Walking the Wild Edge: Exploring 'The Salt Path' around Widemouth Bay
The Salt Path, starring Gillan Anderson and Jason Isaacs, portrays Raynor and Moth Winn's incredible 630-mile journey along The South West Coast Path from Somerset to Dorset, undertaken after personal and financial hardships. Based on the book of the same name penned by Raynor herself, their story highlights the healing potential of nature and resilience found in shared adversity.
For those inspired to explore the path themselves, North Cornwall offers some of the most dramatic and rewards sections featuring rugged cliffs, secluded coves and a rich tapestry of history and wildlife.
Widemouth Bay, where our holiday cottage is based, is a spectacular section sitting just south of Bude, north Cornwall. It's one of those rare places where the path opens up into expansive sea views, golden beaches and easy access to both gentler and more demanding stretches of the coastline.
Widemouth Bay
Here, in our guide to local walks along the Path, we start off with an easy section from Widemouth Bay to Bude before focusing on the more demanding sections both north and south of Gwelmor Holiday Cottage.
Widemouth Bay to Bude
Distance: -3 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: 1.5-2 hours
A perfect short walk if you're just starting out. Beginning at Widemouth Bay, the trail hugs the coast northward to the bustling town of Bude. The route is relatively gentle, with occasional climbs and sweeping views over the Atlantic.
Key Highlights
Widemouth Bay itself - a surfers paradise for all abilities
The imposing Compass Point tower as you near Bude
The historic Bude Sea Pool, built in the 1930s and run by volunteers
This route is idea for a sunset walk, with panoramic views that capture the coastal drama of The Salt Path.
Ragged rock formations
Widemouth Bay to Crackington Haven
Distance: 8.2 miles (13.2 km)
Grade: Strenuous
Time: 4/5 hours
Start/Finish: Widemouth Bay to Crackington Haven (linear)
This walk is a true coastal challenge, with dramatic scenery that evolves around every headland. After leaving the open sands of Widemouth Bay, the path climbs and drops over a series of steep, exposed cliffs, including Dizzard Point, where ancient dwarf oak woodland clings to the slopes.
You’ll pass secluded inlets like Millook Haven, a geologist’s dream with its striking folded rock formations. Expect a sense of isolation and awe throughout, especially when the wind whips off the Atlantic.
Key Highlights
Millooks folded cliffs, textbook geology
Dizzard Woodland, rare coastal oaks
Cambeak Headland, spectacular sea views
Crackington Haven, a sheltered cove with a pub and cafe’s
Tip: This route has some very steep ascents and descents trekking poles and good boots are recommended. Buses may be limited; arrange transport in advance.
Bude to Widemouth Bay Circular
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.8 km)
Grade: Easy to Moderate
Time: 2.5/3 hours
Start/Finish: Bude Tourist Information Centre
This family-friendly loop starts from the charming seaside town of Bude. Follow the peaceful Bude Canal towpath inland before branching out through farmland and quiet lanes to reach the coast at Widemouth Bay.
Return along the clifftop via the SWCP for expansive views and a sense of wild open space. It’s a gentle but satisfying half-day outing that mixes nature and local heritage.
Key Highlights
Bude Canal, flat and wildlife-rich
Black Rock Beach, tidal and dramatic
Cafe stops at both ends
Optional swim at Summerleaze or Widemouth
Tip: Best walked clockwise for the best views on your return leg.
Rocky window
Boscastle to Tintagel via Rocky Valley
Distance: 5.5 miles (8.7 km)
Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Time: 3/4 hours
Start/Finish: Boscastle to Tintagel (linear)
Walk Overview
This stretch is as rich in mythology as it is in scenery. Begin in Boscastle, where the harbour sits between steep wooded valleys. Climb up to Willapark Lookout, then follow high clifftop paths to the mysterious Rocky Valley, where Bronze Age labyrinth carvings lie hidden in mossy rock.
From there, continue to Tintagel Castle, perched across a dramatic footbridge and steeped in Arthurian legend.
Key Highlights
Rocky Valley, ancient carvings and waterfalls
Tintagel Castle, legendary and windswept
Panoramic cliffs, some of the highest in Cornwall
Tip: Great for history lovers. A bus (check local timetables) connects the two villages if you don’t want to retrace your steps.
Tintagel Bridge
Bude to Boscastle (via Widemouth & Crackington Haven)
Distance: 13 miles (21 km)
Grade: Very Strenuous
Time: 7/9 hours
Start/Finish: Bude to Boscastle (linear)
Walk Overview
This full-day trek links several of the routes above, traversing wild headlands and lonely coves. Starting in Bude, head south through Widemouth Bay, up over the rugged spine of Millook, and into the remote beauty between Crackington Haven and Boscastle.
This is one of the most challenging sections of the SWCP in North Cornwall but also one of the most rewarding.
Key Highlights
Everything listed in earlier walks
Deep solitude between Crackington and Boscastle
Strong chance of spotting peregrine falcons, seals, and even choughs
Tip: Only attempt if you’re well-prepared with food, water, layers, and transport arranged. It’s possible to overnight halfway if needed.
Speke's Waterfall
Hartland Quay to Hartland Point Loop
Distance: 6 miles (9.5 km)
Grade: Moderate to Strenuous
Time: 3 hours
Start/Finish: Hartland Quay
Walk Overview
On the Devon side of the border, this route combines cliff drama with historic charm. From Hartland Quay, climb north along the coast to Hartland Point, where the lighthouse once guided ships away from peril. Look across to Lundy Island or down to Speke’s Mill Mouth, with its 48-metre waterfall spilling into the sea.
Loop inland past Stoke Church, one of the most remote in Devon, and quiet hamlets before returning to the wild surf of the quay.
Key Highlights
Speke’s Mill Waterfall
Hartland Lighthouse
Wildflower-strewn cliffs in spring/summer
Remote churches and ancient farm tracks
Tip: Very exposed in poor weather. Bring waterproofs and a thermos. Reward yourself at the Quay pub!
Final Tips for Walkers
Maps: OS Explorer 111 (Bude) and 126 (Hartland & Clovelly) are recommended.
Footwear: Sturdy walking boots are a must on all but the Bude Canal.
Safety: Signal can be patchy — let someone know your plans.
Transport: Local buses serve Bude, Boscastle, and Tintagel. Taxis are sparse, so plan ahead.
Accommodation: Ideal bases include Bude (well-serviced), Crackington (quiet and rural), and Boscastle (historic with great food).
Walking this coast isn't just a physical journey, it’s a way to reconnect with the land, the elements, and yourself. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of The Salt Path or simply escaping the noise, the wild beauty of this coastline will stay with you long after the boots come off.
If you fancy following in the footsteps of Raynor and Moth and tackling these sections of The South West Coast Path yourself, why not set up base 'camp' at Gwelmor Holiday Cottage in Widemouth Bay?
Multi-award-winning Dog Friendly Holiday Cottage
Just four minutes walk from the beach at Widemouth Bay, north Cornwall, Gwelmor is a luxurious, self-catering holiday cottage which sleeps six (plus travel cot).
Our property warmly welcomes three dogs and has a host of provisions to make your dog's stay as relaxing as yours.
Gwelmor was named the South Wests Best Dog Friendly Business of the Year 2021/2022 and won Gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2021/2022.
Step inside and take our virtual tour.