Abbotsham and Green Cliffs

A favourite walk of mine is the pleasant stroll to Abbotsham Cliffs and Green Cliff beyond. Sauntering along the footpath from Westward Ho! you are shadowing a piece of history for this was once the route of the railway that ambled peacefully along the cliff path and will have proffered magnificent views .

On a warm Summer’s day you cannot help but embrace the sheer beauty and ruggedness of the coastline, breathing in the sea air and feeling the soft breeze against your face. You are enveloped by the powerful sea on one side which is intertwined with lush green pastures bordering the cliffs and cattle that peacefully graze. Truly inspirational this walk offers a fascinating combination of wildlife, butterflies and birds all interspersed with a maze of wild flowers and gorses which make this walk so appealing and enjoyable.

Arriving at Abbotsham Cliffs you are aware of the sheer solitude that this idyllic beach offers. You are saluted by a beach shrouded with rounded pebbles and interesting rock pools which are ideal for shrimping at low tide or finding the odd lobster or two. The fishing is good here too and as for the surfing well we will leave that to the experienced!  This location with its diverse scenery is somewhere you could spend the day enjoying the respite of modern life or sitting and contemplating the immense expanse of sea and enjoying the far reaching views all around towards Baggy and Braunton Burrows or towards Clovelly and Hartland.

If you feel particularly energetic you can continue on your hike over the hill to Green cliff with its prominent lime kiln which was once utilised to fire anthracite coming from a seam in the cliff and which ran all the way to Bideford . Today its earthy properties are applied as an artist’s material.

Returning homeward you can take a circular walk up through the fields and via the public footpaths and country lanes. However, whatever your route you will be mesmerised by the pure, raw beauty of this coastal scenery and you will undoubtedly revisit as I have done many times and I know for many it possesses fond memories.2022