At Gwelmor you are a five minute walk away from the South West Coast Path, the longest national trail in England. Pick up the trail at Widemouth Bay beach car park and head south to stunning Crackington Haven and Boscastle or north to Bude, Morwenstow and Hartland Quay. The Coast Path is best done with a map, sturdy boots, plenty of water and some good planning. Choose a walk to find out more...
This was an epic section of two halves; luscious green woodland and spectacular, open air cliff-top views. But luscious greenery can bring its problems, as we were to discover when we stopped for lunch at Sister’s Fountain deep in the woodland.
Read our blog postA short and easy leg in comparison to other sections but it certainly packs a punch with its sensational views, so it is worth taking your time over.
Read our blog postOn any other day a 13-miler branded ‘easy’ in the guide book would have probably been a breeze, but with aching muscles and 21miles already under my belt, today was tougher than I expected. To be fair though, walking 13 miles is never easy, even when relatively flat like this leg.
Read our blog postHeddon's Mouth is described in the guidebook as 'dramatic' with 'spectacular coastal landscapes' and 'breathtaking scenery'. For me, this section was a story of dog ticks and panic attacks!
Read our blog postWith The South West Coast Path right on its doorstep, Gwelmor holiday cottage is perfectly positioned for exploring some of the most sensational coastal walks that this national trail has to offer. But it was a book that actually inspired Gwelmor's owners to pull on their hiking books and attempt to walk the Path in its entirety. Our story so far...
Read our blog postSaunton Sands is a vast expanse of stunning golden beach on the north Devon coast. It's a popular spot with sun-seeking families and longboard surfers, and I can see why. It's simply stunning and, even better, dog friendly all year round.
Read our blog postI never thought I’d be so excited for a 9.2-mile walk that a guide-book brands ‘severe’, but after the year we’ve all had nothing could have been better as we finally resumed our mission to walk The South West Coast Path.
Read our blog postIf you feel the need to blow away the cobwebs the last seven hideous months have left us with then try walking Port Isaac to Rock in a 51mph wind. Trust me, it does the trick. The wind was relentless from start to finish and always against us, never behind us egging us on, making every mile feel like three.
Read our blog postThe stretch from Hartland Quay to Morwenstow is not easy but you'll be rewarded with some amazing views of the rugged north Devon coastline.
Read our blog postA flat and easy, but long walk which follows the route of the old railway line from Barnstaple to Bideford. Can be a bit frustrating as it feels as if you're not going anywhere fast and, as it also part of the Tarka Trail, it can get a bit busy, especially in summer.
Read our blog postIf you fancy a fitness challenge whilst taking in some of the splendid coastal views that Cornwall has to offer, then the hike from Crackington Haven to Boscastle ticks all the boxes.
Read our blog postA route that should have taken in Baggy Point and its 'superb views', but a misjudged turning found us cutting it off completely for an inland route instead before finally getting back on track at Croyde.
Read our blog postThe walk from Widemouth Bay to Crackington Haven is a stunner and the Path is just four minutes walk away from Gwelmor. High cliffs tops, layered rock formations and steep valleys set the scene for some sensational scenery. It's well worth the effort.
Read our blog postThis may be a shorter section but it still comes packed with jagged headlands, sandy beaches, steep climbs and historic features. A great local favourite.
Read our blog postThe small fishing village of Appledore is a maze of narrow lanes lined with brightly coloured picture postcard cottages and is a great base for this stretch of cliffs and woods.
Read our blog postInspired by the book 'The Salt Path' by Gaynor Winn, we're attempting to walk The South West Coast Path, all 630 miles of it (albeit not all at once!). And so we began, on a rather damp summer’s day in 2019, from the steep 'map' sculpture on Minehead seafront that marks the start of this epic route.
Read our blog postFrom fish and chips to fine dining, British pub grub to Continental, you can find it all in and around Widemouth Bay. Whether it's locally sourced fresh fish, a traditional Cornish pastie or cream tea, a cooked English breakfast or Italian pizza or there's everything to tickle the whole family's tastebuds. Here's a few of our favourites.
If you're like us and love a Sunday Roast, then this is the place for you. The traditional beef with trimmings is sensational and is served in a warm and friendly environment. The hotel overlooks Bude canal, is close to Summerleaze and Crooklets beaches and has dining room tables which are dog friendly. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
The ethos behind this cosy restaurant is to 'bridge the gap between local suppliers and your plate'. And it doesn't disappoint. Menus change with the season and they encourage you to order things you've never heard of - and trust them.
A great place for the whole family. Dine out on locally produced food in a great location overlooking the lake. Meanwhile the kids are kept entertained with the interactive wildlife centre and playground. Dogs are welcome in the garden and the centre has its spa too for a spot of pampering.
A fabulous eatery with delicious home-cooked quiches and pies, and range of sandwiches. There’s also a shop stocked with fresh fruit and veg, meat, cute gifts and jars of chutney to take home. Dog-friendly outdoor seating.
A great dog-friendly hang-out overlooking the beach serving coffee, fry-up breakfasts and burgers. Perfect for kick-starting the day if you can’t be bothered to cook at home, or after a morning stroll with the dogs on the beach.
A warm and friendly pub overlooking the stunning beach in the cove of Crackington Haven. Delicious dishes using locally caught fish and locally sourced vegetables and meat from nearby farms. A great place to enjoy a sundowner drink.
Eat as the sun goes down in the recently renovated sunset restaurant or bring along your dog and opt to dine in Garden bar. All the dishes are use locally sourced produce. A delicious choice for a Sunday Roast.
Traditional thatched pub with a funky and retro 70s vibe inside. Quirky furniture, fixtures and fittings will see you wandering around exploring all corners. Great garden space for outdoor dining.
Bude goes bistro-style in this swish little cafe serving great coffee, beautiful brunch and selection of burgers and salads. Perfect pit-stop before a stroll round Bude’s swanky little shops and nearby craft huts. Dogs allowed outside.
For a real taste of Bangladeshi and Indian cuisine it has to be Mirchi in Bude. Eat in or take-out, there are some fantastic specialities which suit all kinds of tastebuds from those who like their curries fiery hot to milder morsels. Whatever you choose you'll be back for more.
Traditional hand stretched and freshly cooked Italian pizza delivered direct to Gwelmor's door. The mouth-watering menu has everything from the simple margheritta to Inferno and its signature pizza La Bocca Nera made with light black dough.
Dogs welcome, the beer is good and the pub is steeped in history both in Bude’s famous Brendon family and shipwrecks and rescues on this notoriously stormy coast.
Seafront pub & restaurant within walking distance from Gwelmor. Great location but food and atmosphere can be hit and miss. Used to serve delicious homemade dishes such as its legendary fish pie but now very chip and burger based. Seemed to have lost its way since its huge expansion which is a shame.