Atlantic Highway

The name originated because of the North Coast’s strong ties to the Southern Railway’s ‘Atlantic Coast Express’. The ‘ACE’ ran daily from London, Waterloo, to the North Devon and North Cornwall coast from 1926 until 1964. During this period, the ‘ACE’ became a well known symbol of travel to the traditional the Westcountry. By the mid nineties, the ‘Atlantic Highway’ had become an accepted designation for the A39 coast road through Devon and Cornwall, and appeared on many maps and guides.

The Old Wainhouse Inn, just off the main road at Wainhouse Corner, St. Gennys, is the perfect place to stop for refreshment. This family run pub, with Bryan, Carol and their sons, Lee (Chef) and Chris (front of house), has recently been completely refurbished, although its original features have been retained.

A delicious range of food is available all day with fresh local fish always on the menu. There are various vegetarian options on offer and whenever possible, all produce and ingredients are locally sourced. A good selection of wines awaits you, as do Cask Ales, which are situated at the back of the bar, a delightful sight for a thirsty traveller!

Bude, further on, is in the fortunate position of having the positives of a seaside town without many of the negatives. It has the benefit of lovely golden beaches, sheltered and safe for bathing. Sir John Betjeman’s description of it as the “least rowdy’’ of our resorts is very apt. There is an easy going charm about the place.

Stratton is a pleasant village on the Holsworthy road east of Bude. The village square lies off the main road and here in Fore Street you will find The Tree Inn. As well as being a really great traditional Cornish pub it has another claim to fame. In the 1600s it was home to the Cornish Giant, Antony Payne.

Cornwall is full of myths and legends from King Arthur, through rock hurling and riding Irish saints to the modern day beasts which prowl the moors. But in Antony Payne we have a legend that is true - this giant of a man was seven feet four inches high and at his peak weighed thirty eight stone. More surprising still, in an age when we are told obesity kills, he lived to the grand old age of eighty one - and that when the average life expectancy was much shorter.

This is a pub where good food and drink are served in ample portions - though possibly Antony might have needed an extra large helping. A copy of a famous painting of Antony is to be seen in the courtyard of the Tree Inn - a massive but by no means forbidding figure. You can be sure of a warm welcome at the Tree.

The lively little village of Kilkhampton lies just inside the border of Cornwall. It is easy to reach from North Devon, being on the main A39, about six miles inland from Bude. This area is often referred to as ‘Grenville Country’. Kilkhampton forms the heart of this area and is the birthplace of Sir Richard Grenville (cousin of Sir Walter Raleigh).

Kilkhampton church was probably rebuilt in the late 15th Century, but retains a magnificent south doorway constructed in about 1130 and, inside, some fine Tudor oak bench ends. A short and pleasant walk across country from the village takes you to the site of Kilkhampton Castle, which is under the care of the National Trust.

A visit to the private village of Clovelly is an absolute must. The cobbled, traffic-free, high street of this world famous fishing village, built into a cleft in a 400' high cliff, tumbles its way down past whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers to the tiny working port.

It is famous for its donkeys, which traditionally carry goods up the hill; sledges bring things down.  There are links with Charles Kingsley, Turner, Dickens and the Spanish Armada.

What everyone remarks upon is the maritime atmosphere, stunning views and the peaceful tranquillity of the village, so visitors often decide on the spot to stay a night or two.  The New Inn Hotel in the heart of the village and the Red Lion Hotel by the quayside offer charming en suite accommodation and excellent bar and restaurant food.

Unusually, the village is privately owned and has been by the same family since 1738.  Their policy is to care for Clovelly and keep it in the style of mid C19th, which involves much quality maintenance using traditional materials and craftmanship.  Part of the modest entrance fee contributes to this work and current prices can be found under the 'Visitor Centre' tab on the left.

Also, be sure to visit Morwenstow, a delightful little village named after Morwenna, the daughter of a Welsh king, who lived in the area soon after the Romans left England. Standing high above the sea, the church is very impressive with much remaining of the original Norman building including the south doorway and the font.

The tower of the church was a landmark for passing ships, and no story of Morwenstow would be complete without mention of the notorious character Reverend Robert Stephen Hawker, who lived and worked here for forty years.

He has been one of the most talked about parsons in the Church of England. Although he was undoubtedly eccentric, he carried out much good work for the many shipwrecked sailors, who found themselves on his doorstep.

Where the Taw and Torridge rivers meet, sits the delightful quayside village of Appledore, next to the River Torridge. Appledore boasts a small but great range of shops, pubs, guesthouses and art galleries. A thriving fishing and trading village since the 14th century, Appledore has been a famous boat-building centre for many years and the shipyard is still active today.