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Small stone dwelling on hill overlooking beach
Bucks Mill cabin, Bideford Bay, Devon | © National Trust / Hannah Burton
Devon

Peppercombe Bothy circular walk

This is a four-mile circular route starting and finishing at Peppercombe Bothy. It passes through wooded valleys and quiet lanes, and incorporates part of the South West Coast Path, where you can see find sweeping views of Bideford Bay and Lundy. Please note that there is no vehicle access to the valley, and so if you're arriving by car, you'll need to find somewhere to park in Horns Cross and walk down to the bothy to start the walk from step one, which will make the walk nearly a mile longer. Or you could park at Bucks Mill (where there is a car park) and start the route from Step 5.

Caution

Due to the number of trees along this route it is advised you only use it during daylight hours and not in windy conditions.

Total steps: 13

Total steps: 13

Start point

National Trust Peppercombe Valley, grid ref: SS383239

Step 1

From Peppercombe Bothy, continue down the track and over the bridge, then turn left, following the coast path.

Step 2

Continue straight on for about a mile, following signs for Bucks Mills.

Step 3

Upon reaching the fingerpost either continue straight on towards Bucks Mills for the longer route or turn left, following the sign for Green Lane, for the shorter route. If taking the latter route, cross three stiles and turn immediately left after the third (you are now at Step 7).

Step 4

Pass through two wicket gates and then turn left, following the sign for Green Lane.

View from clifftop across bay towards distant village
View of Clovelly, Devon | © National Trust Images / Luke Johns

Step 5

Continue through the next wicket gate and follow Green Lane uphill until you reach the top.

Step 6

Pass through the field gate.

Step 7

Follow the track up to the quiet lane, keeping an eye out for traffic along the way.

Step 8

Turn left after Northway Farm Cottages down a dead end lane. Head down the lane to the public footpath.

Step 9

Turn right after approximately 100 yards and head down a public footpath opposite a house. Follow the stone path downhill.

Step 10

Cross over the bridge and continue to follow the path down into the valley.

Step 11

Upon reaching the track at the bottom of the hill turn left, following the sign marked 'Peppercombe Beach/Coast Path'

Step 12

Pass the house and continue on through the gate.

Step 13

Pass the National Trust holiday cottages, over the bridge and turn right heading back up to the bothy, situated on the left.

End point

National Trust Peppercombe Valley, grid ref: SS383239

Trail map

Peppercombe to Bucks Hillfort Trail Map
Peppercombe to Bucks Hillfort Trail Map | © © Crown copyright and database rights 2016 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

Rangers office, Brownsham, Hartland nr Bideford, Devon, EX39 6AN

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