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Hiking trails & Routes

Bude Canal – Bude Canal loop from Widemouth Bay

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Bude Canal – Bude Canal loop from Widemouth Bay

Easy

4.6

(10)

132

hikers

Bude Canal – Bude Canal loop from Widemouth Bay

01:42

6.65km

20m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 6, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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1.40 km

Bude Canal

Highlight • Structure

Bude Canal was dug to provide a means to transport sand from the sea inland. The sand is rich in lime and made a great fertiliser for the acidic farmland which was otherwise very unproductive.

The initial idea for the canal was in 1774 but it wasn't until 1825 that the canal was actually opened. This two mile stretch from Bude to Helebridge is wide enough for a barge. The canal continues for another 33 miles on a much narrower scale. In this later section the boats were pulled by horses, unusual in the fact that the boats were on wheels.

In 1901, the canal was used for the last time for its intended purpose, following the rise of railway transportation. The first two miles were restored in 2009 in a £5 million project.

Tip by

2.12 km

Pethericks Mill Marsh

Highlight • Viewpoint

Pethericks Mill Marsh is a designated Local Nature Reserve. For birding, winter is the ideal time to visit but it is beautiful all year round.

You'll find the best viewing spots to the south and east side of the marsh.

Tip by

2.49 km

Bude Marshes Bird Hide

Highlight • Natural

Bude Marshes is a local nature reserve. A very slight detour off the canal towpath leads you to a bird hide. Here you can watch over the reedbed and wet grassland habitat and look out for such wildlife gems as otters and kingfishers.

If you do happen to spot an otter, please go into the visitors centre and let them know as they are keen to record the sightings.

Tip by

2.61 km

The Old Laundry

Highlight • Historical Site

The Old Laundry gives a glimpse into the canal's industrial past. Now self-catering holiday accommodation it was originally a saw mill, used to produce timber for the canal boats.

As the use of canals decreased, the saw mill was repurposed as a laundry for the developing holiday trade. The grade II listed building was converted into four houses in the 1980s.

Tip by

2.77 km