Route to Early Morning Prayer

From St. Mary the Virgin Lynton take the right hand turn onto North Walk. Cross the bridge over the cliff railway and follow the road until tarmac gives way to the grassy path of the South West Coast Path. At the roundabout follow the path to the seaward side of the road (or road if the bracken is high) over the stone wall and diagonally across field up to rejoin the road, walk on being careful of traffic until you reach Lee Abbey, follow signs to the Reception.

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Stage 1a: Lee Abbey to Heddon Valley

Follow the road down from Lee Abbey (detouring to the beach to visit the cave/beach chapel is well worth the extra 15 minutes!) Then follow the well-marked South West Coast Path route as you travel westward. Tree species change along wooded stretches with views back across Lee Bay & Woody Bay, enjoy a bench to admire the journey so far. Cliff path offers extensive coastal views both west and back east to Lee Abbey. Nearing Heddon Mouth, the path turns south gradually descending into the Heddon river valley and below the tree line bringing you to Hunter’s Inn.

Please note that there is nowhere to refill drinking water on this stage of the route.

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Stage 1b: Lee Abbey to Heddon Valley via Martinhoe

Start as 1a. Remain on the road at Woody Bay and follow to path leading up to the ham-let of Martinhoe and St. Martin’s church. Retrace path and descend to bridleway which follows the contour of West Woody Bay Wood. Breaking cover, follow the cliff path above the SW Coast Path below and possibly visit the clifftop site of a Roman fortlet for 360 view. Continue along path until turns south descending to Hunter’s Inn.

Please note that there is nowhere to refill drinking water on this stage of the route.

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Stage 2: Heddon Valley to Combe Martin via Trentishoe

Retrace steps from Hunter’s Inn north and cross river on low stone bridge. Turn left briefly downstream before joining track zig-zagging up through woodland, the path breaks out onto a level section with views across Heddon valley before reaching Peter Rock. Follow the cliff path south west, after the Tarka Trail joins South West Coast Path continue to left hand sign post to Trentishoe (south east). Join lane and follow left into hamlet and St. Peter’s church. Retrace steps but continue along lane keeping parallel to coast until path heads straight over Holdstone Hill – your highest point at 349 meters! Descend other side to rejoin South West Coast Path descending to Combe Martin.

Please note that there is nowhere to refill drinking water on this stage of the route.

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Stage 3: Combe Martin to Ilfracombe

Resume the SWCP at the harbour following the coast road (A399) uphill where the SWCP turns off north to the coast and Sandycove Hotel, take road opposite signed to Berrynarbor village along Barton Lane. Follow the road into the village and St. Peter’s church is in the centre set above the village with a surrounding stone wall and churchyard. Look out for flower pot people in various guises! Cross the stream and return north to A399, cross and follow path across the Napps campsite, cliffs, coves and great views ap-pear along the way. Lower and closer to the water at several points before ascending round Hillsborough with great views east and west out to Lundy. Finish in Ilfracombe

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Stage 4: Ilfracombe to Lundy Ferry - MS Oldenburg

Board Oldenburgh at quay having phoned the Lundy Shore Office the previous evening for update on travel. Sail out of harbour under gaze of Verity and enjoy couple of hours watching birds and Lundy approach.

Please be ready for boarding at least 45 minutes before departure time. We strongly advise booking in advance to avoid disappointment especially during peak season.  Book your tickets here well ahead of time.

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Stage 5a: Lundy Island Day Loop

From Lundy quayside follow path up, keeping close to the coast, until gaining the higher ground and coming to a junction of paths and walls, St. Helens can be seen across the grass to the north west. Turn south and follow path and then track across the southern headland until turning right to follow the west coastline. Return inland at the Quarter wall with pauses to explore the Lighthouse and cemetery. Resume following path south east keeping a field wall on left, at second gate turn inland and go ahead into village. Turn right for destination at St. Helens church.

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Stage 5b: Lundy Island Long Walk

From Lundy quayside follow path up keeping close to the coast until gaining the higher ground and coming to a junction of paths and walls, St. Helens can be seen across the grass to the north west. Turn south and follow path and then track across the headland until turn right to follow the west coastline. Turn inland at the Quarter wall to explore the lighthouse and cemetery. Retrace steps to gate beyond lighthouse,  and continue north along the path. At the top of the island climb down steps to the Old Light and headland. Return southwards on main Lundy Road then take track towards east coast and follow the lower path. Track back up to top level at Millcombe valley and cross to the village buildings, then left for St. Helens.

This walk is only suitable for those who have prebooked accommodation on the island – this needs booking up to a year in advance, camping can be booked at slightly shorter notice.

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