SX6443 : Little Island, Burgh Island

Burgh Island

48m Elevation
48m Prominence
England Country
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SX6443 : Little Island, Burgh Island

Derek Harper Photo source

Explore routes near Burgh Island

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Ropehaven Cliffs and Black Head

3.4 km ~1h 30m Moderate

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Widemouth Bay to Bude Coastal and Canal

10.8 km ~3h Moderate

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Padstow to Trevone coastal circular

12.3 km ~3h 30m Moderate

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Coastal Walk from Bigbury-on-Sea

A scenic walk along the coastline, offering stunning views of the cliffs and beach before crossing the tidal causeway to the island.

3.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

0-99m hill SIB

Elevation

48m

157 ft

Prominence

48m

Coordinates

50.2791, -3.9007

SX646438

OS Map

202

Explorer: OL20W

At the Summit

The island is crowned with art deco buildings, notably the Burgh Island Hotel, which is as historic as it is elegant.

Terrain & Geology

Sandy beaches and rocky outcrops with charming grassy areas.

The island comprises mostly of Devonian slate and sandstone, giving it a rugged charm. The coastal erosion has also resulted in intriguing rock formations along the shoreline.

Views & Scenery

From the island, gaze out over the English Channel and the beautiful coastline, including the picturesque Bigbury Bay.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Burgh' is derived from the Old English word for fort or fortified place, indicating the island's strategic importance.

Historical Significance

Burgh Island has a rich history connected to shipwrecks, and it was notably the inspiration for Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None'.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Parking is available at Bigbury-on-Sea, with a car park near the beach. Be sure to keep an eye on parking fees during peak seasons.

Public Transport

Buses run from nearby towns such as Kingsbridge and Totnes, with the nearest stop at Bigbury-on-Sea.

Nearby Facilities

There are facilities available at the Burgh Island Hotel and local cafes in Bigbury-on-Sea.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Tidal changes can be hazardous when crossing the causeway; check tide times before traversing.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Burgh Island?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Burgh Island through the maps

Are there other walkers around Burgh Island?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Burgh Island search or of course create your own walk for Burgh Island

Can I organise a walk to Burgh Island?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Burgh Island.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Burgh Island?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Burgh Island here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

View the hill's mapped position and surrounding paths.

Grid reference: SX646438

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