About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
About Lundy
Once the haunt of pirates and chancers and now a haven for wildlife, Lundy is a weather-battered lump of granite in the Bristol Channel packs well above its weight with things to see and do. The largest island in Devon, with a high point of 143 metres at Beacon Hill, it lies eighteen kilometres off the coast of North Devon at the point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Bristol Channel. For hundreds of years this strategic position has attracted a number of unlawful profiteers. One of the most devious was the eighteenth-century North Devon MP, Thomas Benson, who was paid to deport convicts to the United States but instead dropped them on Lundy – several thousand kilometres short. Followed a hundred years or so later by the businessman Martin Coles Harman who bought the island and declared himself the King of Lundy – he was later fined for setting up his own currency. The island’s fortunes took a step change for the better when Jack Hayward, the former owner of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, bought Lundy in 1969 and donated it to the National Trust. Lundy is managed by the Landmark Trust. Today Lundy is a magnet for day-trippers and holiday makers, who visit to get away from it all, relax and enjoy the wildlife, particularly the puffins and seals.
Highlights of Lundy
- Famous Lundy puffins between April and July
- Exploring smugglers caves and subterranean passages
- Climbing over to Rat Island to see the amazing rock pools
- Sampling the local brew at the legendary Marisco Tavern
How to get to Lundy Island
The historic MS Oldenburg is Lundy’s own ferry and supply ship that sails at least three times a week (April to October) from either Bideford or Ilfracombe on a two-hour crossing, leaving four–six hours to explore the island depending on the day you choose to travel. In the winter a helicopter service runs from Hartland Point on Mondays and Fridays.
https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/day-trips/bookings/
Lundy Island trips
Lundy day trips are possible on the MS Oldenburg (above) and also Ilfracombe Safari’s which offers a shuttle service to Lundy Island. Departures from Ilfracombe are scheduled for approximately 8 AM or 9 AM, and the journey takes about an hour, allowing ample time to explore and enjoy the island’s beauty. The return trip departs Lundy around 5 PM, arriving back in Ilfracombe by approximately 6 PM, though times may vary with the tides. Please be aware that tidal conditions may require climbing a ladder for embarkation and disembarkation onto the Humber RIBs or the SeaSwift Catamaran. https://www.ilfracombeseasafari.co.uk/activities/lundy-shuttle/book-now
Staying on Lundy Island
Staying overnight on Lundy – or even longer – is the best way to really explore everything this gem has to offer. Lundy accommodation offers a diverse range of unique lodging options, perfect for an unforgettable stay. From historic Marisco Castle to quaint cottages, a campsite and even a lighthouse, each property combines modern comforts with the island’s rich history. Key choices include Stoneycroft Cottage and the Old Light, both renowned for their distinctive charm and stunning natural settings. Ideal for both brief escapes and longer sojourns, these accommodations provide direct access to Lundy’s wildlife and scenic hiking trails – and are all in walking distance of Lundy’s famous pub. Experience tranquility and beauty in one of the UK’s most serene destinations, where each stay is tailored to ensure a peaceful and enriching island experience. Book Lundy accommodation here https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/location/lundy/#Search
Lundy Island Pub
Experience the charm of Lundy Island at the Marisco Tavern, loved by holiday-makers for its warm hospitality, local beers and good menu. Nestled in the heart of the Bristol Channel, Lundy’s unique pub is a firm favourite. Enjoy the cosy, rustic ambiance, there are plenty of board games to while away the evenings too.
Lundy Camping
For outdoor Lundy Island accommodation the campsite at the south end of the island is great for smaller tents. There are toilets, showers and washing up facilities, a 240 volt socket in the entrance to loo block but no fridge. Lundy Island shop caters for most camping needs, along with The Marisco Tavern for good beer and food.
Lundy Dogs
Dogs are not permitted on Lundy Island or Lundy boat trips.
What to do on Lundy Island
What to do on Lundy Island
Welcome to Lundy Island, a serene haven off the coast of Devon, renowned for its [...]
Dec
About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
Key Fact
- Location: Devon (north coast)
- Size: 450 hectares
- Terrain: Easy footpath; slightly rugged at north tip
- Access: Boat trip from Ilfracombe
- Height gain: 600 metres
- Map: OS Explorer 139
- Starting point: Landing beach
Walking the coast path around Lundy Island is a great way to see the best of its wildlife – puffins, migrating birds, the Lundy Cabbage, and the mischievous seals – as well as most of the historic buildings and sights. The views from the whole route are incredible, stretching to Wales on one side and the coast of Devon on the other. It is possible to visit Lundy and walk the coast path in a day trip from Ilfracombe.
Look out for
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- Famous Lundy puffins between April and July
- Exploring smugglers caves and subterranean passages
- Sampling the local brew at the legendary Marisco Tavern
- Scrambling onto Rat Island
Walking guide Lundy Island to Lundy Island coast path
The coast path around Lundy island starts from the Landing Beach. Walk uphill from the concrete pier above the Landing Beach. After 0.6km turn R at a small building, just ahead of the walled garden. Go through the gate and follow the grass path along the E coast. Continue along the undulating path to Quarter Wall, past wind-sculpted oak and sycamore trees, a field of ‘white’ granite rocks, and a small stand of alder trees in a creek.
Once above Quarry Beach, keep to the level path through the granite quarry passing the memorial to John Harmon. After 500m descend towards the coast on the R-hand path, joining a larger path, and continue N through towering rock formations. After a further 1km, go round the headland to find the rocky path ahead with Gull Rock and Tibbets Point in the distance.
Cross the stile on Halfway Wall and a little further go straight ahead at the crossroads. After several hundred metres take the path to R and head downhill towards the northern end of Halfway Bay (the path to L heads up to the cairn).
Make the steep ascent through the rocks adjacent to Gannets Rock and after 200m, just before the window in the rock, follow the faint path upwards over the rocks. After a further 100m or so, keep to the L and walk under the largest stack of rocks on L. Avoid any routes to R: there are steep drops. Turn L up the grass gully and at the top follow the faint path to reach the rectangular-shaped rock visible on top of another pile. At this point, the path bears R and follows a clear course to the summit of the promontory. From here, follow the path along the headland keeping as close as possible to the coast. Round the plateau at the highest point.
At a cairn, the main island path continues S along the W coast and there are opportunities to explore each headland and the dramatic cliffs via smaller paths that lead off. The first deviation takes you to the lighthouse, down steep stone steps and across two iron bridges.
Continuing S along the W coast, pass St John’s and St Peter’s Stones (6), crossing Threequarter Wall, followed by Halfway Wall, to Jenny’s Cove and reach the earthquake rock fissure. Keep on, crossing Quarter Wall to find a R-hand path alongside a precipitous wall for a detour to Battery Point.
Pass to the W side of the Old Lighthouse towards Montagu Steps and Southwest Point, then continue E along the coast path to reach the main island path, keeping parallel to the stone wall of the church. Before the end of the wall turn R to keep to the coastline and head towards the ruins of Marisco Castle, visiting Benson’s Cave on the way. Walk round the outside of the ruins past the garrison-like part of the building. For an optional visit to Rat Island, the Devil’s Kitchen, and Mermaid’s Hole, keep to the path along the cliffs.
At the side of the old post-office building next to the ruin, turn R onto the track, then take the R fork downhill past a wooden chalet. After 200m, at the main gravel track to the village and on a sweeping L bend, take the hairpin path to R, descend to the main track and return to the pier.
