Dramatic Coastlines & Striking Scenery
Local Walks
South West Coast Path
Access: 1.5 miles | 25 mins walk | 5 mins by car
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The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked footpath running for 630 miles, with beautiful wild flowers and stunning coastal views. You can access the Coast Path from Lee Bay Beach, continue to follow the road past the beach to reach Morthoe then Woolacombe. Or for Ilfracombe, venture up Home Lane (the small steep track beside the old hotel). Both walks require good walking shoes/boots and are rated as moderate.
The Tarka Trail
Access: 2.1 miles | 7 mins by car
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The Northern loop of the Tarka Trail follows the South West Coastal path into the picturesque fishing town of Ilfracombe, then exits via Slade Valley. The area around the reservoirs and nature reserve is very picturesque and teeming with birds and wildlife. If you continue along the old railway line it will take you to Woolacombe. The nearest car park is known as 'Lee Bridge' car park, EX34 7HE (a 7 minute drive from Ravendere Retreats).
Baggy Point
8.8 miles | 30 mins by car
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Baggy Point is an impressive rugged headland overlooking Croyde beach. With stunning coastal views out to Lundy Island and across to Woolacombe there is an abundance of wildlife to admire. In the summer months, grey seals swim and play in the waters and there are many seabirds to spot. Keep an eye out for the impressive cormorants and ‘globally threatened’ red status birds like the Shag that breed locally on Lundy Island.
Wistlandpound Reservoir
13.7 miles | 25 mins by car
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Wistlandpound Reservoir is located on the edge of Exmoor National Park. It's a beautiful and tranquil setting and the main path that takes you around the perimeter of the lake is an easy, flat and very accessible route. The upper path is slightly less even underfoot as it winds through the surrounding deep alpine green spruce plantations. There are no facilities so bring a picnic! There is a small car park fee that helps maintain the lake.
Braunton Burrows
12.6 miles | 32 mins by car
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Braunton Burrows is one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles (approximately 1000 hectares in size!) and flanks the 3.5 mile long sandy beach of Saunton. Home to a rich diversity of plant and animal life, it boasts 470 species of flowering plants, a variety of insects (including 33 species of butterfly), many nesting birds and 5 of the 6 reptile species found in the UK. A carpet of wild flowers cover The Burrows during summer months.
