Crackington Haven and also through Widemouth Bay for your return trip, alternatively you might like to continue on foot back to Bude as above.
Bude to Sandymouth
If the tide is very low you may walk the entire length to Sandymouth under the cliffs, giving a fascinating view of the magnificent anticline formations that tower up. Otherwise following the Coastpath takes you along the top of the cliffs which are abundant with wild flower in Spring to the inlet of Sandymouth with a small cafe for a welcome stop before returning via drove lanes to Bude.
Sandymouth to Coombe Valley
Extend the walk further along the coast to the Iron Age port at Duckpool where you follow a lane inland to the absolute hidden gem of Coombe, with thatched cottages and tall watermill. Then into woodland, circling back up to the headland passing the site of Stowe House, once the largest palace in Southwest England, and then returning to Sandymouth.
Accommodation
Bude's Falcon Hotel has been welcoming guests for over 200 years and is in a great location overlooking the canal basin with views out to sea.
The friendly staff go out of their way to make you feel at home and the Hotel has a traditional charm.
The residents lounge and gardens offer tranquillity and should you want to get your toes tapping, various music clubs meet here including Jazz, Folk and Shanties, or maybe you might like to join-in.
Consistently receiving great reviews, the Falcon Hotel is arguably the very best accommodation in Bude.
Rooms
The beautifully presented 29 bedrooms look out to the canal or landscaped gardens at the rear and have en-suite bathrooms, most with bath and over shower, some with shower cubicles only.
With TVs, internet access and telephones from the comfort of your room you can stay connected to home should you wish.
Rooms are also are equipped for you to make tea or coffee and with ironing facilities, plus the Hotel offers a laundry service on weekdays.
Food
A hearty cooked breakfast is included in our package or you can opt for a lighter start to the day with fruit and cereals.
For lunch we recommend some cafes or pubs along the route or Bude has a number of excellent pasty shops if you wish to try the local portable lunch option. Alternatively, you can buy a packed lunch from the Hotel to take with you.
Dining in the evening is up to you; choose from the Coachman's Bar or Tennyson's Restaurant at the Hotel or wander into the town offering a wide choice including some places specialising in local fish, crab and lobster.
Bude is the most northerly town on the North Cornish coast and this ancient sea port has a great deal to interest visitors. Miles of sandy beaches, plus a rich historical harbour side nestling in the shelter of sea cliffs both to the North and to the South make Bude an ideal destination for walking.
Travelling by Car
Leave the M5 at Exit 31 taking the A30 towards Bodmin then after Oakhampton the A386 towards Bude, turn left onto A3079 then right onto A3072 until you reach Bude. Exeter 1hr, Bristol Airport 2hrs 15mins, London Heathrow 3hrs 45mins.
Location & Travel
Travelling by Train
Exeter St David's is the nearest rail station with hourly trains from London, Exeter, Plymouth, Truro and Penzance, from here you can continue by bus or taxi. London Heathrow 3hrs.
Travelling by Bus
Bude has a regular bus service from Exeter St David's taking 1hr 45mins. There is also a coastal bus service to Boscastle 45mins which is a perfect addition to your holiday.
Travelling by Air
Cornwall Newquay Airport has connecting flights from London Gatwick 1hr 5mins and London Stansted 1hr 15mins (spring/summer) then by taxi 1hr. From London Heathrow continue by train to Exeter and then bus or taxi.
For more information and assistance planning your travel please contact us as we will be happy to help.
Prices & Booking
3 Nights from £299 or 4 Nights from £399 per person sharing a double or twin room
Includes Hotel accommodation with breakfast, walking route guides and maps, local support throughout your holiday.
To make an enquiry or booking please complete the details below or call us on +44(0)1288 331416
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