Distance: 12.3miles
Severity: Moderate to strenuous
Time it took us: 6hrs 10 mins
Steps: 31, 047
This epic stretch is a walk of two halves: the first through some of the most luscious, vibrant woodland; the second high up on open clifftops with spectacular views.
At Porlock Weir we took a left after the hotel and shops signposted to Culbone. The route heads past an intriguing curved thatched abbey and the tiny, charming church of Culbone, the former home of a leper colony.
Onwards and upwards the path climbs and into the gorgeous greenery of Culbone, Embelle and Yenworthy Woods. It’s June and everything is at it's best and worthy of a picture or two. But luscious greenery can bring its problems, as we were about to discover as we broke for lunch at Sister’s Fountain.
So far the route has been spectacular through breathtakingly stunning woodland. However, at this time of year it’s also home to ticks that sadly made a beeline for our two oblivious cocker spaniels. We spied the little black horrors crawling through their fur and tried to flick off as many as we could, eat as quickly as possible and press on as fast as our feet could take us, in a bid to avoid attracting any more 'passengers'.
It wasn’t until later that night that we discovered just how bad the situation was, especially for poor old Molly. She was covered and it made for a rather uncomfortable night for the poor dog. But thankfully both dogs are kept bang up to date with their tick and flea treatment so, that combined with a few hours of rather satisfying 'tick-removal’, saw things put right.
Back to the path and, as we were about to emerge from woodland, we came across an ‘honesty cafe’ provided by nearby holiday cottages. It contained a cool box with cold drinks and snacks, a flask of hot water, tea bags, sachets of coffee, and mugs to make your own drink, as well as a couple of much welcome seats to rest our weary legs for a while. We devoured a coffee and Crunchie bar and wrote a thank you note in the book, left a donation, before getting back on track.
Back out in the open air, the path took us across a spectacular section with the sea way down beneath us towards Countisbury Hill. Eventually, Lynton and Lynmouth, come into view and the path zigzagged its way down the foreshore below.
Despite the tick fest, it's a route I'd most certainly do again, so don't be put off. Just make sure you're prepared.
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 welcomes three dogs and has a host of provisions to make your dog's stay as relaxing as yours.
Gwelmor was named the South West’s Best Dog Friendly Business of the Year 2021/2022 and won Gold at the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2021/2022.
Why not take our virtual tour and book your stay today!
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