Walk #88: Barnstaple to Woolacombe
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General Data
| Date Walked | 27/04/2000 |
| County | Devon |
| Start Location | Barnstaple |
| End Location | Woolacombe |
| Start time | 09.05 |
| End time | 13.50 |
| Distance | 12 miles |
| Description | This was a very pleasant walk along the south west coast path and some roads. |
| Pack | No tent or trangia. |
| Condition | I feel okay after this walk. I am a bit fatigued but nothing major or worrying. My bad ankle is still aching a far bit, and this is now starting to get slightly worrying. I will see what develops over the hard day to come tomorrow. |
| Weather | The weather today was totally brilliant. For the first day on this trip I have not needed to have my coat on at all. This makes a large difference to so many things, including my mood. The day has been mostly overcast, although there were periods during which the sun poked through the clouds, and these periods got more frequent as the day progressed. The wind was not too strong either, which made this a nice day for walking. |
| OS map | Landranger number 180 (Barnstable & Ilfracombe, Lynton & Bideford) |
General Walk Information
| Leg | To | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leave Barnstaple B&B | 09.05 |
| 2 | Braunton | 10.45 to 11.00 |
| 3 | Georgeham | 11.55 to 12.10 |
| 4 | Putsborough | 12.30 |
| 5 | Woolacombe beach (south end) | 12.45 |
| 6 | Woolacombe B&B | 13.50 |
Notes
This was a relatively short day which had relatively easy going for the first five miles to Braunton (following the old Barnstaple to Ilfracombe railway line) and for the last couple of miles along Woolacombe beach. The middle section between Braunton and the beach had some hills, but nothing that could be called steep or hard. Despite the early start and finish (or perhaps because of it) my morale is quite low and for some reason I feel like I could give up the trip tomorrow. I cannot put my finger on why I feel like this, but it may be down to the fact that my bad ankle is playing up slightly, and that I have three hard days in front of me.
Actually, I have just cheered up - I have been playing pool with a family from Reading in the pub and it has cheered me up no end. We played some pool and I had a lovely pizza for my evening meal. Perhaps all I needed to cheer me up was some friendly company and a pizza injection!
Woolacombe beach is very nice - the sand is just right and when the tide is out the expanse of sand is quite large. As I was walking back along the Esplanade from the pub tonight the sun was setting, and Lundy island was surrounded by a flame-red sunset and some low cloud. It was an absolutely lovely and stunning sight.
Directions
Follow the South West Coast Path for five miles north westwards out of Barnstaple. The going is very easy on the former railway trackbed, and a good speed can be kept up.
Go into the centre of Braunton and walk along the green past the boules courts. When the green ends turn left up a road that takes you uphill past Buckland Manor. Turn right uphill off this road past the entrance drive to the Manor, and near the 136 metre trig point take the left branch of the road. Take the next right that takes you into the village of Darracott, and continue on into Georgeham.
When you reach Georgeham turn left past a few shops and then immediately right which takes you down and up a little dip in the road. At the T-junction at the top of the dip turn left and walk along the road to Putsborough.
Go through Putsborough, cross the stream via the ford and when the road ends at a T-junction turn right. This road heads north, and here you have two choices; you can either walk along the coastal path behind the dunes or, if the tide is out, you can walk for two miles along the beach, which is by far the best and easiest alternative. Whichever you choose, head north for two miles until you come into Woolacombe.
Accommodation
I spent the night at Clyst House, Rockfield Road, Woolacombe, EX34 7DH, telephone 01271 870220. It cost £18.00 per night.
For more details of suitable accommodation in this area, please see the South West Coast Path Association's Annual handbook.
Disclaimer
Please note that I take no responsibility for anything that may happen when following these directions. If you intend to follow this route, then please use the relevant maps and check the route out before you go out. As always when walking, use common sense and you should be fine.
If you find any information on any of these routes that is inaccurate, or you wish to add anything, then please email me.
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And finally, enjoy your walking!
This walk was mentioned in the following routes:
| My sectional Land's End to John O'Groats walk |
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