Bude
OS Grid ref:- SS215065
The attractive town of Bude, situated at the mouth of the River Neet, in the far north of Cornwall has an exceptionally mild climate.
Bude, described as "the liveliest peace of Cornwall" is a major surfing resort, boasting some of the best surfing beaches in Britain, including Summerleaze Beach, attended throughout the summer by a lifeguard and surrounded by a spectacular Heritage Coastline. Widemouth Bay lies a few miles south of the town and offers a long, wide sandy beach.
In addition, Bude offers opportunities for golfing, bird watching and cycling, and a wide range of accomodation and shops.
The town has a seawater swimming pool under Summerleaze Downs, as well as a heated leisure pool with wave machine, flume and cafe. Near to the beach are a laser dome, trampolines, putting and tennis courts.
The town of Bude boasts a rich and colourful history. The name is of medieval origin, when Bude was little more than a chapel on a rock.The rock on which the chapel stood is now part of the breakwater and still bears the name "Chapel Rock". By the eightenth century Bude had developed into a thriving port, its popularity as a seaside resort dates from Victorian times.
Bude Castle, a castellated manor house which overlooks the town, occupies a hill near Summerleaze Beach and dates from the 1830's. It was built by the inventor Sir Goldworthy Gurney to prove that a house could be built on sand with the use of a concrete raft and now hosts a cafe and information area.
At the northernmost point of Efford Down Farm, overlooking Summerleaze Beach and the breakwater, stands a former coastguard lookout. Known as Compass Point, it was built by the wealthy Acland family in 1840 and is based on the Temple of Winds in Athens. It was moved to its current position in 1880. It derives its name from the fact that it has points of the compass carved in each of its octagonal sides
The old forge beside the canal now serves as the town's Historical and Folk Museum. The canal, built by Sir Thomas Acland in 1926, is almost unique in England, it was not primarily constructed to transport goods to the Cornish coast, but to carry large quantities of sand inland to improve the acid soil.
The two mile tow path along the Bude Canal makes a pleasant walk.
A walk at Bude Canal
Distance - 5 miles
Duration - 2 - 2.5 hours
*Commencing at Bude Visitor Centre proceed along the canal towpath inland until reaching Whalesborough Wood. Turn left at Hele Bridge and cross the bridge to join a footpath.
*Follow the canal towpath toward Marhamchurch, on reaching a pumping station take the lane to the left, crossing a river. Turn right toward Hele Mill, turning left before the mill and ascend steps to join a footpath. A gate on the right of the upper half of the field leads to an old road.
*Turn left after passing a farnhouse to a gateway which offers stunning views of the Bude Valley, retrace your steps past the houses and turn left. Cross the A39 road/ Continue until the track joins an old railway. Continue along the railway for a short distance turning left down embankment steps upon reaching them, to join a fenced path.
*Turn left at the road by the railway bridge. Cross the field on your right. The road then leads to Rodd's Bridge and Bude.
Map:- Landranger Series 190: Bude Clovelly and surrounding area.