Explore
the Coast & "Country" Side of Bideford Bay
|
||
Copyright Notice | ||
|
Haven at Hartland Quay | |
Make
your way across the Hartland Peninsula to Hartland Quay. From Hartland Town
the road winds down and round passed Hartland Abbey and onwards through
the small hamlet of Stoke, home to the impressive Church of St. Nectan which
towers above the parish. Eventually the road comes to an end and a small
kiosk can be seen on the left. This is the entrance to Hartland Quay. In
the holiday season (Good Friday until the end of the October half term)
and weather permitting this kiosk is manned from 10am until 5pm. There is
a small car parking charge, so much per car which entitles you to park all
day. There is a steep tarmac road so you can drive all the way down which
is ideal for families with young children or anyone who has difficulty walking
back up. If you prefer a leisurely stroll down and always carry a camera
you will be rewarded with plenty of photo opportunities as Bideford Bay
and the famous jagged Hartland Rock Formations come into view. There is
another car park and grassy picnic area about half way down. For over 400
years Hartland Quay has been a haven for mariners and travellers in fair
weather or foul. The old 16th century quay has long since gone but a visit
to the Shipwreck Museum will unlock the mysteries of how this historic quay
worked in bygone days, the geology and natural history of this dramatic
part of the Atlantic Heritage Coast. The museum also displays photographs,
paintings and relics which bring to life stories of daring-do, smugglers,
shipwrecks, fishing and coastal trade and industry. Three generations of
the Johns Family have welcomed visitors to the Hartland Quay Hotel which
is owned by the Stucley family who live nearby at Hartland Abbey and until
2016 the hotel was proudly run by Chris and Jill Johns. Today the hotel
is run by Donal and Sarah Stafford. When the tide is out the beautiful sheltered
cove exposes some interesting rock pools and a sandy beach which can be
reached easily via the slipway. Enjoy safe bathing, fishing, surfing and
exploring. Twenty minutes walk South of Hartland Quay is Spekes
Mill Mouth, the most spectacular waterfall on the North Devon Atlantic
Heritage Coast. It is also a short walk to Blackpool cottage, the setting
for the BBC's recent adaption of Sense and Sensibility. So bright and breezy,
wet and windy if you're a walker needing a well earned rest from the rigours
of the South West Coast Path, a geologist in awe of the incredible Crackington
Formation or simply spending an enjoyable family day out make your way down
to Hartland Quay and the Wreckers Retreat. We would like to thank Jill Johns
for help with this editorial. To find more information about accommodation
and "weddings on the rocks" please visit Hartland
Quay Hotel Web Site. Use the following web link for opening times for
Hartland Abbey &
Gardens The Wrecker Retreat Bar is open all year round from 11am
to 11pm every day. The Shipwreck Museum is open in the holiday season from
11am to 5pm, Keep
up to date
with Lady Stucley's Blog Local Map Clovelly & Hartland OS E126 |
|
|
Articles, Photographs & Illustrations ©Copyright P. Adams North Devon Focus 2017 - All rights reserved | ||