The Kipling Tors walk in Westward Ho! offers stunning coastal views across Bideford Bay and inland to Exmoor. This circular route, inspired by Rudyard Kipling's novel "Stalky & Co," takes you through scenic hills and past the old coastguard lookout. It's a moderate, dog-friendly walk with some steep sections, perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Enjoy panoramic views and a glimpse into Kipling's schooldays.
The start of this walk is on Stanwell Hill, just after the turning to Merely Road heading out of Westward Ho! It is marked as public footpath, you go beside this house.
Walk along the path until you come to the Kipling Tors sign, you will also see a fork in the path that goes up. You now climb up through the wooded area via the steps and paths. When you reach the top there is a cross roads, go straight across here to head along the top path. Go and explore the other two later and see what else you can find.
Fairly quickly you will be able to see down on most of Westward Ho!, across to Appledore and the estuary, Baggy Point, Hartland Point and across to Lundy Island.
Keep walking along the path, you start to drop down slightly then come to a fork in the path. Head up the Tor to find the old look out. You can see the whole of Bideford Bay from up here, inside the look out is a brass plaque that shows you a map of the coast plus distances to each headland. The look out is well worth a visit especially on a stormy day when the sea is dramatic.
From inside, if you look out and down, you can see Mermaids Pool at the foot of the cliffs. You can also see the big rock pools by the waters edge that are perfect for exploring. See Rock Pooling in things to do for more information. Remember the tide if going down there! 3 hours before High Water, over High Water to 3 hours after High Water you WILL get cut off if on the beach there and need rescuing.
Walk down the path and you end up mid way in Seafield Field. Relax here a bit and watch the ocean, check out Seafield House (often called Spooky House) or go back into the village and get a well deserved drink.
This is a beautiful walk that doesn't take too long but shows a lot of Westward Ho! and the surrounding coastline.