Bude
Is Bude unique in its unspoilt beauty?
When it was just a small village trading port, it was particularly fortunate in having two benevolent benefactors. Sir Ranulph de Blanchminster who, 600 years ago, left a huge legacy to create a grant-giving Charity. And Sir Thomas Dyke Acland who, in 1802, inherited the Arundell Estates to the south of Bude and spent his life developing and improving the town, the education of its children, plus employment opportunities and large works in Bude. Sir Thomas was determined to keep the Downs free for all peoples to use for their enjoyment and health benefits.
At low tide it is possible to walk to Sandymouth Bay all the time enjoying the spectacular seascape and outstanding geological rock forms.
On the way, you could stop off at Northcott Mouth bay and have a coffee or afternoon tea at Sip + Sea -Rustic Tea Gardens.
On very low tides it is even possible to walk to Duckpool and enjoy a snack there and return via the clifftops to Bude. This should only be undertaken by those capable of negotiating some rocky terrain and being aware of tide times.
The local people were given access to the common downland, and they have vigorously guarded this right, keeping common lands open to all. The town has a canal and river running through its centre, it has an 18-hole Golf Course wrapped around its northern flank, a nature reserve to its east and all the land seaward of the town is open Downs- leading to an open-air swimming pool and the two immediate beaches at Summerleaze and Crooklets.
At low tide, the shoreline northward, opens to the walker for miles taking in Northcott Mouth, Sandy Mouth and Duckpool Beaches. The estuary of the River Neet, which is two miles long, offers walks on both its sides, up to Helebridge at its eastern end.
The huge bay of Bude creates a very high tidal range, the waves providing some of the very best surfing opportunities in this, the home of Surf Lifesaving in Britain.
With all this space, beaches, cliffs and open countryside, it is no surprise that Bude can offer those who wants to walk, relax, climb rock faces, surf kayaks and boards; kayak along the canal, stand-up-paddle board, wind surf, play golf or just swim or play in the waves or in our open air swimming pool – the resort of Bude will provide you with every opportunity to enjoy your sport.
With so much to offer, you will understand why the people of Bude will give a positive “yes” in answer to the leading question of this piece.
This drone shot, by Keiran Hammond, shows the harbour view with sports ground and Summerleaze Downs and Car Park; the Castle and grounds, where is held the Heritage Centre and the Bude Canal on the left of the picture arriving at its Loch Gate exit to the sea. At the harbour mouth is the breakwater, just out of view is the open air pool, washed fresh with each high tide. Here the tide is a little beyond the half-tide mark.
The combination of miles of beaches and cliff and country paths; the canal waterway open to rowing boats, paddleboards and canoes and, of course, surfing of all kinds; all ensures great active healthy fun for all.
Never forgetting that 18 miles to our south is the full expanse of Bodmin Moor which is strewn with Neolithic, Bronze Age and Medieval remains- arguably comparable to no other area in the UK.