Bude
OS Grid ref:- SS215065
The attractive town of Bude, in the far north of Cornwall has an exceptionally mild climate, and 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.
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.
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 Gurneyl and has a cafe and information area.
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.