Heddon Valley and Woody Bay Circular

From the car park, with the sea in front of you, turn R onto lane away from Martinhoe, then veer L, direction of Woody Bay. Exit the lane following public bridleway towards Hunters Inn directly ahead. You will notice a good mix of native trees here including oak, birch, rowans, hazel and a few ash hanging on. There are tantalising glimpses of the sea through the trees at first until wide sea views open up as you continue on the path. The path horseshoes around Hollow Brook Valley before continuing towards the Roman Fortlet via a sharp left. The path can be steep heading up to the fort. You can miss out the fort and continue along path.

You will come to a sign for the Roman fortlet. This is worth the climb on a clear day as there are panoramic views of the sea and Devon countryside. To reach the fort follow the sign up then take the first left. Some of the contours of the fort are clearly visible despite being under the gorse and you may hear skylarks. Head back down after the fort and take a L following the path to Heddon’s Mouth. The path twists and turns but it is straight forward and well laid out and the dramatic Devon coastline makes for a magnificent backdrop. Keep on the path to Hunters Inn.

Head out from the pub and follow the route back the way you came, but as it forks take the lower path to Heddon’s Mouth. Keep on the righthand side of the river, walking through the trees. When the path forks you can choose to carry on to Heddon’s Mouth and back or cut the route short and head up the coast path. If walking to the coast, cross the second bridge on your L, this is a wooden-sided bridge with a sign reading 'access to beach'. On the return, cross the bridge again and trace the path back until you see the coast path at a sharp left up hill. Food is served every day 12-3 and 6-8.30.The pub is open for drinks, crisps and pork scratchings between 8am and 8pm every day except Christmas Day. To avoid Heddon's Mouth if you are short of time take a R when the path forks to continue on the coast path.

Follow the coast path up – path is a steady climb with Heddon's Mouth far below. At the top of the hill there is a rocky outcrop, Highveer Point. Make sure you carry on the coast path here and do not go up hill. The path undulates away from Highveer Point and the sea dominates the view, keep your eyes peeled for seals and visiting dolphins off the coast. Carry on to waterfall.

The path climbs steadily from the waterfall but less noticeably than earlier. Go through the trees and look out for the change in the colour of the cliffs from greys to dramatic red. Take the right hand fork up the lane. This last section is a steady uphill walk to get the blood pumping one last time. Take a R at T-Junction, go past lower car park (the sign has an interesting potted history of Woody Bay). Dogleg L to join the lane, then R (direction of Martinhoe) back to car park.