The plan was to go to Blackchurch rock for Ollie to shoot sunset. However, I like to make a walk out of everything, so had a look at the map to plan something out. The idea would be we walk down to Blackchurch Rock from the car park, take a walk along the coast path, and then loop back around to the car park.
However, I noticed that there are two trails from the car park which will get you to Mouthmill Beach and Blackchurch Rock. As I had never been here before, I didn’t know which would be best.
I could only pick one.
Another part of our plan was actually not to do the full walk at first. As we would be arriving late in the day for sunset, we would first walk down for Ollie, then the next day come back to do the bigger walk. This worked out quite nicely as it meant we could go down one of the trails, then come back along the other. That way I could see both and decide which one was nicer to include in the bigger walk the next day.
Which trail should you take to get to Blackchurch Rock?
What we ended up finding out, is that both trails are totally different, but great in their own way. So what I thought would be a good idea, would be to instead make this post just about these two trails. That way you can see what they are each like and make your own decision about which one you want to take.
You could simply do what we did and go down one way, then up the other. Or if you want to walk a bit more along the coast path, then just add that in yourself.
What is Blackchurch Rock?
Before we get into the walk, you probably want to know a bit more about this rock. It is a natural arch formation, with two windows, separated from the cliffside by the aggressive sea.
It is located in the very secluded cove of Mouthmill. I have read this used to be a hotspot for smugglers…It looked like a good place to get away with smuggling.
The photos above are from Ollie. If you look closely, you can see me standing in the rock.
Tips for visiting Blackchurch Rock
So, the rock (or rather, the bottom of it and the ground below it) is submerged under water most of the time. To get to see it and walk under it, like the photos above, you would need to go at low tide. Check tide times here.
For sunset it is truly magical, but I have a feeling that if it’s just the right sunrise, it could be even better. If you catch it when the sun shines right through the rock, I think it would be bloody great.
If you go in April/May (exact timings will vary), you might be able to catch the bluebells in full bloom.
Logistics for the walk to Blackchurch Rock (Mouthmill Beach), Devon
- Start/Finish: Brownsham National Trust car park
- Distance: 2.5 miles/4km there and back
- Time: Allow about an hour for walking
- Elevation: You will gain about 130m
- Terrain: Dirt trail. One route is narrow and steep with some steps, the other is wide and gentle. A bit of grass. Pebble/rock beach.
- Difficulty: Trail 1 Medium, trail 2 easy.
- Other tips: Wear hiking boots. For the more challenging trail they would be better. If you are there for low tide and want to walk up to the rock, then I really strongly recommend them. I was wearing little plimsoles and slipped and got my left foot soaking wet.
- Amenities: Nada. Actually, there was another walker there, asking if I knew where the cafe was. So maybe there is one. I just don’t know. Looking on google maps, I can’t see anything….I don’t know if he found what he was looking for.
- Time of year: We walked this in Spring
A map for the walk to Blackchurch Rock (Mouthmill Beach), Devon
Click on the top box to open in your Google maps. Click on the trail name to open in AllTrails.
A guide to the walk to Blackchurch Rock and Mouthmill Beach in Devon
So as I mentioned, there are two trails from the car park. Lets call them trail 1 and trail 2. Trail 1 starts off level, then suddenly gets steep and winding as you descend through the woods. It’s actually a fun trail to walk down on. It would NOT be fun to walk up on….unless you want to make it into a challenging, sweaty work out session.
Trail 2 very gently takes you down along a wide, easy trail. It’s the kind of trail you would like if you don’t want anything really aggressive (also it’s a nicer one to walk back up on).
Oh and there is another thing about this walk…..
The bluebells
On the walk down trail 1, we noticed lots of bluebells. Seeing that, I decided in that moment that this would be the trail of the walk, however, once at the bottom and we could see trail 2, it was like bluebell heaven.
A sort of grassy trail with bazillions of bluebells. We really lucked out being here for bluebell season. Seeing the bluebells on trail 2 made me change my mind and decided that this trail must also be in the walk.
Anyway, lets start….
Walk down to Blackchurch Rock and Mouthmill Beach- Trail 1
I’m going to tell you about this walk the way that we walked it. Obviously you can go up/down on either trail.
So, from the car park, walk out the way you drove in and make a sharp left. At the end of this road you will notice a signpost which points you right and along trail 2. Trail 1 isn’t signposted (if it is, we didn’t see it). To get to trail 1, you actually turn left here towards the farm.
You will go through one gate, and another one ahead and to the left straight after. From here you just follow the big trail that takes you right.
It’s all pretty level and simple along here. With big hedges on either side of the trail so not much yet in the way of views. Every so often, you will get a glimpse through the hedges of the animals and fields and views in the distance.
I’m actually a little annoyed with myself. I didn’t take my camera with me the evening before, and now doing the walk in the morning meant that the sun was right in front of us which made taking photos a bit more challenging. In fact, I have no photos to show you this next bit as they were so bad.
As you approach the end of this trail, you should get some cliff view in the distance before entering a field.
The gate out of this field is directly on the other side, so walk straight across, or you can take a left and follow the trail around being guided by the fence.
The deep descend to Mouthmill beach
On the other side of the field is a gate which takes you into the woods. You then follow this trail as it winds its way downhill. It was quite magical walking down this bit. Surrounded by trees, with bluebells scattered about, as as we got lower we got a peak through the woodland to the ocean and cliffs.
Once at the bottom, you will see trail 2. It’s the grassy bit to the right (you will know what I mean when you see it).
From here, go left. You will see the ocean in front of you, but you will also see something else….
The cutest home ever. Someone lives down here and I’m super jealous. What you will also see is some spooky abandon buildings.
Then ahead of all of this is Mouthmill beach and Blackchurch Rock to the right. I’m using Ollie’s photo as his is way better than mine.
Leaving Blackchurch Rock – Trail 2
We left Blackchurch Rock by taking trail 2 back to the car park. So, upon leaving Mouthmill beach, go straight. This will lead you straight onto the path to walk back up. This is also where bluebell heaven begins (if you are there at the correct time of year).
It started off as a sort of grassy carpet like trail, lined with bluebells on either side. We spent a lot of time here admiring them (and taking photos).
Continuing up and along this trail, the grassy bit becomes gravel/dirt trail fairly quickly. The bluebells become less and you are left with a simple trail and woodland.
Now, normally something like this would bore me. However, the bluebells were enough to make it worth it and actually, I would not have liked to walk back up trail 1. So as I said earlier, both trails have their purpose.
Walking up this trail, when at the junction, you should see a little signpost with horses on it. Don’t follow the horse direction. Instead go right and continue walking up.
You basically stick to the trail, surrounded by woodland as it guides you gently uphill. You will go through at least one gate. I can’t remember the exact number.
Eventually you will reach the junction where you took the other trail at the start, and from here, make your way back to the car park.
More walks in Devon
I haven’t got anything else from this area quite yet, however, if you drive north about 1 hour to Ilfracombe, you could try this lovely walk along the coastline from Ilfracombe to Watermouth and Combe Martin, or if you want something short, you could hike up to the Ilfracombe viewpoint.
In the other direction, east over to South Devon (Yes, that doesn’t sound correct, but it is), I have written about a few walks around the Dartmouth area.
Little Dartmouth walk – A coast path walk with lovely views.
Dartmouth Castle walk – Short and sweet to a “secret” beach cove.
Daymark hike – Also short, but very hilly and amazing views.
For more walking ideas, you should check out the National Trust website.
