Tucked away in the far north-west corner of Devon, the Hartland Peninsula is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Breathtaking coastal scenery along the 12 miles of spectacular Hartland coastline, wonderful cliff top walks, beautiful secluded beaches and waterfalls, stunning starlit skies, and no noise or light pollution make it perfect for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Hartland Iwas one of the largest royal manors in the Saxon time of King Alfred. Today, the village still has a thriving community boasting three churches, three pubs, several shops, antique emporium, medical centre, dentist, vet and many skilled crafts people. There are [some interesting Victorian terraced houses, a square with handsome Georgian properties and a raised pavement along Fore Street, which add to its charm. The 'parish Church of Saint Nectan, the 'Cathedral' of North Devon, is magnificent. It makes an imposing landmark with the tower being 128 feet tall, the highest in North Devon.
The Hartland Peninsula offers some of the most stunning scenery in Britain.
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, set against the spectacular Atlantic coastline to the west and the Bristol Channel to the north, the 17,000 acres of the Hartland Peninsula offer a landscape of wonderful contrasts, making it a walkers' paradise. As you cross the peninsula, high open moorland and ancient woodland give way to coastal waterfalls tumbling from hanging valleys onto rocky shores. These meandering valleys create sheltered micro-climates which support an abundance of wild flowers, rare lichens, culm grassland, insects, birds and animals.
On the extreme West of North Devon is the large unspoilt parish of Hartland with contrasting moors and delightful wooded valleys; tall cliffs rise above the rugged coastline hiding secluded bays.
The sizeable village has developed around the square where St John's Chapel, with its ancient town clock was built on the site of the old market and town hall. St John's is now home for the town band and the male voice choir.
There are various craft workshops in the village with occasional art and craft fayres in the parish Hall. Across a sheltered valley is the 12th Century Abbey, with gardens which lead down to the rocky cove. At the west end of Hartland, Springfield leads into The Vale, where a pleasant walk takes you to Stoke, where you will find the parish church of St. Nectan with its commanding 128ft tower, described as "the Cathedral" of North Devon.
Hartland Quay
In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
set against the spectacular Atlantic coastline to the west and the Bristol
Channel to the north, the 17,000 acres of The Hartland Peninsula offer
a landscape of wonderful contrasts.
As you cross the peninsula,
high open moorland and ancient woodland give way to coastal
waterfalls tumbling from hanging
valleys onto rocky shores.
These meandering valleys create
sheltered micro-climates which
support an abundance of wild flowers, rare lichens, culm
grassland, insects, birds and animals.
Tucked away in the far north-west corner of Devon, this
area is a haven of peace and tranquillity; breathtaking coastal scenery along the twelve miles of spectacular Hartland coastline, wonderful clifftop
walks, beautiful secluded beaches, stunning starlit skies, and no noise
or light pollution, perfect for those wishing to escape the hustle and
bustle of city life.
St Nectan's Church, Stoke, Hartland
Hartland was one of the largest royal manors in the Saxon
time of King Alfred. Today, the village still has a thriving community
boasting three churches, three pubs, several shops, antique emporium,
medical centre, dentist, vet and many skilled craftspeople. The parish Church of Saint Nectan, the 'Cathedral' of North Devon, (situated in
the pretty hamlet of Stoke) is magnificent. The most important features
of the interior are the beautifully carved 15th century oak rood screen,
being 14 metres long and an intricately patterned Norman font. The church
makes an imposing landmark with the tower being 39 metres tall, the highest
in North Devon.
One of the boldest headlands on the English coast standing
350 feet above the sea is Hartland Point. A lighthouse was erected here
in 1874 to warn boats of the dangerous cliffs and fog-bound coastline.
The treacherous rocks were a smugglers paradise and the Shipwreck
Museum can be found at the 16th century Hartland Quay where there is
also a hotel containing a pub appropriately called the Wrecker's Retreat.
Visitors and geologists alike are fascinated by the dramatic cliff face
and spectacularly folded rocks of Warren Beach at Hartland Quay. The
rocks were buckled into their present folded form about 290 million years
ago.
Not far away are two further interesting ports of call,
Hartland Abbey and Docton
Mill Gardens. Hartland Abbey was built in the
12th century to serve Saint Nectan's Church nearby and rebuilt in 1779.
Granted by Henry VIII after the dissolution of the monastery in 1539
to the keeper of his wine cellar, it has passed down through his family
to the present owner, Sir Hugh Stucley, Bt. Situated in a wooded valley,
the Abbey also has lovely informal gardens and a woodland walk down to
a beautiful secluded Atlantic cove.
Nestling within Spekes Valley are Docton Mill Gardens.
The eight acres of lovely gardens have been created around the original
millstream and encompass a bog garden, orchard and natural woodland.
The coast and famous Speke's Mill
Mouth waterfall are only a ten minute
stroll from here.
The dramatic landscape of The Hartland Peninsula offers
some of the most stunning scenery in Britain.
www.hartlandpeninsula.com
www.hartlandforum.co.uk
The Hartland Peninsula's major asset is undoubtedly its
unspoilt natural beauty, which is why it was designated an Area
of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1959 and is considered to be
one of the country's "Finest landscapes".
The spectacular rugged coastline, open moors and ancient woodland are home to an abundance of flora and fauna, making it a walkers'
paradise, whether you are a serious rambler or someone who just enjoys
a leisurely stroll.
The twelve mile stretch of coastal path around the Peninsula,
from Clovelly to Marsland Mouth is truly spectacular. It forms a part
of the 630 mile South West Coast Path, the longest National Trail in
the country which runs around the South West coast of England. The cliffs are rugged and dramatic, softened on occasions by salt tolerant plants,
such as thrift, sea
campion, wild carrot and kidney etch clinging to their face. Watch out
for stonechat, meadow pipits and wheatears darting amongst the grassland
near Gallantry Bower, buzzards soaring high above, peregrine falcons
circling overhead and even fulmars gliding gracefully by. Notice the
seals swimming iaround Shipload Bay and delicate blue butterflies fluttering
alongside you. Enjoy a real Devonshire tea at Hartland Point (the Promontory
of Hercules), standing 350ft above sea level it commands breathtaking
views.
Standing guard
below is the old
white lighthouse.
Great flocks
of black and
red throated
divers pass over
in January to
March followed
by flocks of
manx shearwater. Wonder at the sites of Iron age settlements
(Windbury Hill, Embury Beacon and Southole), and the Tor,
where St Catherine is said to have meditated her enlightenment.
Brownsham Moor, one of the few remaining areas of culm
grassland, has an excellent mixture of habitats, including
wet heath, purple moor grass and rush pasture. It supports a myriad
of birdlife (barn owls, curlew and snipe), the rare marsh fritillary
butterfly and many uncommon plant species, notably yellow bartsia,
wavy
St John's wort and several rare orchids including the lesser-butterfly.
The ancient woodland areas of Hartland are a delight
to the senses. In January snowdrops
stand bravely, then there are carpets of
bluebells and primroses followed by
a coloured patchwork of red campion,
gorse and wild garlic and hundreds
of foxgloves standing sentinel
throughout them all. Birds (including
the spotted woodpecker, the nuthatch
and different thrushes), and butterflies
(including the gatekeeper, speckled
wood and brimstone) are found in
abundance here.
Clamber along one of the rugged sections of coastal path,
stroll through a woodland glade, wander across an open moor, often covered
with heather and bright yellow gorse or just meander around the quaint
village, visiting various potters, artists and furniture makers who help
to make the Hartland Peninsula such a special place - the choice is yours!
Tucked in the lee of Hartland Point and sheltered from the prevailing winds, the cliffs between Clovelly and Peppercombe are covered with ancient oak woodlands. Sea mists are prevalent and, in the moist and humid micro-climate, mosses, ferns and lichens thrive, some of which are very rare. Lichens are small flowerless plants which grow on bare rock or trees and their presence in this area is an indication of the woodland's age, that it has had little disturbance over the years and also of the low pollution levels.
The National Trust's Worthygate and Sloo Woods on this stretch of coast are within a Site of Special Scientific Interest
because of their nationally important lichens including four species of western Atlantic lichen which are extremely rare and 19 others which are rarities. The lichens in the Peppercombe valley are less rich due to greater disturbance through past land use but are still significant for the number of old forest species to be found here. Ash, oak, beech, sycamore and hazel trees all sustain interesting lichen populations in this area.
In the past, lichens were used to make dyes and glucose was extracted from some varieties and then converted to alcohol. Some, like tree lungwort, had medicinal value and, because of its pleasant smell, was even used for perfume.
The Hartland Peninsula has many stunning waterfalls cascading on to pebbled foreshores, tumbling beneath bridges or meandering their way through yet another delightful valley towards the sea.
Wargery, Blegberry,Blagdon and Beckland but by far the most impressive and possibly the finest in the South West must be the waterfall at Speke’s Mill Mouth where Milford Water enters the sea.
The village of Hartland is home to Hartland Abbey, a 12th century monastery, now belonging to the Stucley family and open to the public. Enjoy a walk to the Cornish Border taking in the seventy feet waterfall at Spekes Mill Mouth. Hartland Point Lighthouse is open to the public in the summer.
A small town of Georgian origins just inland from the coast. Nearby, is the interesting 15th Century parish Church of St Nectan at Stoke, which boasts a 128-ft. high tower used as a landmark by ships before the lighthouse was built at Hartland Point.
A small town of Georgian origins just inland from the coast. Nearby, is the interesting 15th Century parish Church of St Nectan at Stoke, which boasts a 128-ft. high tower used as a landmark by ships before the lighthouse was built at Hartland Point. The Lighthouse has a beam that is visible from about 20 miles out to sea. There are excellent views up and down the rugged north coast from Hartland Point.
Originally a Georgian Market Town. The Old Town Hall clock, made in Barnstaple in 1622, is now situated in The Chapel of St John.
Not only does the Stoke church have a very high steeple, but an interior well worth a visit to view the spacious and interesting architecture and features. The main part of the church dates from the 14th Century, the tower from the 16th Century, with later restorations in the 19th Century. It is said that, in the 6th Century, when St. Nectan arrived from Wales on this wild coast, he resided at Stoke, so giving his name to this magnificent church. Legend has it that when St Nectan was beheaded, he carried his head under his arm and wherever blood dropped, a foxglove grew. On St Nectan's Day foxgloves are still carried to the church by children of the parish.
Stoke Church
If you look down from the Hartland Lighthouse you will see the remains of the Panamanian coaster, the ' Johana' ' which came to grief in 1982 when it lost engine power in a storm and the fierce, westerly winds, soon drove her onto the rocks. All the crew were rescued.
Hartland, once known for being the parish furthest from a railway, may still be remote but is well worth a visit with much to see and do. It boasts two potteries, an antique shop, a chairmaker, a post office, small grocery shops and St Nectan's Church — 'the Cathedral of North Devon as well as Hartland Quay and Hartland Abbey
Qn leaving the village why not start by descending the drive leading to Hartland Quay where you are treated to a panoramic view to some of the most spectacular rock and cliff scenery in Britain, to the north towards Hartland Point and to the south, the Cornish coastline. Huge waves crash onto the rocks which have claimed many a ship in the past.
Out to sea, Lundy Island conjures up images of the pirates and wreckers who once plied their deadly trade along these remote shores.
Descend the slipway to the site of the old Elizabethan harbour, walk the coastal footpath with its wonderful wildflowers, visit the Shipwrecks Museum with its fascinating exhibits or simply relax in the Wreckers Retreat with a pint of local cider and a good pub lunch.
Hartland Quay Hotel, perched precariously on the cliff-edge has bedrooms overlooking this wild coastline and a gift shop also selling ice creams.
Between the village and the Quay nestles Hartland Abbey. The present house was built in the 18th century on the foundations of the original abbey.
It was the last monastery in the country to be dissolved by Henry VIII who gave it to the Sergeant of his wine cellar, Mr William Abbott in 1539.
The house has remained in the same family ownership and contains remarkable collections of pictures, furniture, porcelain, early photographs, documents from 1160AD and fascinating architecture. Peacocks, donkeys and bantams wander in the grounds and children can try the abbey quiz.
Extensive woodland gardens on either side of the house aii full of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas. Winding paths, designed by Gertrude Jekyll, lead the visitor to the bog garden, the recently discovered Victorian Fernery and the 18th century secret walled gardens containing tender and rare plants including the giant echium pininana growing to 15 ft
For the energetic, a woodland walk carpeted in wildflowers leads to a beautiful Atlantic cove. Return to a delicious homemade cream tea in the original kitchens.
There is a huge grass car park next to the house. The Abbey is interesting and fun for all generations.
The beaches on and around the Hartland Peninsula form part of the dramatic Atlantic Heritage Coast of North Devon and North Cornwall.There is a wonderful selection of beaches, whether you are looking for golden sand, waterfalls or secluded coves with rock pools.
the
Hartland Peninsula has
many stunning waterfalls
cascading on to
pebbled foreshores,
tumbling beneath
bridges or meandering
their way through yet
another delightful valley towards the sea.The waterfalls
at Wargery, Blegberry, Blagdon and Beckland are
spectacular, but by far the most impressive, and possibly
the finest in the South West must be the waterfall at Speke's Mill Mouth where Milford Water enters the sea.
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