Feet First Walking

 

This walk explores a stunning stretch of North Cornwall's coastline that leads you from Crackington Haven's sandy beach, to magnificent vistas of Cambeak Headland and the cliffs beyond, before returning by the sheltered woodlands of Ludon Valley. Intriguing rock formations and varied wildlife are just some of the highlights you'll discover on the way.

 

From the car park in Crackington Haven, cross the road bridge and follow the South West Coast Path south.

 

 

The view to Cambeak Headland.

 

Pencannow Point.

 

The path climbs to cliffs above Tremoutha before descending into a series of small, hanging valleys, with footbridges crossing the streams. There are spectacular views across Tremoutha Haven to the Cambeak headland. On a clear day you can see as far as Trevose Head near Padstow to the south and Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel to the north. But it wasn't clear enough on this occasion.

 

One of the footbridges that crosses a hanging valley.

 

Cambeak. Just before this point, three quarters of the walking party decided they had seen enough of the Cornish coast and headed back to the car! This stretch of coast is renowned for striking rock formations and slumped, fissured under-cliffs, dating back over 300 million years ago.

 

Looking down to Little Strand. Apparently the beach is popular with nudists, but I very much doubt, due to the chilling wind, there were any using it on the day of this walk.

 

The name of the beach refers to the treacherous nature of the coast with strong currents and jagged rocks.

 

Take a track through a gate set in a stone wall and descend into Ludon Valley across open fields.

 

A fairly steep climb down a grassy slope brings you to another stile. Climb over it and take a right.

 

The Ludon Valley is well sign-posted.

 

 

 

 

 

This peaceful valley is a stark contrast to the exposed coast. Mature broadleaf trees of oak and ash, mixed with streamside hazel and willow.

 

And another footbridge to end with before strolling along the lane back to Crackington Haven.