The Bude Canal, Bude, North Cornwall
A Haven for Walkers, Anglers and Nature Lovers in the West Country
Apr 10, 2009
Since it was built in 1819, the Bude Canal has been one of the main features of the North Cornish coastal town of Bude. Originally designed as a method of transportation for commercial and agricultural purposes, the Bude Canal has been used for recreation only since the 1940s. It is an important resource for locals and tourists alike, providing walks in a peaceful setting that is also a wildlife hotspot.
A Holiday Walk along the Bude Canal
The Bude Canal is a perfect place to take a relaxing stroll when you are on holiday in North Cornwall. The towpath begins at the Sea Lock from which you can see the Breakwater which was built in 1838. Walking inland, the towpath continues for two miles in the direction of the village of Marhamchurch to the end of the canal at Helebridge Basin.
A Haven for Wildlife in North Cornwall
Walking along the towpath from the Sea Lock up to Helebridge is a treat for any nature lover, whatever the season. In the spring, the gently sloping fields that lay beyond the banks of the canal are full of new-born lambs and bankside woodlands exude the heady scent of bluebells and wild garlic. With the long summer days, the hedges become full of frothy masses of cow-parsley that sparkle with the azure blue wings of dragon flies they hover in the humid air. Gathering blackberries along the towpath is a delightful autumn pastime and winter walkers who brave frosty mornings along the canal are treated to the austere beauty of the sparkling frost clinging to the spiky remains of summer vegetation.
An Angler's Paradise on the Bude Canal
The Bude Canal is also stocked with carp, tench, rudd, perch and bream, making it an angler's paradise. Those visitors to Bude who enjoy fishing are will find it a tranquil place to sit and watch the world go by whilst waiting for a bite. Permits are obtainable from the Bailiff who patrols the canal bank.
A Welcome Break on the Bude Canal Walk
The Woodland Tea Garden, which first opened in 2003, is a perfect place for visitors to enjoy some refreshments during their walk along the Bude Canal. Situated at Whalesborough, the Woodland Tea Garden is two miles along the towpath from the Sea Lock. Serving an extensive range of refreshments including Cornish cream teas, light meals and possibly the best chocolate cake in Cornwall, the Woodland Tea Garden offers seating both in the farmhouse and outside in the beautiful garden.
For those holidaymakers who return year after year to visit Bude, the canal is always a great place where the whole family can enjoy some peaceful walks together. New visitors will enjoy walking the tranquil towpaths and discovering the delights of nature that are in abundance along this serene stretch of water.
For further details contact The Bude Canal and Harbour Society or Bude Tourist Information Centre.
 |
