North Devon : Bucks Mills

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Bucks Mills is a fantastic small village and secluded beach, which enjoys a quiet pace of life. Set on the north facing coast, inland from Hartland Point the beach is sheltered from the prevailing wind and swell making the beach ideal for families. Behind the beach is a great village sat half way up the cliff and it is a superb all-round location for getting away from the more hectic resort beaches in North Devon. On a clear day there are amazing views north all the way up to Saunton and Lundy. If your eyes are good you can even pick out the Saunton Sands Hotel way off to the north.

The surfing though is in complete contrast to the village and the beach. Bucks is a reef break with the waves breaking over a man made boulder and pebble gore, that extends out into Bideford Bay. It is either a short walk or paddle to get to as the gore sits down the coast towards Clovelly. When the swell comes from the south west or west, it hits the reef and breaks as peeling left handers that run into the 'bay' area behind the reef. This can create some epic long waves, made of sections - some of which can be quite shallow when the conditions are right. However when the swell is running this is not a break for novices. Although the waves wraps around the gore it also piles water up onto it, which then runs off the rock slab clashing with the next incoming waves. This can create some truly insane currents and the very tip of the reef is best left to Surf Legends, with the less experienced dropping back just inside the shelter of the bay. This is a small local location so go with respect, both for the lucky locals and for Old Neptune himself.

Although this is a quiet spot with great surf, there is plenty to keep a family entertained, with myriads of rock pools for children to explore or the famous village of Clovelly just a short walk along the coast (approx 3500m).

Details
Driving Access: Steep single lane winding down to carpark
Car Park spaces: 80 spaces
Price: Free
Beach facilities: Nil
Beach type: Stone
Break type: Reef
Pub: Nil
Sort of wave: Spilling
Peaks: Left hander down reef
Left/Right: Left
Offshore wind direction: Southerly
Local highlights: The village & secluded atmosphere
National Trust: No

Ratings
Ability: Intermediate - Legend
Kids 1 - Just the beach
Other stuff: 1 - Just the beach
Access: 1 - 600m walk from carpark down steep path to the sea plus 500m walk to the break
Urban proximity: Village life
Water quality: Good

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