Widemouth Bay and the Bude Canal

Starting Point: Widemouth Bay main car parks, near Bude, Cornwall (Postcode: EX23 0AW is a good central point for the bay).

Approximate Distance: 2 - 5 miles (3.2 - 8 km). This can be a walk along the length of Widemouth Bay beach itself, a section of the South West Coast Path over the cliffs, and potentially a link to the Bude Canal towpath for a varied circular route.

Estimated Time: 1.5 - 3 hours, depending on whether you focus on the beach, clifftops, canal, or a combination.

Walk Description:

1. Widemouth Bay Beach: Start from one of the car parks at Widemouth. Enjoy a walk along the expansive sandy beach (check dog restriction signage for the specific area and time of year). Admire the surf and the dramatic rock formations like Black Rock.

2. South West Coast Path Section: From either end of Widemouth Bay, pick up the South West Coast Path. Heading south towards Crackington Haven or north towards Bude offers breathtaking clifftop scenery. Be prepared for strenuous, hilly walking and keep dogs on leads due to the sheer drops.

3. Inland to Bude Canal: To incorporate the canal, you would typically walk north along the coast path towards Bude. From Bude town (or access points like Helebridge further south along the canal), join the Bude Canal towpath.

4. Bude Canal Towpath: Enjoy a peaceful, level walk along the historic canal. The towpath is well-maintained and offers a contrast to the wildness of the coast. You can walk south along the canal, perhaps towards Marhamchurch or Helebridge, before finding paths to loop back towards Widemouth (this would make a long and complex circular route needing careful map planning) or do an out-and-back canal section from Bude.

5. Return Route: For a shorter circular from Widemouth, you might do a beach walk, a section of coast path, then use inland footpaths (check OS map for these) to return. Combining all three (beach, coast path, canal) into one manageable loop from Widemouth is a significant undertaking.

Highlights:

• The stunning, wide sandy beach of Widemouth Bay, popular with surfers.
• Dramatic clifftop scenery and views from the South West Coast Path.
• The peaceful, historic Bude Canal with its level towpaths.
• A chance to experience varied Cornish landscapes: coast, cliff, and canal.
• The charming town of Bude nearby with further amenities.

Tips for Your Walk:

• OS Map ESSENTIAL: OS Explorer map 111 (Bude, Boscastle & Tintagel) is crucial for navigating the coast path, canal links, and any inland footpaths.
• Dog Beach Restrictions: Meticulously check and adhere to the seasonal dog restrictions on Widemouth Bay. Signage is usually clear.
• Cliff Safety: Take extreme care on the coast path. Keep away from cliff edges.
• Tide Times: Essential for beach walking at Widemouth Bay.
• Footwear: Good hiking boots for the coast path. Comfortable shoes for the canal. Beach may be barefoot (check for hazards).
• Bude Canal Info: Check local resources for information on the Bude Canal, its history, and access points.

This walk offers a fantastic taste of North Cornwall, but careful planning is needed to combine the different elements effectively and safely, especially regarding dogs and cliff paths.