South from Hartland Quay return via Docton Mill.
Start. Hartland Quay.
Route. Hartland Quay - Screda Point - St Catherine's Tor - Speke's Mill Mouth - Speke Valley - Docton Mill - Lymebridge - Kernstone Cross - Wargery - Stoke - Rocket House - Hartland Quay.
Notes. Oh what a night, howling winds, driving rain and little sleep, the rather posh holiday let we stayed in developed a water feature in the bedroom, reminded me of the first home we shared together, it had a very similar attraction. By morning the worst of the storm had passed, boggle eyed we decided a dose of fresh ozone would clear our heads, with 60mph winds forecast all day the coast may be a spectacular place to be, and what more spectacular place than Hartland Quay, a short walk south followed by tea in the award winning Docton Mill got the thumbs up.
Lots of white water welcomed us to Hartland Quay, the wind was whipping the sea into a frenzy, wind blown salt spray reached the car park half way up the cliff, believe me that's a long way from the breaking waves. Onto the cliff path we ascended south this time above stunning rocky coves decorated with bands of golden sand stretching to the incoming sea. Above Screda Point and cove we wandered, above a small waterfall that circumstances dictated was flowing upwards giving us a real soaking as we ran past, the path cut behind St Catherine's Tor to access Speke's Mill Mouth and a superb waterfall that tumbles to the beach in a number of exciting cascades. We descended a set of wooden steps allowing access to the rock strewn beach giving us a chance to explore. Explorations over we turned our backs on the coast, striding out up Speke's Valley, on a very good track we soon reached a tarmac lane, a finger-post invited us to Stoke but first a promise to keep, tea at the award winning Docton Mill, if time had permitted we would have visited the gardens, unfortunately it was late in the day and all we had time for was an excellent late afternoon tea.
Refreshed we made our way back along the tarmac lane, through the small hamlet of Lymebridge we idly wandered before climbing a steep hill to reach Kernstone Cross, we passed straight over the cross-roads to follow the farm lane to Wargery. At the entrance to the farm yard a green lane descended between hedgerow, we followed this into the valley before a steep ascent up the opposite side, tarmac took over for the short walk to Stoke, at the road junction we turned left, towards the coast, we soon passed St Nectan's then the Fisherman's Cottages for the second time this week.
Taking in the views across Broad Beach.
Stunning views over constantly changing seascapes.
Taking in the view of Hartland Quay from a promontory above Screda Point.
Stunning rock scenery and boiling seas in Screda Cove.
About to get a shower, the path passes above this small fall, there was no escaping the wind whipped spray.
Swansford Hill seen across Speke's Mill Mouth.
The rising tide at Speke's Mill Mouth.
On a cliff top path with views back to St Catherine's Tor.
Splendid waterfalls at Speke's Mill Mouth.
On the beach looking to St Catherine's Tor, geologists reliably inform us St Catherine's Tor is at the side of a sea dissected valley, seemingly a rare geological feature, Speke's River which also seems to be called Milford Water depending on which book you read, ran along the foot of the tor then along the valley passed Hartland Quay, of coarse this was long before coastal erosion.
The upper fall a spectacular 60ft water chute
Views down the Speke Valley.
A final look to Speke's Mill Mouth.
This good track guided us to Docton Mill.
Sue said "there's always one idiot who has to ring the bell" it was me before we' de even looked at the menu.
Docton Mill Tea Room and Gardens well worth a visit, the gardens date back to only 1980 but the mill has a long history, dating to before the Norman Conquest probably 901.
Speke's River or Milford Water who cares it's a beautiful place to be.
Back at Hartland Quay looking down on a boiling sea.