Bude Canal and Compass Point Loop

A loop from Bude wharf along the canal towpath to Helebridge, crossing to Widemouth Bay and returning north along the cliffs past Efford Down to the Storm Tower on Compass Point. Flat water out, Atlantic drama back.

1 hr 5 min – 1 hr 40 min

Bude, Lower Wharf to Bude, Lower Wharf

Desk-researched / Not yet field-checked

Distance: 10.8 km
Elevation: 166 m
Start: Bude, Lower Wharf
Terrain: Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Loop

Practical notes

Best for

A structured session: flat effort out, rolling effort home
Runners based in Bude wanting one loop that has everything
Storm-watching from Compass Point at a respectful distance

Watch for

Shared towpath with bikes and buggies in season
Cliff edges above Widemouth are crumbly and repeatedly re-fenced
Spray and shifted shingle at the breakwater after big swells

Facilities

Wharf-side cafes, shops and toilets in Bude
Seasonal facilities at Widemouth Bay

Season

The canal half runs in any weather and makes a fine short out-and-back when winter closes the cliffs.

Parking: Big car parks by the wharf and Summerleaze; even these fill on wet-day-in-August afternoons.
Public transport: Buses reach Bude from Holsworthy and along the coast; the wharf is minutes from the stops.
Conditions: Level compacted towpath, one road crossing at Helebridge, then grass and worn cliff path with a few honest rises.
Navigation: Towpath to its end, cross signed for Widemouth, then keep the sea on your left until the octagonal tower — realigned twice as this cliff retreats — points you back into town.