Cornwall

Duckpool and steeples walk

This circular clifftop walk will take you from the car park at Duckpool to a section of the South West Coast path between Bude and Morwenstow. You'll encounter some steep slopes and some of the most breathtaking views of North Cornwall's coastline.

Experience one of Cornwall's wild and dramatic corners

You will find a great deal of interesting local wildlife on this walk. If you are afraid of heights, this is probably not the walk for you.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

Total steps: 7

Start point

Duckpool National Trust car park, grid ref: SS202117

Step 1

Start at Duckpool car park and head onto the road.

Step 2

Walk up the road, passing Duckpool Cottage on your right.

Step 3

Look out for a gate on the left which is signposted 'To the Coast Path'. Go through the gate and follow the track along the hedgerow.

Step 4

The track will take you up a gentle incline and round a series of bends.

King William's bridge

In this sequestered valley, the little stream was once crossed by a ford. When the water level rose after heavy rain, landowners would complain that their sheep or cattle were sometimes swept away. A scheme to replace the ford with a bridge was launched in 1836, headed by King William IV and with support from local landowners and farmers. Look closely at the bridge: you'll see a tablet recording the King's gift of £20 and the inscription 'Fear God! Honour the King'.

Step 5

When you reach the top of the field, cross a stile and turn left onto the coast path.

Step 6

Follow the path along the cliff edge, which veers to the right before it begins to descend.

Step 7

Keep following the path round a sharp bend and down the descent until you get back to the car park.

A Romano-British port

A Romano–British forge and the medieval port for Kilkhampton were discovered on the beach at Duckpool in the 1980s. Following erosion by the sea and by vehicles driving over the site, it was partly excavated. The remains of the buildings were recorded, along with the discovery of pottery and brass, all dating from the medieval period. During the Romano–British period, boats were moored on the beach, and it's likely the area was a port for the tin trade.

End point

Duckpool National Trust car park, grid ref: SS202117

Trail map

Map route for Duckpool and steeples walk — Duckpool and steeples walk map | © Hand Made Maps Ltd

Hawker's hut, Morwenstow, where Reverend Hawker would smoke opium and write poetry

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near Bude, Cornwall

01208863046

duckpool@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Duckpool and steeples walk

Experience one of Cornwall's wild and dramatic corners

Total steps: 7