Lundy Island, North Devon

Lundy Island is found amidst turbulent waters where the swift currents of the Bristol Channel meet the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, just off the northern coast of Devon in southwest England. This island stands as a sanctuary, designated as a Marine Conservation area, where seals, puffins and unique marine species thrive in the surrounding waters.

Located 10 nautical miles or 19 kilometres from the Devon coast, Lundy offers a retreat from the bustling surf beaches of north Devon, inviting you to immerse yourself in its abundant wildlife, scenic walks, and prominent lighthouses. During the 90-minute crossing from either Ilfracombe or Bideford in Devon, you can catch sight of the island emerging on the horizon, accompanied by the graceful flight of gannets and guillemots and the playful antics of porpoises dancing alongside the MS Oldenburg.

Approaching the island aboard the MS Oldenburg, the rugged cliffs and undulating terrain gradually unfold, revealing the steep path from the jetty to the cliff top. However, once the initial uphill walk is completed, the island unfolds with pathways that gently wind through the undulating terrain, offering easier navigation.

Like Steep Holm and Caldey Island in the Bristol Channel and approaches, Lundy Island has a long history. Remains of Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements have been found and its name comes from the 9th Century when visiting Vikings named it after the resident puffins. In the 11th century, the island was home to the de Marisco family but after their demise in 1242, it fell into the hands of various smugglers and outcast nobility.

From the time the lighthouses were introduced in 1833, the story of the island calms down a little and it is owned by various families who make their mark, building the church and some of the buildings. In 1925 Martin Coles Harman purchased the island, brought over livestock for the farm and introduced the private postal system. When he passed away in 1954 the island remained in the family until it was sold in 1968

Lundy Island, now owned by the National Trust and leased and managed by The Landmark Trust, has several buildings on the island converted into rustic cottages, allowing you to experience the wilderness of the island at your own pace. There’s a certain magic in watching the day visitors depart, while perched atop the cliffs, gazing at the enchanting sunset and the twinkling stars, serenaded by the melancholic calls of the seals echoing from the caves below.

Wildlife on Lundy Island

In the summer months puffins nest on the cliffs along with Manx shearwaters, a very similar combination of residents to Skomer Island a little further west.

The island has beautiful coastal wildflowers as well as lichens in Millcombe Valley and Round-leaved Sundew, (Drosera rotundifolia) a carnivorous plant on the open moorland.

Sika deer, Soay sheep and goats are feral, grazing the island alongside the rabbits while highland cattle, ponies and domestic sheep graze closer to the farm. As with any island, there are numerous passing migratory birds and it is luck as to who is visiting each day.

Around the coast, especially to the north and close to the jetty, you will find seals. They can often be heard singing, a haunting sound that will become a memory of your time on the island. Take care when seals are around as they are easily spooked. They can be playful on their terms but are large with teeth!

Exploring Lundy Island

The MS Oldenburg leaves Bideford or Ilfracombe depending on the tides 4 times a week during the summer months. There are several cottages on the island to rent as well as a small campsite all managed and booked through The Landmark Trust.

There are clear paths across the island and it is possible to cover the 5km to the North Lighthouse in a day. With this island only being 1km wide, even on a short day trip you can explore around the south end of the island and experience the remote landscape.