Lundy Island Circular Walk

7.9 miles miles (12.7km) with 1200 feet (400 m) of ascent (Much less if you drop down to sea level less often)

4/10.

Explorer 139. Landranger 180. The map given out by the pub (or even Openstreetmap) is better.

This is a circular walk around the cliffs of Lundy, a small island 12 miles off the north coast of Devon in the Severn Estuary.

The island has an interesting and somewhat lawless history, including the Knights Templar, and piracy in the middle ages. Nowadays, its run by the Landmark Trust on behalf of its owners, the National Trust. There is no town, just 1 pub for daytrippers, and a few houses scattered around the island for holiday rental, and for the minimal residential poulation.

The island is 3 miles long by 0.6 miles wide. Its a 400 feet high plateau, surrounded by cliffs apart from the landing beach, so has terrific sea views. There are lighthouses at either end, and an unused one in top (it was often shrouded in fog). The island was once famous for puffins but they are now rare. Points of interest include a castle, some Celtic remains, and the 1906 wreck of HMS Montagu.

No vehicles. Only assistance dogs are allowed. You should get a mobile phone signal. Its a 400 feet (130m) walk uphill from the landing point.

See the Landmark Trust Lundy website

The Landmark Trust runs ferries to Lundy during the summer season (April to October) 3 times a week (5 in high summer), alternating from Bideford (earlier start, longer on the island) and Ilfracombe (later start, a tourist resort) on the north Devon coast. The journey takes 2 hours. In winter, there's only an expensive helicopter service. Neither has a train station (the nearest is Barstaple). Try National Express coaches.

Landmark Trust - Ferry and Accomodation

Some private vessels may do trips - google - if you do this stop off at the pub to pay the landing fee (including in the Landmark Trust ticket)

The Marisco Tavern (the island's pub). The island's community hub, good, fairly priced, busy (but still quick service) when 250 day trippers arrive! Try the local lamb. Sadly, puffin (Lundi in Icelandic) is off the menu.

About 20 cottages (and 1 campsite) all let by the Landmark Trust, 1 big enough for groups, 1 with hostel style beds. Expect to book up to a year in advance for popular times. Off season is less of a problem. No electricity after midnight. No broadband/WiFi, but mobile data should work. Bring your own food, or eat in the pub. Your luggage will be taken to the top of the hill. Beware that some cottages are further than others.

After the walk, please leave a comment, it really helps. Thanks!

You can also upload photos to the SWC Group on Flickr (upload your photos) and videos to Youtube. This walk's tags are:

National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 • Traveline (bus times): 0871 200 22 33 (12p/min) • TFL (London) : 0343 222 1234

Jan-20 Andrew