Oyster Shell Cottage

This is a lovely circular walk around Hartland, which takes in some beautiful woodland and rugged coastline.

Begin the walk by parking at Stoke Church, which is a few miles beyond the village of Hartland. There are a few parking spaces, and a donation box to pay for parking.

Go through the church yard and down some steps. There are some public toilets here. Turn left down the narrow lane through the woods towards Hartland Abbey. After about half a mile there is a footpath sign on the left. Take this path across the field and into woodland. You are heading down towards the coast. Carry on towards the sea. You will come to a bridge across the stream. Turn right if you want to see Blackpool Mill. It’s a cottage which features in episode one of the first series of The Night Manager. You can also walk down to the beach from this point. It’s a lovely spot to take a break.

To continue the walk, retrace your steps to the bridge and when you’ve crossed it, bear right and carry on to the SW Coastal Path. It’s a steep climb up the hill, with glorious views out to sea and along the coast. The path levels out on the top of the cliff, and you will see a tumbledown folly.

Carry on until you reach The Rocket House, where flares would have been launched if ships needed help. At this point you can either turn left and walk along the field to return to the starting point at the church, or turn right and walk down to Hartland Quay. On the way down to the Quay you’ll see the boat used in the recent film of Daphne Du Maurier’s Rebecca. There is also a hotel, which serves food and drink. You can swim from the Quay, if the weather is warm.