Stage Distance: 8 miles (Total Distance: 125 miles)
A lovely sunny Saturday and another up-and-down stage. Past the Church and along fields to rejoin the coast path at Hawker's Hut - a small grass-roofed hut with fantastic views used by the vicar of Morewentsow for meditation and occasional opium pipe smoking purposes.
After a steep descent down to Tidna Shute and a climb back to the cliff top, there is an option to walk out to Higher Sharpnose Point with fine views in both directions along the coast. On rejoining the main path at the old coastguard lookout, the path skirts close to the cliff edge above Greenway Beach. On reaching the back of a sign and looking on the other side, a weathered message reads "Danger, Cliff liable to subsidence". Useful.
The path descends and rises through Stanbury Mouth and before long, the GCHQ radar station at Cleave Camp is reached with its huge white satellite-tracking dish aerials before the path rejoins the cliff edge at Lower Sharpnose Point. From here there are lovely views back along the coast to Higher Sharpnose Point and on to Bude and beyond.
On past Wren Beach, Duck Pool and out to Steeple Point with its jagged rock formations and more good views in both directions, the path reaches Coombe Valley, followed by Duck Pool. A little further is Warren Point. From here, the jagged, razor-edged Mussel Rock can be seen laying in wait in the surf. The path descends again to Warren Gutter and rises again to the cliff top. After about 1km of flatter walking appears Sandy Mouth with a National Trust cafe (frustratingly closed out of season).
The path continues past Menachurch Point and Northcott Mouth, finally reaching Crooklets Beach and shortly after, Bude Haven and the car. Hard work but great views!
Logistics: Park in Bude and 500 bus to Crackington Haven.
GPS Track: 16 - Morwenstow to Bude (20111022).kmz
Images: 16 - Morwenstow to Bude
