Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the National Trust car park at Heddon Valley the walk passes the Hunter's Inn, crosses the River Heddon and follows the track down the valley towards Heddon's Mouth. The coast path then climbs steeply up the west side of the valley, across a scree slope, to Peter Rock, and runs west along the top of some of the highest sea cliffs in England, with views to Lundy and Wales. It turns inland past Trentishoe church and follows lanes down through the woods to the Hunter's Inn.
It is 5.8 km with 230 m of ascent; allow about 2 hours. The grade is Easy. About 40% is on lanes; watch for traffic.
The path across the scree slope is clear but exposed: the National Trust says the walk is not suitable for young children or anyone uneasy with heights. It is very steep in parts, with steps. Keep dogs on leads near the cliffs and the grazing cattle.
Heddon Valley is a National Trust pay car park; members park free. There is no station near; the nearest is Barnstaple, about 18 km away.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- Down the Heddon valley towards Heddon's Mouth
- Up across a scree slope to Peter Rock and along some of the highest sea cliffs in England
- Inland past Trentishoe church and down the lane back to the Hunter's Inn
- The cliff path is exposed: not for anyone uneasy with heights
Getting there
Start: Heddon Valley car park · Pay and display. 51.21554, -3.92698
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Barnstaple: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.