Hartland Quay

At Hartland Quay two major types of rock, sandstone and mudstone, have been folded to form some of the most spectacular coastal scenery and geology in North West Europe. Hartland Quay was built in the 16th century but destroyed by storms.The area is known to have been frequented by smugglers and the rugged treacherous rocks still bear the scars of shipwrecks. Its history can be explored by visiting the Shipwreck Museum.There is also a hotel containing a pub appropriately called the Wrecker's Retreat.

Hartland Quay

Hartland Quay was once a thriving harbour, mainly because of the area's remote location and the difficulty encountered in transporting goods by road. In the mid 18th century, once the railway had reached Bideford and improvements made to the road network the harbour fell in to decline and it became uneconomic to repair from the repeated storm damage.

The Beach at Hartland Quay

Today the quay consists of a small museum, a rocky shingled beach very popular for fishing and the breath taking views of the unique rock formation surrounding it. It is not too difficult to see why there were so many shipwrecks on this treacherous coast.

The spectacular cliffs at Hartland Quay with their incredibly contorted rock layers are always worth a visit and at low tide there is plenty of sand, rock pools and rocks ito scramble over.

With access to the South West Coast Path both North and South from the Quay, it is an excellent start/finish point for a wide variety of walks.

Hartland Lighrthouse

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. Hartland Quay has great rocks rearing out of the sea; on a stormy day, sample the ferocious majesty of the wild and unpredictable Atlantic Ocean. On fine days, Lundy Island can be seen some 10 miles distant Hartland Quay Museum contains information on shipwrecks, of which there have been many in the vicinity, and local places of historic interest.

Hartland Quay

The coast around Hartland Point is one of Britain's most treacherous. At least 36 ships were wrecked on the 4 miles centred on Hartland Quay alone between 1800 and 1920. A small museum tells it all, and also has displays on the little port itself and its smuggling days, natural history, and the incredibly contorted rock layers hereabouts.

Six circular walks start from the museum. The beach at Hartland Quay is rocky with numerous pools and the cliffs are spectacular with contorted rock formations. There are lovely views from Hartland Point although you are unable to climb down to the beach below.

Beach Type: Shingle/Pebbles/Rock - Dogs: Dog Access restricted

At Hartland Quay the building of the harbour was financed by three of England's most famous sailors, Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Ralegh and Sir John Hawkins. Rocky beach, spectacular cliffs with contorted rock formations.

Hartland Quay has great rocks rearing out of the sea; on a stormy day, sample the ferocious majesty of the wild and unpredictable Atlantic Ocean. On fine days, Lundy Island can be seen some 10 miles distant Hartland Quay Museum contains information on shipwrecks, of which there have been many in the vicinity, and local places of historic interest. At Hatrtland Quay the spectacular cliffs with their incredibly contorted rock layers are always worth a visit and at low tide there is plenty of sand, rock pools and rocks to scramble over.With access to the Coast Path both North and South from the Quay, it is an excellent start/finish point for a wide variety of walks.

The Marine Conservation Society has awarded Hartland Quay its prestigious Good Beach Award making it popular with both swimmers and surfers alike.

Set in a bay, the beach at Hartland Quay also has a small harbour approached by a slipway. A backdrop of spectacular cliff scenery gives way to pebbles and rocks with sand exposed by the retreating tide. There are coves and waterfalls at the beach.

Contributed by: Fiona Furguson