It is, perhaps, a surprise to find a canal ending in a sea-lock at Bude. The canal was built in 1823 to convey the calcium-rich sand from the beach inland to farms where it was spread on the land as fertiliser.

A very pleasant circular walk from the canal basin is possible. Take the tow-path inland along the canal for about 1.5 - 2 miles. At the point were it reaches the busy A39, take the footpath to the right which takes you to the coast--about a mile. Then use the coast path back to Bude. In total, 6 miles.