Skip to content
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

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

Bluebells on a slope on a sunny day at Beckland Woods
Trail
Trail

Beckland Woods bluebell walk 

This two mile circular route starts and finishes at the National Trust car park at Brownsham. Enjoy quiet woodland and sea views, as well as natural history and sites of archaeological interest.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)
Shipload Bay at East Titchberry, North Devon
Trail
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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Horse riding through the woods
Trail
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.

Activities
Horse Riding
DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)
View across Peppercombe and Portledge at Bideford Bay, Devon
Trail
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.

Activities
Running
DistanceMiles: 0.5 (km: 0.8) to miles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Get in touch

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

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Visitor crossing water via stepping stones with their dog on an autumnal walk at Wallington

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Two small children and an adult looking out to sea from the beach at Bideford Bay and Hartland
Article
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.

Visitors with a dog walking through the woodland in the summer

Walking in Devon 

From rugged coastline with captivating views to gentle woodland strolls, these are some of the best walks in Devon this winter.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.