Walking the South West Coast Path from Widemouth Bay to Crackington Haven whilst staying at Gwelmor holiday cottage
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Widemouth to Crackington Haven: Walk the South West Coast Path

Molly and Indy take in the view of the stunning coastline on the walk from Widemouth Bay to Crackington Haven on The South West Coast Path whilst staying at Gwelmor holiday cottage in Widemouth
Molly and Indy enjoy the views

Distance: 8.2 miles

Severity: Severe

Time it took us: 4hrs

The hike from Widemouth Bay to Crackington Haven is a brute with high cliffs, rugged coastline and steep and deep valleys, but gratifies with some superb viewpoints along its length.

It’s a remote stretch we’ve tackled countless times as the Path is easily accessible from Gwelmor's front doorstep, with a regular bus service to bring walkers back home again.

The view back over Widemouth Bay, north Cornwall whilst walking The South West Coast Path from Widemouth to Crackington Haven whilst staying at Gwelmor holiday cottage
Looking back towards Widemouth Bay

Joining the path at Widemouth Bay we head south and follow the low cliff for a short distance before diverting inland slightly at Wanson Mouth. Turning right, the Path climbs steeply to Penhalt Cliff, where gaps in the hedge provide the perfect excuse for me to pause and catch my breath while soaking in the sensational views back over Widemouth’s wonderful bay.

A cute holiday cottage on The South West Coast Path walk from Widemouth Bay to Crackington Haven whilst staying at Gwelmor holiday cottage
Remote retreat in Millook

Heading out of the cliff-top car park across a field, the rugged and layered rock formations of Millook come into view along the shoreline.

A very steep descent leads down to Millook Haven with its shingle beach and towering cliffs with their zig zag folds which, apparently, are of huge geological interest around the world. There’s also a tiny little holiday cottage here – possibly the cutest seaside retreat ever.

Jagged rock formations down on the beach below on the stretch of The South West Coast Path between Widemouth Bay and Crackington Haven
Jagged rock formations

The Path then climbs back out again for a short distance before turning right at the cliff top at Raven’s Beak. It then climbs steadily to Dizzard Point and Chipman Point.

A further two deep and steep valleys follow which get the heart pumping big time before yet more stunning views at Castle Point. Another steep valley crossing takes us on through to Pencannow Point where Crackington Haven comes into view.

The trail of The South West Coast Path is visibly etched into the cliff side on the walk from Widemouth Bay to Crackington Haven
The Path is visibly etched into the cliff side

From here, the path is easy as it steadily descends into this gorgeous hamlet, bringing with it that much craved after pint – or two - at the Coombe Barton Inn whilst watching the sun begin to drop over this gorgeous cove.

Crackington Haven comes into view at the end of the walk from Widemouth Bay along The South West Coast Path in north Cornwall
Crackington Haven comes into view

Want to walk the walk? Why not stay at Gwelmor in Widemouth Bay?

Gwelmor 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 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!

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.

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Cornwall Tourism Award 2020 / 2021