Finding unique and interesting places to walk and investigate is something that I continually strive to do and there is nothing better than finding those hidden gems which our county is so famous for.
I love to ramble through the countryside, especially woodlands ,which offer so much to the eye, with a profusion of wild flowers, butterflies and birds. However, I also crave the wonderment of the coastline and one particular walk combines both of my desires, so I have double the satisfaction.
This particular walk Commences from St Nectan’s Church, Stoke, near Hartland . Here you clamber over the stone stile and follow the path across the church yard until you come across some stone steps which lead into a lane. As you walk through the maze of gravestones you cannot help but be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of this powerful building ,that stands so bold and proud.
I love to ramble through the countryside, especially woodlands ,which offer so much to the eye, with a profusion of wild flowers, butterflies and birds. However, I also crave the wonderment of the coastline and one particular walk combines both of my desires, so I have double the satisfaction.
This particular walk Commences from St Nectan’s Church, Stoke, near Hartland . Here you clamber over the stone stile and follow the path across the church yard until you come across some stone steps which lead into a lane. As you walk through the maze of gravestones you cannot help but be mesmerized by the sheer beauty of this powerful building ,that stands so bold and proud.
At the bottom of the steps you turn left into the lane which is flanked by lush, green hedges and trees and as the lane bends around there is a woodland pathway to the left which you follow.
Once inside this luscious wood there is a multitude of flora and fauna and wildlife to be seen. Springtime provides a resplendent mass of bluebells that carpet the floor and paint the landscape with its familiar blue hue, interspersed with the pale yellow primroses. The smell of wild garlic fills the air whilst the babbling stream can be heard trickling towards the sea.
Once inside this luscious wood there is a multitude of flora and fauna and wildlife to be seen. Springtime provides a resplendent mass of bluebells that carpet the floor and paint the landscape with its familiar blue hue, interspersed with the pale yellow primroses. The smell of wild garlic fills the air whilst the babbling stream can be heard trickling towards the sea.
Reaching the end of the pathway you walk into an open field which is fringed with yellow gorse and open, green fields. You walk down the hill and enter another wooded area which is abundant with the sound of the birds singing, bees swarming and butterflies flitting from plant to plant. Here you will find an array of wild flowers, such as wild Violets, Pink Campion and wild Orchids with their elegant spikes of purple.
Gnarled trees edge the pathway that leads to the sea and the Abbey River runs in harmony alongside .As the path ends you turn right crossing the river where you then enter a field that leads you to Blackpool Mouth .A beautiful, isolated beach with one solitary cottage ,renowned for its part in the adaptation of Sense and Sensibility,
Gnarled trees edge the pathway that leads to the sea and the Abbey River runs in harmony alongside .As the path ends you turn right crossing the river where you then enter a field that leads you to Blackpool Mouth .A beautiful, isolated beach with one solitary cottage ,renowned for its part in the adaptation of Sense and Sensibility,
This rugged beach oozes an air of mystery and the pure isolation is awe inspiring. The unusual, rock formation is extremely visual and the crashing waves pound the shoreline, sending an echo through the air. Wild thrifts adorn the cliff tops and the salty, sea air howls around you
Leaving this wondrous place to walk back to your starting point you venture back across the river and take the cliff path towards Hartland Quay. Once at the peak you can survey the panoramic view ,with Lundy in the distance and absorb the sheer exhilaration of nature’s gift
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Passing Dyer’s lookout you walk across the Warren which overlooks Broad Beach and proceed past the Tower Ruin, which looks towards the rugged peninsula of Hartland Quay. Continue walking until you get to Rocket House and follow the hedge across the fields, until you return from where you started. This wonderful walk can be enjoyed at any time of year and offers an opportunity to experience a variety of settings in what for me is one of the most picturesque parts of the country. |