Wild coastal walks: Parson Hawker's cliffs

Think there are no wildernesses left on our coast? Here are seven walks that let you taste the cream of the wild coastlands - moody, offbeat and inspiring - and see why these islands are so satisfying to explore.

 

Parson Hawker's cliffs

Morwenstow to Duckpool Beach, near Bude, North Cornwall

This superb walk traverses the wild Cornish cliffs associated with Robert Hawker, the remarkable and eccentric 19th-century vicar of the remote parish of Morwenstow, who wore colourful fancy dress, had an even more colourful private life and would pinch babies at their christening to make them yell out the Devil.

 
Wilderness rating: rugged and remote

Look out for sea-fretted cliffs where the Atlantic winds roar; Parson Hawker's Hut, where he smoked opium and wrote poetry, and the eerie, ferny depths of Hollygrove Wood. Way to go From Morwenstow church, take the footpath to the cliffs. Visit Hawker's Hut (which is signposted); then follow the coast path to Duckpool Beach. Return inland via Coombe, Woodford and Stanbury.

 

Time and effort needed Allow four hours for the seven-mile route. The cliff path is quite steep in places, so be prepared.

 
Refuel at: The Bush Inn, Morwenstow (01288 331242, www.bushinn-morwenstow.co.uk), a welcoming pub with B&B.

Getting there: Take the 319 bus from Bude to Morwenstow.

 

Sleep at: The Old Vicarage, Morwenstow (01288 331369, www.rshawker.co.uk), a shrine to Parson Hawker, whose home it once was. B&B, £40 per person.

 

OS Maps Landranger 190; Explorer 126. Click here for the Ordnance Survey Get a Map service

For more information Contact Bude TIC (01288 354240, www.visitcornwall.com).

 

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