Hartland & Clovelly Walks

The Hobby Drive Walk

If there’s one unmissable walk in Clovelly it’s an amble along the Hobby Drive! Created between the years 1811-1829, the drive was formed during the Romantic Movement and was originally a scenic carriage drive stretching for 3 miles.

It’s easy to see the romantic influences on the drive’s design, as it’s a great opportunity to slow down beneath the leafy trees and enjoy the walk. The walk was the idea of Sir James Hamlyn Williams and was constructed by Clovelly residents, and the drive includes 4 picturesque, gentle bridges. The flat terrain makes this an ideal walk for those with pushchairs.

Mouthmill Cove Walk

Just over 4.5 miles long there and back, this scenic Clovelly walk will take just over 2 hours overall. It’s worth noting that the terrain can be slippery and includes narrow, steep paths in places. The coastal path between Clovelly and Mouthmill Cove has it all. From quiet meadows and pretty woodland to exhilarating cliffs – there is plenty to see on the walk to the seclusion of Mouthmill Cove.

Look out for the cottage, which was formerly the mill referred to in the name. If you’re hoping to get some good snaps during the walk, make sure you stop at the Look-Out as this is the best vantage point around!

The Waterfall

A short walk from the foot of Clovelly village to the bottom of the cliffs leads to a small pebble beach.

It’s well worth venturing down for two reasons, firstly the unforgettable views across the estuary and secondly as a stunning waterfall cascades from the top of the cliff to the sea.

A cave behind the waterfall adds still more atmosphere to this dramatic spot, and some claim that this was the birthplace of the Arthurian magician Merlin! Although not the longest Clovelly walks, the sights make this one of the most rewarding.

Hartland Quay

Just a 20 minute walk along the South West Coast path from Hartland Quay, Spekes Mill Mouth boasts one of North Devon’s most impressive waterfalls. This spot is also only a short walk from Blackpool Mill Cottage – which fans of Sense and Sensibility may recognise from the BBC’s film version of the novel!

The cottage was used as the Devon home of the Dashwood family in the film, which starred Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman and Kate Winslet. It is possible to walk the beach between Hartland Quay and Blackpool Mill at low tide, so if you time the start of your walk with the tide you can start from Hartland and head to Spekes Mill Mouth. The rugged terrain was the perfect location for the shooting the timeless classic’s Devon scenes!