Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Bideford Bay and Hartland
Miles of unspoilt coastline that inspired Rudyard Kipling
Rangers office, Brownsham, Hartland nr Bideford, Devon, EX39 6AN
Opening times for 21 December 2024
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS2526272829301234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303112345OpenPartially openClosedCar park
Dogs allowed
Undulating and uneven ground which is steep in places. No toilets. The cliff top is accessible from the car park at East Titchberry.
Steps/uneven terrain
By road
A39 (Bideford to Bude) runs alongside much of this property. Use minor roads to access places such as Kipling Tors, Peppercombe, Buck's Mills, Brownsham and East Titchberry
On foot
The South West Coast Path passes through this remote and peaceful area from Bude in the south west and from Bideford in the north east. East Titchberry, Brownsham, Mount Pleasent in Clovelly, Buck's Mills, Peppercombe, Kipling Tors and Burrough Farm are all linked to it
By train
Barnstaple train station about 7 miles from Bideford
By bus
Regular Barnstaple-Bideford-Westward Ho! service, passes within 1 mile of Kipling Tors and Burrough Farm. Barnstaple-Bideford-Clovelly-Hartland service, alight Abbotsham, Peppercombe, Buck's Mills or Clovelly, all within 1 mile of coast along footpaths or country lanes
By bicycle
The Tarka Trail to Bideford from Barnstaple and Braunton is a family-friendly 15-mile cycle route. Generally the roads in this area are not ideal for bike rides - the A39 is a busy, fast traffic route
By ferry
Regular seasonal boat trips are available from Appledore and Clovelly. They offer a fantastic way to experience the remoteness and beauty of this corner of Devon
Rangers office, Brownsham, Hartland nr Bideford, Devon, EX39 6AN
Highlights
Coastal walks
Stretch of coast from Welcombe to Westward Ho! Includes Peppercombe and Bucks Mills.
Woodland
Miles of footpaths, including Brownsham Woods, Kipling Tors and Abbotsham Cliffs.
Kipling Tors
A lookout point over Westward Ho! named after Rudyard Kipling with local connections.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Bideford Bay and Hartland
Discover what to see and do when visiting Bideford Bay & Hartland, including unspoilt villages, historical landmarks, wildlife watching spots and lush orchards.
Top trails
Trail
East Titchberry circular walk
Explore this circular coastal walk at East Titchberry near Hartland Point, with stunning views along the South West Coast Path.
Trail
A short walk around Welcombe Mouth
This gentle one-mile circular route offers a good variety over a short distance, including a wooded stream course, inland valleys and memorable views of the Atlantic.
Trail
Peppercombe Valley circular walk
This scenic one-mile circular route starts and finishes at Peppercombe Bothy, taking in quiet country tracks, a wooded valley and memorable views of the North Devon coastline.
Trail
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.
Trail
Kipling Tors walk
Take this National Trust walking trail and discover the inspiration behind a Kipling classic.
Trail
East Titchberry to Exmansworthy circular walk
This invigorating four and a half mile circular route from East Titchberry incorporates bridleway, farm tracks, quiet lanes and beautiful Devon scenery: perfect for horse riding.
Places to stay
Peppercombe Bothy
Skip the hassle of putting up your tent this summer and stay in this coastal stone hut with sea-views for miles.
Peppercombe Coastguard Cottage 1
A whitewashed cottage with an interesting history in a woodland area in Peppercombe Valley.
Peppercombe Coastguard Cottage 2
Close to the beach with a fascinating history and just three miles from cobbled Clovelly village.
Peppercombe Coastguard Cottage 3
A cob cottage for two in a lush, wooded valley, a short walk from Peppercombe Beach.
Combe Cottage
A country escape with a nearby stream and heaps of rustic charm, with slate floors and a stone fireplace.
Outdoor activities
Trail
East Titchberry to Exmansworthy circular walk
This invigorating four and a half mile circular route from East Titchberry incorporates bridleway, farm tracks, quiet lanes and beautiful Devon scenery: perfect for horse riding.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Bideford Bay and Hartland
A quiet but beautiful stretch of rugged cliffs, sheltered valleys and ancient woodlands.
Explore Brownsham and Hartland which has miles of unspoilt cliffs, bays and waterfalls with woodland valleys and grassland.
When visiting the historic fishing village of Clovelly, make your way to the small leafy park of Mount Pleasant with fantastic views across Bideford Bay.
Explore where cars cannot go; wander down peaceful Peppercombe Valley which is home to a variety of wildlife such as orchids and butterflies, with woods abounding in deer, badgers and foxes. Enjoy the secluded beach and beautiful views, a real treat all year round.
The historic greenspaces of Kipling Tors and Burrough Farm are found on the edge of Westward Ho! and the Torridge Estuary. Rudyard Kipling played in Kipling Tors as a school boy.
The craggy cliffs of South Hole are on the site of Embury Beacon, an Iron Age hill fort.
History
Article
The artistic history of Bideford Bay and Hartland
As if trapped in time, the coastal summer studio of artists Judith Ackland and Mary Stella Edwards stands just as it did more than 40 years ago.
Our work
Article
Our work at Bideford Bay and Hartland
Conservation work at Bideford Bay and Hartland has increased biodiversity with wildflower-rich meadows at South Hole, Abbotsham, Peppercombe and Burrough Farm, and rare marsh fritillary butterflies at Brownsham.
Article
South West Coast Path: creating a year-round economic asset in Devon
Thanks to funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Green Lane and Bucks Mills have started improvements to help make the South West Coast Path a year-round experience. Find out about other nearby places that have benefitted.
Project
Project
North Devon Grasslands project
Newly sown wildflower grassland will connect nature habitats in the North Devon countryside. The project will see grassland cover 1,275 hectares over pockets of land across 70 miles by 2030, from Torridge to west Exmoor.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Bideford Bay and Hartland.