Sandy Bay Hotel to Watermouth Cove

Be prepared for some magnificent views on this relatively short walk of about 2.8 km return.  Start at Sandy Cove Hotel. You can park the car just before the gate, on the left.  Also on the left is the path you need to take. 

The first part of the walk takes you through the woods.  In late spring, the hedgerows are carpeted with wild garlic, a  glorious sight. 

As you progress, you will get some wonderful views of the coast behind you, and of beautiful Broadsands Beach, far below. (Accessed via 220 cliff steps. This steep descent ensures that the beach is rarely crowded! ) 

Continue until you exit the woods and descend a fairly steep hill, (about 70m descent.) 

You continue and traverse the campsite. You'll have lovely coastal views as you walk. 

Look out for a sign on your right saying 'Watermouth Valley."  In this little nook there is a wonderfully-placed bench where you can sit and drink in the beauty of the view before you.

After this inspirational break, continue through the campsite, with Watermouth Castle proudly perched on the hill to your left. 

Shortly afterwards, you will  reach charming Watermouth Cove.  Time for some refreshment at the the Tea Cup Cafe! 

Then, well, it's back the way you came! 

There is a very good reason to begin at Sandy Cove Hotel--the restaurant has some of the most stunning coast views, and it's a great place for lunch after a morning walk. (Photos of this cliff-top restaurant with its glorious views in another post.)

I prefer lunch rather than dinner here as this part of the coast faces North, so no view of the sunset. And in fact, as the sun sinks in the sky, the hills behind the hotel cast long shadows across the cove and cliffs. 

And so ends another exhilarating walk in glorious North Devon.