Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall
A dramatic coastal waterfall in North Devon, offering stunning views and wild swimming opportunities via a scenic, albeit challenging, hike.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic coastal waterfall in North Devon, offering stunning views and wild swimming opportunities via a scenic, albeit challenging, hike.
"This place is truly magical, a must-do for active explorers!"
🚗 Park Smartly
Use Hartland Quay car park (£3). Avoid private farm parking. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The path is uneven, muddy, and steep. Not for prams or mobility issues. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Cascade
Speke's Mill Mouth
A dramatic waterfall plunging 157 feet down three tiers into the ocean.
Hidden Plunge Pools
Beach level
Ideal spots for a wild swim, accessible via the beach or a tricky scramble down.
Coastal Path Views
South West Coast Path
Spectacular coastal scenery and rock formations leading to the waterfall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access
Best Time for Views & Swims
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park Smartly
Use Hartland Quay car park (£3). Avoid private farm parking. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The path is uneven, muddy, and steep. Not for prams or mobility issues. :athletic_shoe:
🥶 Wild Swim Prep
Water is very cold! Be prepared for a chilly but invigorating experience.
📸 Capture the Magic
Golden hour offers stunning light for dramatic waterfall and coastal shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park Smartly
Use Hartland Quay car park (£3). Avoid private farm parking. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The path is uneven, muddy, and steep. Not for prams or mobility issues. :athletic_shoe:
🥶 Wild Swim Prep
Water is very cold! Be prepared for a chilly but invigorating experience.
📸 Capture the Magic
Golden hour offers stunning light for dramatic waterfall and coastal shots.
⚠️ Safety First
Some cliff edges are unfenced. Be cautious, especially with children. :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the dramatic beauty of Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall and the stunning coastal scenery along the South West Coast Path. The opportunity for wild swimming in the plunge pools and the magical light during golden hour are frequently highlighted. However, the challenging and muddy terrain of the path makes it unsuitable for those with mobility issues or prams, and the water is very cold for swimming.
"Pay £3 to park and head along the coastal cliffs. Great scenery and lots of photo ops. The waterfall is hidden but you can climb down for a better view. Also you can get to the bottom via the beach and some hidden plunge pools ideal for a wild swim. Not feeling as adventurous you still get a good view from the top"
Brendan
"As part of our second day on holiday in beautiful Bude, Cornwall, we decided to tackle the walk to Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall, and it was absolutely worth the effort! This place is truly magical.
A crucial tip for anyone planning a visit: DO NOT park next to the private farm or on any of the narrow side roads leading down. Not only is it inconsiderate to residents, but it's also completely unnecessary. Instead, head straight for the Hartland Quay car park. It's incredibly convenient, well-managed, and only costs a very reasonable £3 for the day. For the best access to the waterfall, try to park in the middle tier of the car park – it's the closest starting point for the coastal path that leads to the falls.
Now, a word of caution: while the waterfall itself is breathtaking, the path to get there is quite challenging. This is definitely not a route for parents with prams or for anyone with mobility issues or disabilities. The terrain is uneven, can be muddy, and involves some steep descents and ascents. You'll need sturdy footwear and a good level of fitness.
However, if you're up for the adventure, the reward is incredible. The waterfall cascades beautifully onto the beach, creating a truly memorable scene. It's a fantastic spot for photography and just soaking in the raw beauty of the Cornish coastline. A must-do for active explorers!"
AJMAL KAZMI
"I parked at Hartland Quay ( free parking ). There was a hotel there serving food & drink. There is also a small shop selling souvenirs etc. Toilets are also on site. Fairly easy to park on the day of my visit with room for maybe 50-60 cars. This is a tarmac car park but there are also extra spaces higher up on the hill ( gravel & grass carparks ). The views from the carpark are spectacular with large rock formations going out to sea. The beach is worth going on but can be a bit tricky as many of the rocks are at an angle & you could easily slip especially in wet weather.
The walk to Speke's Mill Waterfall took just over half an hour. The general area is quite hilly but most of the walk is fairly flat, just one steepish hill to go up & down when near to the waterfall. There weren't many people about on the day of my visit & it was quite windy on the coastal path. It is well worth the effort to get to the main waterfall & there are two smaller waterfalls lower down. To get to see those you are better off going down the steps on to the rocky beach, which is itself worth a visit. I would highly recommend a visit to this area."
Scott Roberts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended access is via the South West Coast Path from Hartland Quay. Park at the Hartland Quay car park (£3) and follow the path south. The walk takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning coastal views.
Yes, the official Hartland Quay car park is the best option, costing £3 for the day. Avoid parking on private land or narrow side roads.
No, the path is uneven, muddy, and has steep sections, making it unsuitable for prams, wheelchairs, or those with mobility issues.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the South West Coast Path, but always keep them on a lead, especially near cliff edges and wildlife.
You can get a good view from the coastal path above. For a closer look or to access the beach and plunge pools, a scramble down is required.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee for the waterfall itself, but you will need to pay for parking at Hartland Quay car park, which is £3 for the day.
Speke's Mill Mouth Waterfall is a natural attraction and is accessible at all times. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
The South West Coast Path is a public right of way and is free to access. The only cost is for parking at Hartland Quay.
Yes, there are hidden plunge pools at the beach level ideal for wild swimming. Be prepared for very cold water and a potentially tricky descent. +1
Golden hour offers the most dramatic light for photography. Visiting at low tide can make beach access easier.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The walk from Hartland Quay is approximately 30 minutes. It's a hilly coastal path with some steep ascents and descents, and can be muddy.
Yes, there are three waterfalls: one main cascade and two smaller ones lower down, which are best seen from the beach.
Hartland Quay has a hotel serving food and drinks, a small souvenir shop, and toilets.
Absolutely! The dramatic waterfall, coastal scenery, and potential for golden hour light make it a fantastic spot for photographers.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or shoes. Layers of clothing are advisable as the weather can change quickly on the coast.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful, soft light that enhances the dramatic scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the waterfall and coastline. A tripod can help with long exposures, especially in lower light.
The coastal path offers excellent elevated views. For shots at the base, be mindful of the slippery rocks and tide.
Use a slower shutter speed to create a silky, blurred effect of the water. A neutral density (ND) filter can help achieve this in brighter conditions.
Drone footage can offer unique perspectives of the waterfall and its dramatic coastal setting. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers
Bring a wide-angle lens and consider a tripod for long exposures to capture the water's movement. The beach level provides unique angles, but be mindful of the slippery rocks. 🏊♀️ Wild Swimmers
+1 Be prepared for icy water and a potentially tricky scramble down to access them. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey: Coastal Path Adventure
The path itself is a visual feast, with large rock formations jutting out into the sea and the constant sound of the waves crashing below. Many visitors find the journey as rewarding as the destination, with ample opportunities for stunning photography along the way. The wind can be bracing, so dressing in layers is advisable.
While the main waterfall is visible from the path, reaching the beach level to see the smaller cascades and the plunge pools requires a bit more effort, often involving a scramble down. This is where the true wild swimming potential lies, but caution is advised due to the slippery rocks and the powerful nature of the water.
Wild Swimming at Speke's Mill Mouth
+1Many visitors describe the experience as invigorating and unforgettable, with the dramatic backdrop of the waterfall enhancing the sense of adventure. If you're considering a dip, it's advisable to go with a buddy, wear appropriate footwear for navigating the rocks, and be aware of the tide times. The sheer power of the water, especially after rainfall, adds to the raw, natural beauty of the location.
Even if you decide not to swim, the sight and sound of the waterfall crashing into the sea are spectacular. The beach itself is a fascinating area to explore, with its unique rock formations and the chance to see the smaller cascades up close.
Photography Opportunities
The surrounding coastline is equally photogenic. The rugged cliffs, sea stacks, and the vast expanse of the ocean create a stunning backdrop. Visiting during the golden hour, either at sunrise or sunset, can bathe the scene in warm, ethereal light, transforming the landscape and adding a magical quality to your shots.
For those with drones, the aerial perspective offers a unique way to showcase the waterfall's scale and its dramatic meeting with the sea. Remember to always check local regulations regarding drone usage. Regardless of your equipment, the raw beauty and dynamic nature of Speke's Mill Mouth ensure ample opportunities for captivating images.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit