Bude Walks
There’s nothing like a walk in the salty sea air to make you feel truly exhilarated, and exploring North Cornwall on foot is one of the best ways to take in the dramatic beauty of the area.
The South West Coast Path, England’s longest waymarked footpath, runs directly through Bude, offering access to some of Britain’s most breathtaking coastal scenery. Head north towards Hartland Quay in Devon, where dramatic cliffs reveal millennia of geological history, or journey south towards Crackington Haven and Boscastle to experience Cornwall’s rugged northern coastline at its most spectacular.
From wild coastal wanders to scenic canal rambles, here are some of the best Bude walks.
Bude Canal Walk
The Bude Canal, a remarkable feat of engineering from the 19th century, offers serene waterside walks and excellent opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. Stroll along the 2-mile towpath past the Bude Marshes Nature Reserve and alongside the River Neet. You can return via the South West Coast Path for a longer route.
Length - Varies from 1-6 miles
Difficulty - Easy
Good for - Wildlife spotting and sea views
Three Beaches Walk
The Three Beaches walk showcases the rugged natural beauty and coastal allure of the area. Starting from the Bude Tourist Information Centre, head towards the end of the Bude Canal, past Bude Sea Pool and towards Crooklets Beach. Follow the Coast Path to Northcott Mouth Beach and Summerleaze.
Length - 3.5 miles
Difficulty - Easy to moderate
Good for - Experiencing the coastal landscape from different perspectives
Morwenstow and Hawker’s Hut
Beginning at Morwenstow church car park, this exhilarating clifftop walk boasts incredible views. Follow the path down to the valley towards Vicarage Cliff before joining the South West Coast Path, where you can take the steep steps down to the Hawkers Hut, returning via the wooded valley at Tidna. Make sure to stop off in one of the local cafes for a classic Cornish cream tea at the end.
Length - 2.2 miles
Difficulty - Moderate with steep steps to the hut
Good for - Incredible clifftop views
Tamara Coast to Coast Way
The mighty Tamara Coast to Coast Way traverses the River Tamar from Plymouth to its source at Woolley Moor, near Morwenstow. Connecting Cornwall’s North and South Coasts, this 87-mile stretch can be picked up anywhere along the route. Key highlights include the Tamar Lakes and the mystical ancient woodlands.
Length - Various
Difficulty - Easy to moderate
Good for - Beautiful and varied scenery
Bude to Widemouth Bay
One of the best coastal Bude walks, this picturesque trail takes in several sandy beaches, including Sandy Mouth and Crooklets. Begin the walk by the canal in Bude town centre, heading to Summerleaze Beach and climbing up to Compass Point and Efford Beacon, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking coastal views.
Length - 4 miles
Difficulty - Easy
Good for - Coastal views