| Along the waters edge at Westward Ho! | |
|  | | The idyllic view from Westward Ho! |
| | Take a gentle stroll by the waters edge at Westward Ho! in North Devon. Take in the stunning views of the coast and the scenery of Northam Burrows Country Park.
By: Jo Bishop. |
| | | Westward Ho! Is perhaps best known for being named after the book of the same name written by Charles Kingsley.
But it's also famous for it's two miles of sandy beach known as the Golden Bay.
When the tide is out it makes the perfect spot for a stroll by the water's edge.
There are stunning views across the Taw and Torridge estuary towards Saunton and more immediately there's the scenery of Northam Burrows Country Park.
It's 1000 acres of common ground and an area where you can extend your beach walk if you wish, making it a circular route.
 | | Westward Ho! is a popular place for surfing, canoeing, kite-surfing and para-karting. |
We parked in the beach car park at Westward Ho! And walked down the slipway on to the sands, heading eastwards along the beach towards the Burrows and those views of Saunton.
The wide expanse of densely compacted sand makes it a hive of activity. Bathing, surfing, canoeing, kite-surfing and para-karting are just some of the sports practised here.
For those who want to extend their walk the South West Coast Path runs through Westward Ho! and you could continue east to Minehead, or going west follow the coastline for around a hundred miles as far as Land's End, should you have the time and the energy!
For a more gentle stroll though, keep following the water's edge around to Northam Burrows, where you'll have a view across to Appledore.
 | | There's plenty of sand for dogs to have a good run. |
Make your way up to the Royal North Devon Golf Course and a large area of sand dunes, which is home to a rich variety of birds, insects and wild flowers.
Horses, cattle and sheep graze on the Burrows as they did in days gone by.
Follow the pebble ridge and the footpath signs around the golf course back to Westward Ho!, or if you want to stay on the sands make your way back by the same route.
On a windy day it's guaranteed to blow the cobwebs away whichever path you choose.
Article published: 28th December 2004.
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