Hartland Quay to Speke's Mill Waterfall Loop.

Komoot reference hartland loop, 6.29 km. 

This is a stunning walk in an area of lush valleys, singing birds, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking views. 

Driving to Hartland Quay from Barnstaple, you'll pass through lovely countryside and villages. As you approach the Quay there is a car park at the top of the cliff where you can leave the car. Postcode for Google Maps: EX39 6DU. (Be warned, when you finish your walk, it's a rigorous climb up to the carpark from Hartland Quay!)   Take your Komoot map and off you go!

We chose to start with the inland portion of the circular walk and come back along the coast. From the carpark, we set out towards Stoke Village, and past St Nectan Church, which dates from the 15th Century.

Then the route continues along wooded  paths, quiet farm lanes and past streams. Look for colourful displays of bluebells, primroses and wild garlic in spring; in summer enjoy the beauty of foxgloves growing in the hedgerows.  

At one point, the path takes you past a farm house.  We failed to notice the public footpath sign and thought it was a private lane, so headed off in a different direction, only to spend a half an hour wandering around fields with no way out! Time to retrace our steps.

After passing the farm, the path takes us to Speke's Valley, and follows a stream down to the coast.  The valley is part of the North Devon Biosphere, and has a wonderful variety of  wild flowers and lichens. This lush green valley is a world apart from the hubbub of daily life. 

After this serene valley, you arrive at the Speke's Mill Waterfall, cascading 60 feet down a sheer rock face.  Below, and accessed by steep steps, is a small beach where people swim near the waterfall. As the water continues the short distance to the sea, dramatic cliffs rise each side. 

From here, there is a fairly steep climb up to the South West Coast Path, heading back to Hartland Quay. The climb is worth it! Beautiful views of the rugged coastline await, with jagged rocky outcrops stretching into the sea and the sun shining like diamonds on the water. On a windy day, enjoy the sight of the waves crashing against the cliffs. 

The path then wanders through more green valleys, still with views of the sea, across streams and past the dramatic St. Catherine's Tor, rising majestically on the cliff's edge. It is thought that there was once a chapel or Roman Villa on top, but this has long since fallen into the sea.

We arrived at Hartland Quay in time to watch the sunset and then enjoy a meal at the Wrecker's Retreat. (We did have to wait for a while for a table, as the restaurant/pub is quite popular.) Thus ended a perfect day, our hearts uplifted and the beautiful walk forever etched into our memories.