Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall

Hartland Quay / Bideford, England, UK (Great Britain)

About Spekes Mill Mouth Waterfall


Hiking Distance: 3.2km round-trip (additional 400m for bottommost falls)
Suggested Time: at least 2 hours

Date first visited: 2024-06-29
Date last visited: 2024-06-29

Waterfall Latitude: 50.98407
Waterfall Longitude: -4.52902

Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

The Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall is perhaps the most impressive and scenically-located waterfall in Devon County in the South West of England.

It actually consists of multiple drops where the Milford Water stream dropped over a cumulative height of about 48m (about 158ft).

Spekes_Mill_Falls_141_07012024 - The Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
The Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall

Of that height, the main drop (pictured above) is said to be about 20m (or about 65ft) followed by a couple of lower tiers further downstream almost dropping right onto the rocky beach.

While the waterfall itself along with its scenic location (think sea cliffs) were enough to pique our interest in pursuing it, there were also other things adding more to this waterfall’s scenic allure.

For example, there was an intermediate waterfall on a different seasonal stream spilling right into what the topo map on Gaia GPS called Childspit Beach.

There was also a beach and natural arch that could be an added bonus to the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall hike.

Spekes_Mill_Falls_034_07012024 - Context of the Tunnel Rock Arch and the Warren Beach backed by the chaotic-looking Warren Cliffs
Context of the Tunnel Rock Arch and the Warren Beach backed by the chaotic-looking Warren Cliffs

Indeed, while we did have the opportunity to extend our visit (as there were extensive coastal trails going beyond the waterfall), I’ll just share what we managed to do in our roughly 2 hours away from the car.

Hiking to Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall

I’ll first describe our 1.6km hike (3.2km round-trip) to the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall, which began from Hartland Quay (see directions below).

Hartland Quay is the coastal hamlet that had car parks as well as amenities like a pub (Wrecker’s Retreat) as well as a hotel and restaurant (Hartland Quay Hotel).

Spekes_Mill_Falls_063_07012024 - Looking towards the folded Well Beach and Screda Point protrusion as seen from early on in the hike to Spekes' Mill Mouth Falls from Hartland Quay
Looking towards the folded Well Beach and Screda Point protrusion as seen from early on in the hike to Spekes’ Mill Mouth Falls from Hartland Quay

It was apparently what was left of a harbour that dated back to Henry VIII, but it was destroyed by a powerful storm in 1887.

In fact, it’s said that Hartland Quay sees some of the roughest seas of the Atlantic in the Winter Time though the seas were still rough even during our early July 2024 visit.

Anyways, from the lower car park, we went up the steps rising above that car park to the tops of the sea cliffs, where the path continued to parallel its precarious dropoffs.

At about 250m from the lower car park, we encountered a gate that’s supposed to keep livestock from roaming free.

Spekes_Mill_Falls_083_07012024 - Context of the unnamed waterfall spilling into Childspit Beach near the north end of the St Catherine's Tor bluff on the way to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Falls
Context of the unnamed waterfall spilling into Childspit Beach near the north end of the St Catherine’s Tor bluff on the way to the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Falls

At about 700m from the lower car park, we approached at the base of the backside of a bluff called St Catherine’s Tor.

As we approached St Catherine’s Tor, I noticed that there was a flowing intermediate stream that went towards a cliff.

Sure enough, my brief detour yielded me a top down profile view of an unnamed waterfall dropping right into Childspit Beach (though the beach wasn’t accessible from atop these bluffs from what I could tell).

After getting my fill of the unnamed waterfall, we continued along the trail, which then went through another gate livestock-control gate.

Spekes_Mill_Falls_100_07012024 - Looking back towards St Catherine's Tor from the climb up out of the grassy area towards Spekes Mill Beach on the way to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Falls
Looking back towards St Catherine’s Tor from the climb up out of the grassy area towards Spekes Mill Beach on the way to the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Falls

The trail then went through an open grassy area behind St Catherine’s Tor before reaching a little livestock-control maze (roughly 300m from the unnamed waterfall by Childspit Beach).

Just beyond the maze, the trail ascended again along more sea cliffs (this time overlooking Spekes’ Mill Beach below)

After about another 450m or so beyond the maze beyond St Catherine’s Tor, the trail steeply descended towards a grassy area with spur trails approaching a ravine.

That ravine was where the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall spilled into as its stream continued to make the ravine even deeper.

Spekes_Mill_Falls_114_07012024 - Context of the descent to the ravine containing the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Context of the descent to the ravine containing the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall

Ultimately at around 1.6km from Hartland Quay (or about another 200m from the start of the steep descent to this grassy area), we reached the lookouts for the main drop of the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall.

While I saw some hikers continue to go past the top of the waterfall and beyond (as the trail kept going), this was our turnaround point, but I did do a little more exploring to see how else this falls could be experienced.

Exploring the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall

Although the lookout with a pretty direct view of the main drop of the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall was enough for my wife and daughter, I did notice some spur tracks that actually went closer.

The first of these tracks near the lookout was to a precarious looking bluff that actually provided the chance to get to the base of the main drop of the falls.

Spekes_Mill_Falls_008_iPhone_07012024 - Context of the main drop of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall and the lookout and scrambling path going to and beneath a protruding outcrop
Context of the main drop of the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall and the lookout and scrambling path going to and beneath a protruding outcrop

It was during this somewhat unsanctioned scramble that I not only got a frontal look at the main 20m drop, but I also noticed there were more tiers of the waterfall downstream closer to the coast.

I definitely had to be careful around the bluff as there was constant dropoff exposure, and I actually didn’t go all the way to the base nor the end of the bluff with dropoffs on three sides.

Nevertheless, the lower perspective of the main drop of the falls made me appreciate both the steepness of the terrain as well as the unusual vertical slab holding up this tier of the waterfall.

Backtracking to the main trail up at the top of the ravine, I then followed the grassy area in the direction of Spekes’ Mill Beach.

Spekes_Mill_Falls_205_07012024 - Looking towards Spekes' Mill Beach on the way down towards the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Looking towards Spekes’ Mill Beach on the way down towards the base of the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall

At that point, there were a couple of trails (the one on the left side was steeper than the other) that went to the top of the wooden weather-worn steps descending down to Spekes’ Mill Beach.

Towards the bottom of the steps, there’s a part where I had to scramble on a sloping slab to go the rest of the way down onto the rocky beach.

At that point, I could head north to check out the wide beach that seemed to be very empty of people (except for maybe one couple that went all the way to the end).

However, I went around the slab to the south to approach the base of the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall.

Spekes_Mill_Falls_225_07012024 - Approaching the very base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Approaching the very base of the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall

It’s worth noting that during this part of the scramble, there was one part where the ocean could cut off access so it goes without saying that this should only be attempted at low tide.

Anyways, after getting past the ocean-squeezing part, I then encountered the mouth of the Milford Water stream, where I then went upstream on the rocky and uneven surface to get right up to the base of the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Falls.

Down at this position, only the lower two tiers of the falls could be seen as the main drop was blocked from view (though I didn’t bother crossing the creek and doing other exploration down here).

According to my GPS logs, this hike and scramble was about 150m in each direction (300m round-trip), and it probably took me about 30 minutes for the whole detour and exploration.

Hiking to Tunnel Rock Arch

Spekes_Mill_Falls_006_07012024 - Descending the path towards Warren Beach and the Tunnel Rock Arch
Descending the path towards Warren Beach and the Tunnel Rock Arch

In addition to the Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall hike described above, there was also an opportunity to check out a natural arch apparently called Tunnel Rock Arch as well as the Warren Beach (low tide only).

From the Hartland Quay, I went north past the hotel and pub (and spur paths to scenic lookouts along the turbulent coastline) for about 100m or so.

The paved path through the hamlet gave way to a descending gravel path going down to the rocky Warren Beach, and right after the unpaved road made a bend and ended onto the beach, the Tunnel Rock Arch was easily seen.

At that point, I just scrambled onto the rocky surface of the area around Tunnel Rock Arch to go through it (I had to be real careful because the rocks were worn smooth by the ocean so they can get very slippery).

Spekes_Mill_Falls_026_07012024 - Looking back through the opening of the Tunnel Rock Arch between Hartland Quay and Warren Beach
Looking back through the opening of the Tunnel Rock Arch between Hartland Quay and Warren Beach

Beyond the arch was the rocky or pebbly Warren Beach, which was backed by the chaotic-looking Warren Cliffs, where the folded layers responsible for Tunnel Rock Arch had also given rise to caves at the base of the cliffs.

After having my fill of the beach and especially the Tunnel Rock, I then backtracked to the Hartland Quay area.

I made sure to check out the scenic lookouts, which offered a contextual view back at Warren Beach, the wave-battered and folded Well Beach below, and the protruding Screda Point towards the south.

I probably spent about 30 minutes on this short exploration, but it was real easy to linger longer as one family did scrambling on the coastal rocks towards the protruding Life Rock just to the west of Tunnel Rock Arch.

Authorities

The Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall resides in Hartland Quay in Devon County, England. It is not clear if there’s an official governing body that presides over these waterfalls. However, it seems like local landowners and town officials from Hartland Quay have been responsible for signs and road/trail infrastructure. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, you can try visiting the Hartland Peninsula website.

Spekes_Mill_Falls_004_07012024 - Looking back at benches between some establishments at Hartland Quay prior to do the hike for the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_005_07012024 - Looking towards a lookout jutting out towards the turbulent ocean at the northern end of Hartland Quay
Spekes_Mill_Falls_010_07012024 - Looking ahead at the Tunnel Rock Arch and Warren Beach on the final descent down from Hartland Quay's north end
Spekes_Mill_Falls_012_07012024 - Looking back up towards the partially-paved ramping road descending from the north end of the Hartland Quay towards Warren Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_014_07012024 - On the beach approaching the Tunnel Rock Arch
Spekes_Mill_Falls_017_07012024 - Approaching closer to the opening of Tunnel Rock Arch on Warren Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_019_07012024 - Looking at some interesting formations fringing the turbulent ocean from Tunnel Rock Arch on Warren Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_029_07012024 - Looking at the chaotic jumble of slabs and rocks around the opening of the Tunnel Rock Arch on Warren Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_041_07012024 - Looking towards the chaotic layers of sea-battered rocks in the direction of Life Rock adjacent to Warren Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_044_07012024 - Looking over some jagged and chaotic rock jumbles looking in the direction of Screda Point from the lookout jutting out off the north side of Hartland Quay
Spekes_Mill_Falls_046_07012024 - Checking out chaotic coastline in the direction of Warren Beach from that protruding lookout off the north side of Hartland Quay
Spekes_Mill_Falls_051_07012024 - Looking back towards Hartland Quay from the protruding lookout off the north side of the quay
Spekes_Mill_Falls_052_07012024 - Checking out the context of that protruding lookout off the north side of Hartland Quay with a chaotic looking crevice beneath that lookout
Spekes_Mill_Falls_056_07012024 - Going up the steps from the Hartland Quay towards the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_059_07012024 - Looking over Well Beach and its wave battered folded layer
Spekes_Mill_Falls_062_07012024 - Continuing up the trail hugging the sea cliffs on the way to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_065_07012024 - Another contextual look at the trail leading along the sea cliffs towards the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_066_07012024 - The trail veering inland against this side ravine to briefly leave the sea cliffs on the way to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_070_07012024 - Approaching a livestock-control gate on the trail to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_072_07012024 - The trail to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall returning to the fringes of the sea cliffs
Spekes_Mill_Falls_075_07012024 - Looking back towards the Hartland Quay on the way to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_077_07012024 - Continuing to go further along the sea cliffs on the way to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall where the St Catherine's Tor outcrop is upcoming
Spekes_Mill_Falls_079_07012024 - Looking way in the distance towards what appeared to be another sea arch towards the center left of this photo along the trail for the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_080_07012024 - Approaching the St Catherine's Tor, which is a noticeable outcrop overlooking Childspit Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_006_iPhone_07012024 - Looking across the profile of the waterfall spilling into Childspit Beach (fronted by nice wildflowers) after a brief detour from the trail to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_088_07012024 - More contextual look across the unnamed waterfall spilling into Childspit Beach showing the context of the beach below that waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_089_07012024 - Looking back towards the trail for the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall to show how short of a detour I took to witness the waterfall spilling into Childspit Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_090_07012024 - Going through another livestock control gate as the trail to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall went into the grassy area behind the St Catherine's Tor
Spekes_Mill_Falls_091_07012024 - The grassy area behind the St Catherine's Tor
Spekes_Mill_Falls_093_07012024 - Going over some plank traversing the stream responsible for the unnamed waterfall going into Childspit Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_096_07012024 - Ascending the trail to Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall beyond the grassy part of the backside of St Catherine's Tor
Spekes_Mill_Falls_097_07012024 - Looking back towards the rocky Childspit Beach and the St Catherine's Tor as I continued the ascent back up to the sea cliffs on the way to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_102_07012024 - Context of the sea cliffs on the ascent beyond the St Catherine's Tor as we got closer to the ravine containing the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_103_07012024 - Descending towards the ravine and grassy area adjacent to the top of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_104_07012024 - Looking down towards Spekes' Mill Beach fronted by more folded and wave-battered layers of rock
Spekes_Mill_Falls_109_07012024 - Continuing to follow along the edges of the sea cliffs towards the ravine and grassy area containing the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_111_07012024 - Approaching a fencing maze as we approaching the descent to the grassy area by the ravine containing the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_117_07012024 - Descending to the base of the grassy area where the ravine containing the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall becomes more obvious
Spekes_Mill_Falls_120_07012024 - Continuing to descend to the grassy area by the ravine containing the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_121_07012024 - Checking out some of the wildflowers blooming alongside the trail to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_124_07012024 - The final part of the descent to the grassy area on the way down to the edge of the ravine containing the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_125_07012024 - Julie and Tahia looking down towards Spekes' Mill Beach from the start of the descent down to it
Spekes_Mill_Falls_132_07012024 - First look at the main drop of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_148_07012024 - Looking down towards the start of the lowermost tiers of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_155_07012024 - Looking towards the unusually flat slab holding up the main drop of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall and its next tier
Spekes_Mill_Falls_156_07012024 - Looking towards the context of the main drop of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall, it's flat vertical cliff, and the mountains crowing the grassy area across the other side of its ravine
Spekes_Mill_Falls_160_07012024 - Angled look across the main drop of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall fronted by some wildflowers
Spekes_Mill_Falls_164_07012024 - An even more profile look across the main drop of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall with wildflowers fronting the cliff's fringes
Spekes_Mill_Falls_167_07012024 - Another look down towards the rest of the ravine as I stood closer to the brink of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_169_07012024 - Direct look at the main drop of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall while I started to scramble my way down closer to its base
Spekes_Mill_Falls_174_07012024 - Closeup look at more wildflowers blooming alongside the trail-of-use that I took to get closer to the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_175_07012024 - Another one of the unusual-looking wildflowers blooming alongside the trail-of-use that I took to get closer to the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_177_07012024 - Looking towards the end of the outcrop jutting out over the ravine overlooking the lower tiers of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_178_07012024 - Yet another look at the wildflowers being pollinated by some bee on the scramble to the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_182_07012024 - Looking towards the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall from a lower perspective on the scramble down to its base
Spekes_Mill_Falls_183_07012024 - Looking over the top of one of the lowermost tiers of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_184_07012024 - Portrait look at the base of the main drop of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_191_07012024 - Close-up look at some kind of snail clinging to one of the rocks seen on the scramble to and from the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_012_iPhone_07012024 - Looking downstream at the outcrop with the context of the chaotic cliffs flanking the ravine carved out by the lower waterfalls and Milford Water Stream beneath the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_193_07012024 - Looking back at the context of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall and its lookout as I went closer to the descent to Spekes' Mill Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_196_07012024 - Looking along the coastline towards the St Catherine's Tor from the start of the descent to the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_198_07012024 - Looking along the cliffs backing Spekes' Mill Beach on the descent to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_260_07012024 - Looking at the top of the steps descending to the Spekes' Mill Beach
Spekes_Mill_Falls_200_07012024 - Descending wooden steps down to Spekes' Mill Beach on the way to the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_213_07012024 - Looking towards the long Spekes' Mill Beach on the descent down to it en route to the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_217_07012024 - Looking towards the water's edge going in between tilting slabs of rock layers, which convinced me that the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall can only be done in low tide
Spekes_Mill_Falls_220_07012024 - Looking towards the jumble of rocks and the water's edge as I was approaching the stream responsible for the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall (Milford Water Stream?)
Spekes_Mill_Falls_228_07012024 - Approaching the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_232_07012024 - Portrait look at the context of the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_016_iPhone_07012024 - Looking back towards the uneven rocky scramble that I had to do to access the Milford Water Stream and the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_238_07012024 - Another look towards the chaotic jumble and wave-folded rock layers at the mouth of the Milford Water Stream
Spekes_Mill_Falls_240_07012024 - Looking towards an interesting cave or alcove caused by an uplift of a rock slab seen on the scramble to and from the base of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_246_07012024 - Going back up the sloping slab of rock to regain the wooden steps to go back up to the main track of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall hike
Spekes_Mill_Falls_253_07012024 - Last look back towards the Spekes' Mill Beach on the way back up to the main trail for the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_261_07012024 - On the ascending trail on the way back to the Hartland Quay after having had my fill of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_263_07012024 - Another closeup look at more wildflowers blooming by the trail for the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_264_07012024 - Yet more interesting-looking wildflowers blooming by the trail for the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_267_07012024 - Looking back at people descending into the valley containing the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall as we were leaving
Spekes_Mill_Falls_270_07012024 - Context of the maze fencing and the St Catherine's Tor on the way back to the Hartland Quay
Spekes_Mill_Falls_272_07012024 - Looking well inland at some structure that might be St Nectan's Church in Stoke as seen from the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall Trail
Spekes_Mill_Falls_273_07012024 - Following the cliff edges back towards the St Catherine's Tor on the way back to the Hartland Quay after having had my fill of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_285_07012024 - Descending towards the grassy area behind St Catherine's Tor as more people were heading to the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall in the early afternoon
Spekes_Mill_Falls_288_07012024 - Another look back across the coastline from the St Catherine's Tor towards what appeared to be a sea arch in the distance
Spekes_Mill_Falls_289_07012024 - Following the trail back towards the Hartland Quay with coastal scenery along the way seen from a different perspective since we were going in the opposite direction of the Spekes' Mill Mouth Waterfall
Spekes_Mill_Falls_292_07012024 - Finally getting a visual on the Hartland Quay on the return hike back to the parked car


Spekes’ Mill Mouth Waterfall resides near Hartland Quay in North Devon (Devon is the ceremonial county of this part of South West England).

We drove here from Ilfracombe so this is how I’ll describe the driving directions.

Drive_to_Hartland_Quay_018_MingSung_07012024 - Driving west on the A39 Road between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple
Driving west on the A39 Road between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple

From Ilfracombe, we made our way south to the A361 for about 14 miles through Braunton and towards Barnstaple to hook up with the A39.

Once at the roundabout where the A361 hooks up with the A39, we took the 2nd exit to go west on the A39.

Then, we drove about 21 miles on the A39 before reaching a signed turnoff on the right for Hartland.

Turning right to go towards Hartland (on the B3248 Road), we then followed this road that narrows as it gets closer to Hartland and beyond for the final 6 miles to the Hartland Quay.

Drive_to_Hartland_Quay_033_MingSung_07012024 - Driving on the B3248 Road, which started off as a two-lane hedge road (think blind spots with these tall hedges) before continuing to narrow as we got closer to Hartland Quay
Driving on the B3248 Road, which started off as a two-lane hedge road (think blind spots with these tall hedges) before continuing to narrow as we got closer to Hartland Quay

Realize that towards the end of this drive, we were dealing with more single-lane hedge roads than the conventional two-lane road so you definitely have to watch out for oncoming traffic, especially at the blind turns.

On the final, narrow single-lane descent to the Hartland Quay, there appeared to be options for parking higher up the road if it felt to sketchy to get into sticky stituations with oncoming traffic.

Each of the car parks had “private property” signs on them, but I think they’re primarily to discourage people from overnight camping.

From what we could tell, it appeared that people were able to use these car parks for day use (though don’t treat my advice as gospel about this; if in doubt, stop to ask someone or at least read the signs carefully).

Drive_to_Hartland_Quay_049_MingSung_07012024 - Driving by St Nectan's Church at Stoke on the narrow road B3248 Road to Hartland Quay
Driving by St Nectan’s Church at Stoke on the narrow road B3248 Road to Hartland Quay

At least down at the Hartland Quay at the very end of the road, there was a car park though the amount of spaces is limited so an early start is advisable.

Overall, this drive took us about 75 minutes.

Finally, one thing worth mentioning is that when leaving Hartland Quay, GoogleMaps or most other routing software apparently, will try to take you on non-sensical “shortest routes” back to the A39.

Well, the problem with this is that these apps seem to treat single-lane hedge roads with tall blind spots (where both sides of the car could touch overgrown hedges) as normal roads.

Spekes_Mill_Falls_299_07012024 - Looking down at the context of the car park for Hartland Quay at the end of the B3248 Road
Looking down at the context of the car park for Hartland Quay at the end of the B3248 Road

Let me assure you that you will NOT go anywhere near the speeds that GoogleMaps expects you to drive.

When in doubt, always go with the larger, wider roads (and signs pointing the way) over whatever the GPS suggests.

Even if the route is longer distancewise, it will actually be much shorter timewise along.

Believe me when I say, it will reduce the likelihood of getting in an accident, or at least backing up a long ways with all these narrow blind spots on single-lane roads looking for a lay-by, and help your sanity a bit.

Drive_to_Lydford_Gorge_016_MingSung_07012024 - Waiting for a car to pass by as we were led astray by GoogleMaps to go onto these ridiculous single-lane hedge roads that were way more dangerous than had we stuck with the B Road to return to the A39
Waiting for a car to pass by as we were led astray by GoogleMaps to go onto these ridiculous single-lane hedge roads that were way more dangerous than had we stuck with the B Road to return to the A39

For context, Hartland is about 14 miles (about 30 minutes drive) west of Bideford, about 23 miles (over 30 minutes drive) southwest of Barnstaple, about 35 miles (over an hour drive) southwest of Ilfracombe, about 55 miles (over 1.5 hours drive) northwest of Plymouth, about 62 miles (over 1.5 hours drive) northwest of Exeter, about 88 miles (over 2 hours drive) northeast of Penzance, about 97 miles (over 2 hours drive) west of Glastonbury, about 123 miles (3 hours drive) southwest of Bath, and 234 miles (about 5 hours drive) west of London.

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360 degree sweep from a view of the Childspit Beach Waterfall early on during the hike to the Spekes Mill Waterfall


360 degree sweep from the signature view of the main falls while also doing a more focused up and down sweep of the falls as well


Sweep starting from the cliff top examining both the top and middle tiers of the falls before maneuvering to an outcrop with a more frontal view of the upper waterfall


360 degree anticlockwise sweep from the base of the falls while also revealing the rocky shore

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Tagged with: hartland, hartland quay, bideford, devon, ocean, beach waterfall, england, britain, united kingdom



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Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.