The South West Coast Path runs 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset. The breath-taking stretch along north Cornwall falls right on Gwelmor's doorstep and has some seriously arduous climbs, but the rewards are worth the effort. We're are on a mission to walk entire path and are blogging each leg along the way.

North Cornwall

Bude has its very own semi-natural sea pool just above Summerleaze Beach. Open daily and free to swim thanks to the dedicated work of the Friends of Bude Sea Pool charity. Dogs on leads welcome, a water bowl is provided but there’s no shade.

Bude

With its craggy rock-pools, colourful beach huts, open-air sea pool, surf schools, kayaking and outdoor pursuits, Summerleaze Beach has it all. The beach is dog friendly all year round but must be kept on a lead from May 21 to September 30 10am to 6pm.

Bude

Widemouth Bay is a fantastic spot to learn to surf or try your hand at bodyboarding. It has a Blue Flag Beach Award for cleanliness and is seasonally manned by lifeguards for your safety and has surf schools on hand.

Widemouth Bay

Whether you walk, cycle or paddle this unique waterway it's a haven for wildlife and delight to explore. Originally built to transport lime-bearing sand for use as agricultural fertiliser its locks hauled ‘tub boats’ up steep slopes on chains.

Bude

Crooklets adjoins Summerleaze Beach and at low tide you can walk between the two. Has a row of pretty beach huts for hire, a play area, skate park, showers, amusements and water sports. Dogs welcome out of season.

Bude

This gorgeous and unspoilt National Trust beach lies between Bude and Morwenstow. A fantastic stretch of sand is unveiled at low tide with a dramatic backdrop of sheer cliffs. Seasonal café and toilets and dog friendly all year.

Sandymouth Beach

A former working farm now an all-weather attraction for the whole family, with a host of cute animals and a great selection of rides and activities. There are different shows/displays depending on the time of the year. Free dog kennels on site.

Bideford

Traditional two-screen cinema and a refreshing change from big multiplexes. Big Screen releases, comfy seats, 3D digital projection, cutting-edge sound systems and small refreshment kiosk make it great choice for rainy days.

Treskinnick Cross, Bude

An 18-mile multi-use trail giving access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow. Suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse-riders and wheelchair users.

Wenfordbridge to Padstow

With its massive biomes housing the largest rainforest in captivity, this is a great place to visit, especially in wet weather. They also put on exhibitions, summer concerts and family events so it’s worth checking out their website.

Bodelva

Test your balance on a segway as a fun way to explore 500 acres of stunning countryside trails on offer you can ride from Wooda Farm in Bude to Widemouth Bay. The centre also offers caving experiences, surf lessons and wall climbing.

Bude

With more than 40 natural, sea-themed habitats its great for kids to explore critters from local Cornish waters as well as tropical creatures from exotic seas. The Aquarium is home to turtles, jellyfish, octopus and black tipped reef sharks.

Newquay