The North Devon coast runs from Foreland Point, just
beyond Lynton and Lynmouth, on the Exmoor Devon/Somerset border and all points
in between until the Devon/Cornwall border at Welcombe. It is peppered with
pretty coastal villages, the most famous being Clovelly. A much smaller and
less well known village is Bucks Mills in an area of outstanding natural
beauty. It can be easily accessed off
the A39 at Bucks Cross between Bideford and Clovelly and is an ideal base for
exploring local beaches and the most stunning section of the South West Coast
Path making it a great place to stay for a weekend break or holiday. Bucks
Mills was once the home of the infamous Braund Family and at one time the
Braunds, lived in every cottage in the village. Today a smattering of local
residents live there but the majority are let to holidaymakers and
although the village itself has no amenities the Post Office Stores at Bucks
Cross has everything you need and sells fresh local produce including some of
the best sausages, bacon and eggs you’ll ever taste. During the summer one of
the cottages sells takeaway tea and coffee and ice cream. Bucks Mills beach is
down a fairly steep, but paved path to the quay and slipway. It’s a rocky
foreshore perfect for a little fishing, those interested in geology or little
rock poolers. Beyond the quay is a waterfall. Most popular is The Gut, a wide
sandy stretch of sand between the rocks which emerges when the tide is out. The
Southwest Coast Path runs through the village walkers can take a break or explore
this rugged section from Bucks Mills to Clovelly and Hartland Point to the west
or east through ancient woodland to the next cove at Peppercombe and onwards to
Westward Ho! In May this is a wonderful
opportunity for nature lovers to see bluebells and other wild flowers. In the
winter of 2014 an almighty storm washed away the original slipway and the Quay
was breached. After tireless work and campaigning by local residents and other
agencies it has been restored to it’s former glory. There was an official
opening ceremony in July 2015 and a new plaque was unveiled on the quay wall.
Points of interest: St. Anne’s Church, Bucks Woods, The Cabin, The Lime
Kiln, The Gor, The Gut, The Waterfall.
Bucks Mills: Photo Pat Adams (All rights reserved)
The fully restored Quay and Slipway July 2015 - Photo Pat Adams (All rights reserved)
The Gut or Gutway. Photo copyright Pat Adams (All rights reserved)
PLEASE NOTE. This is not classed as a bathing beach, there
are no lifeguards. Great care must be taken in the water and beneath the
cliffs
and waterfall. Mobile signals may not work on this secluded cove, if you
are
walking along the shore it is easy to be cut off by the tide so always
check
Tide Tables before you venture out. If you are walking the South West
Coast Path check Southwest Coast Path website for information, updates
and route diversions.
DIRECTIONS:
By Car Take A39 Atlantic Highway from
Bideford/Bude turn at Bucks Cross Post Office drive down winding road passing St. Anne's Church on the left, then Bucks Woods entrance on the right until you come to the public car park. Parking in village is for residents/guests only/no parking in the village square
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