Heddon Valley National Trust
Discover Heddon Valley, a National Trust gem in North Devon, offering ancient woodlands, dramatic coastlines, and a rewarding hike to a beautiful rock...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Heddon Valley National Trust
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Heddon Valley, a National Trust gem in North Devon, offering ancient woodlands, dramatic coastlines, and a rewarding hike to a beautiful rock beach.
"A scenic, albeit hilly, walk through ancient woodland to a stunning rock beach – well worth the effort!"
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path is steep and can be slippery. Good walking shoes are a must for the downhill and uphill sections.
🚗 Drive with Caution
Roads to the valley are narrow with blind spots. Drive slowly and be patient.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Heddon Mouth Beach
End of the valley trail
A picturesque rock beach with a stream, perfect for exploring and relaxing after the hike.
Ancient Woodland Trail
Valley floor
Wander through stunning ancient woodland, a peaceful National Trust spot with dramatic cliffs.
Coastal Views
Upper parts of the trail
Experience incredible views of the North Devon coast as the trail winds uphill.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a Hilly Hike
Parking and Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path is steep and can be slippery. Good walking shoes are a must for the downhill and uphill sections.
🚗 Drive with Caution
Roads to the valley are narrow with blind spots. Drive slowly and be patient.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Plenty of space and variety for dogs on the walk. They'll love exploring the beach!
🍦 Treat Yourself
Enjoy delicious ice cream from the National Trust cafe or a meal at The Hunters Inn.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path is steep and can be slippery. Good walking shoes are a must for the downhill and uphill sections.
🚗 Drive with Caution
Roads to the valley are narrow with blind spots. Drive slowly and be patient.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Plenty of space and variety for dogs on the walk. They'll love exploring the beach!
🍦 Treat Yourself
Enjoy delicious ice cream from the National Trust cafe or a meal at The Hunters Inn.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Stunning views and a beautiful beach make for great photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Heddon Valley for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the scenic walk through ancient woodland to the picturesque rock beach at Heddon Mouth. The opportunity to enjoy coastal views and the peaceful atmosphere are major draws. However, the steepness of the walk and the narrow, winding roads leading to the valley are frequently mentioned as challenging aspects.
"We really enjoyed our visit to this site, which offers a scenic walk down to the beach. The walk takes around an hour and is quite hilly in places, but the effort is well worth it for the beautiful surroundings. It’s especially lovely to do with dogs, as there’s plenty of space and variety along the way. At the bottom, you’re rewarded with a picturesque rock beach and a stream, making it a peaceful spot to explore and relax. There’s also a small shop at the car park where we treated ourselves to a cold drink and an ice cream which was much needed after the walk!"
Hannah Ryan
"Hidden gem, lovely scenery on the walk down to heddon mouth. Quaint little pub situated at the start of the trails. National trust car park so if your a member bonus as its free parking, plus the staff are very friendly and extremely helpful. The roads down can be quite daunting but at bit of patience and caution and you'll be fine."
Madden John
"really lovely place. definitely worth a pop in, nice little cafe and you can sit near the river. Only issue is it’s down and uphill so you need to make sure your car is able to deal with the terrain."
Lu Young
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The valley is accessible by car. The roads leading down can be narrow and winding, so drive with caution. There is a National Trust car park available, and some free roadside parking near The Hunters Inn.
Unfortunately, the walk down to the beach is very steep and hilly, making it unsuitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
While public transport options are limited, you might be able to arrange local taxi services. However, driving is the most common and convenient way to access the valley.
Follow signs for Heddon Valley and The Hunters Inn. Be prepared for narrow, single-track roads with blind spots, especially as you descend into the valley.
Information on EV charging points is not widely available. It's advisable to check the National Trust website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking is free for National Trust members in the designated car park. Non-members will need to pay for parking.
Heddon Valley itself is generally accessible during daylight hours. The National Trust cafe and The Hunters Inn have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
There is no specific entrance fee to access Heddon Valley. However, parking charges apply for non-National Trust members.
Tickets are not required for entry to Heddon Valley. Parking fees can typically be paid on arrival at the car park.
National Trust members receive free parking. It's always a good idea to check the National Trust website for any potential discounts or special offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk down to Heddon Mouth is approximately one hour and is quite hilly. It's a scenic route through ancient woodland, leading to a rock beach. The return journey is uphill.
At Heddon Mouth, you'll find a picturesque rock beach, a stream, and beautiful coastal scenery. It's a peaceful spot to explore and relax.
There are no toilets directly at Heddon Mouth beach. The nearest facilities are likely to be at the National Trust cafe or The Hunters Inn at the start of the trail.
Yes, Heddon Valley is very dog-friendly, offering plenty of space and varied terrain for dogs to enjoy.
Heddon Valley is a haven for wildlife, including bats! Conservation efforts have led to breeding bats being spotted, indicating a healthy ecosystem.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a National Trust cafe offering refreshments and ice cream, and The Hunters Inn pub provides meals and drinks. +1
The cafe offers refreshments, including delicious pasties and ice cream from Langage Farm Dairy. 
Absolutely! There are many picnic sites by the stream, making it a lovely spot to enjoy your own food amidst nature.
The Hunters Inn offers meals, pints, and chips, making it a great stop for lunch or a break during your visit.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but pubs and cafes often have a range of choices. It's best to inquire directly with the establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire valley offers stunning photographic opportunities, from the ancient woodland and stream to the dramatic coastal views and the rock beach at Heddon Mouth.
Drone photography is mentioned in some social media content, but it's always best to check National Trust guidelines regarding drone usage on their properties to ensure compliance.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Yes, Heddon Valley is home to various wildlife, including birds and bats. Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
The trail offers numerous viewpoints overlooking the coast and the valley. The area around Heddon Mouth beach itself is particularly scenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the uphill return journey; it might be challenging for very young children or if they are tired. The National Trust cafe offers treats like ice cream, which can be a great motivator! Dogs are welcome, making it a fun outing for the whole family, including furry members.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
+1Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the ancient woodland and the chance to spot wildlife, including the recently discovered breeding bats. The coastal views are spectacular, and the rock beach at Heddon Mouth provides a unique environment to explore.
+1Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the path can be uneven and steep. The National Trust cafe and The Hunters Inn are perfect for refueling after a hike.
+1🐶 Dog Owners
Be mindful of the steep sections, especially on the return journey, and ensure your dog is comfortable with inclines. The rock beach provides an exciting area for dogs to investigate. Remember to keep them under control where necessary, especially near the coast where the ocean can be strong.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heddon Valley Hike: What to Expect
Many visitors find the effort well worth it, rewarded by the stunning natural beauty of the valley and the coast. The path is varied, offering plenty of interest along the way. It's a popular route for dog walkers, with ample space for canine companions to explore.
At the bottom, you'll reach Heddon Mouth, a charming rock beach with a stream. It's a peaceful spot to relax, explore, and enjoy the coastal atmosphere. The National Trust cafe and The Hunters Inn are conveniently located near the start of the trail, offering refreshments and meals for before or after your hike.
+1Navigating the Roads and Parking
It's important to note that while the drive is manageable with care, it can be daunting for some. The terrain leading into the valley requires a vehicle capable of handling inclines. The National Trust staff are often praised for being friendly and helpful, providing useful information for walkers.
Plan your visit with parking in mind, especially during peak seasons. Arriving earlier in the day can increase your chances of securing a spot, particularly in the free roadside areas. Remember that amenities like toilets are not at the beach itself, so factor that into your planning.
Wildlife Wonders in Heddon Valley
Visitors have the opportunity to spot various bird species and other small creatures as they explore the ancient woodlands and coastal paths. The presence of breeding bats highlights the success of the National Trust's conservation work in the area, making Heddon Valley a valuable site for biodiversity.
When exploring, remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance. Avoid disturbing their habitats and follow any guidelines provided by the National Trust to ensure the protection of these natural residents. The chance to witness such a vibrant ecosystem adds another layer of wonder to a visit to Heddon Valley.
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