Walk Westward Ho! Coastal Walk

The path starts at the car park at the western end of Westward Ho!, and heads westwards along an old railway line. This railway was part of the short lived Bideford, Westward Ho! and Appledore Railway which was opened in 1901 and closed in 1917 when its rolling stock was requisitioned for the war effort.

The first half of the walk has a tarmac finish, resulting in a smooth hard surface very safe for children, elderly walkers, pushchairs and wheelchairs. The second part has a hoggin surface and is left unsealed, yet it is still relatively smooth and safe and very user-friendly.

On this section there are great views northwards across to the rolling surf breaking on Braunton Sands and Baggy Point beyond. As the path swings south, a new view opens up across Bideford Bay to Clovelly and the cliffs near Hartland Point.

The walk ends at a viewpoint, where the old railway turns inland (and is private) and the Coast Path descends down to Green Cliff and beyond.

Work is planned to improve the access along Westward Ho! seafront, provide further seating along the route, safe viewing points and specialist sensory interpretation providing information for sighted and partially sighted visitors.