The best walks and hikes around Week St. Mary

There are over 130 hiking routes in the Week St. Mary area, offering a diverse range of experiences from coastal paths to tranquil inland trails. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Hikers in Week St. Mary can explore a variety of terrains, including dramatic coastal paths with breathtaking views of the Cornish coastline, rolling hills, patchwork fields, and peaceful wooded valleys like Ashbury Woods and Coombe Valley. The area also features serene inland nature reserves.

Yes, Week St. Mary offers many easy hiking options. For example, the Bude Canal – Bude Canal loop from Widemouth Bay is an easy 4.1-mile (6.6 km) path. The Bude Canal itself provides accessible paths suitable for various fitness levels, offering a gentle walking experience.

For those seeking a challenge, the area features several difficult routes. A notable option is the Millook Haven – View of Crackington Haven loop from Poundstock, an 11.9-mile (19.2 km) trail that takes nearly 6 hours to complete and offers dramatic views along the Cornish coastline.

Hiking around Week St. Mary often includes historical points of interest. A popular circular walk from the village leads to the evocative ruins of Penhallam Manor, a 13th-century site. You can also visit the 14th-15th century parish church of St. Mary the Virgin in Week St. Mary village. The Compass Point Storm Tower near Bude is another interesting landmark.

Yes, there are several circular walks. Beyond the Penhallam Manor route, you can enjoy coastal loops such as the Widemouth Bay – Widemouth Bay loop from Widemouth Bay, which is an easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) trail, or the Chevron Cliffs – Millook Haven loop from Poundstock, an easy 3.8-mile (6.1 km) route with coastal views.

The region boasts stunning natural attractions. You can experience the breathtaking views from High Cliff, Cornwall's highest cliff, or explore the unique geological formations at Millook Haven. Widemouth Bay also offers beautiful coastal scenery and beaches like Widemouth Bay itself.

Many of the trails around Week St. Mary, particularly coastal paths and inland routes, are suitable for walking with dogs. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock, cliffs, or in nature reserves, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.

Parking is generally available in or near the villages and popular starting points for trails. For coastal walks, car parks can be found at locations like Widemouth Bay, Crackington Haven, and Millook Haven. For inland routes, village car parks or designated lay-bys often serve as convenient starting points.

Yes, within a 10-mile radius of Week St. Mary, you'll find several nature reserves such as Greena Moor, Upton Meadow, and Maer Lake. These sites are known for their diverse habitats, including grasslands and woodlands, and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, particularly birdwatching at places like Maer Lake.

While Week St. Mary is inland, the Bude Canal is accessible and offers a different type of walking experience. Routes like the Bude Canal – Bude Canal loop from Marhamchurch provide easy, flat paths along the canal, suitable for all ages and abilities. The canal itself is a notable local attraction.

The komoot community highly rates the trails around Week St. Mary, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 400 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic coastal views, the tranquility of the inland paths, and the blend of natural beauty with historical intrigue found along the routes.