The beautiful coast of Hartland Quay, Devon, England

Hartland Quay was once a thriving harbour, mainly because of the area's remote location and the difficulty of transporting goods by road. In the mid 18th century, once the railway had reached Bideford and improvements were made to the road network, the harbour fell into decline, and it became uneconomic to repair from the repeated storm damage.

Hartland Quay, photo by James Appleton

From Hartland Town the road winds down and round past Hartland Abbey, and on through the small hamlet of Stoke, home to the impressive Church of St Nectan that towers above the parish. Eventually, the road comes to an end and a small kiosk can be seen on the left. This is the entrance to Hartland Quay. In the holiday season and weather permitting, this kiosk is manned from 10am until 5pm. There is a small car parking charge which entitles you to park all day. There is a steep tarmac road so you can drive all the way down; ideal for families with young children or anyone who has difficulty walking back up.

Hartland Quay, photo by Moira Izzard

If you prefer a leisurely stroll down and carry a camera, you will be rewarded with plenty of photo opportunities as Bideford Bay and the famous jagged Hartland rock formations come into view. There is another car park and grassy picnic area about halfway down.

For over 400 years Hartland Quay has been a haven for mariners and travellers in fair weather or foul. The old 16th century quay has long since gone, but a visit to the Shipwreck Museum will reveal the mysteries of how this historic quay worked in bygone days: the geology and natural history of this dramatic part of the Atlantic Heritage Coast is fascinating and well documented here. The museum also displays photographs, paintings and relics that bring to life stories of derring-do, smugglers, shipwreck, fishing, and coastal trade and industry.

Spekes Mill Mouth

When the tide is out the beautiful sheltered cove contains some interesting rock pools, and a sandy beach that can be easily reached via the slipway. Enjoy safe bathing, fishing, surfing and exploring. Twenty minutes' walk south of Hartland Quay is Spekes Mill Mouth, the most spectacular waterfall on the North DevonAtlantic Heritage Coast. It's also just a short walk to Blackpool Mill Cottage, setting for the BBC's adaptation of Sense and Sensibility. 

Directions:
Hartland is approximately 14 miles west of Bideford and 15 miles north of Bude on the A39 Atlantic Highway.

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