Less than a mile to the east on the Coast Path sits the picturesque harbour of Porlock Weir. With views across the Bristol Channel this pocket-sized former fishing settlement is home to artisan craft and boutique shops and even a small museum. The thatch-roofed Ship Inn, known affectionately as ‘the bottom Ship’, to avoid confusion with its namesake in Porlock, is very popular with visitors and locals alike. Oysters from Porlock Bay are sold in season near the tidal quay.

Immediately west of Ashley Combe the South West Coast Path climbs the bluff 1½ miles through Yearnor Wood to Culbone Church, England’s smallest complete church with a history dating to the Saxon era. The path leads onward into North Devon reaching Countisbury and Lynmouth 10 miles further down the coast.

Historic Dunster is well worth a visit for its characterful high street marked by a 17th century yarn market at one end and Norman castle at the other. Thanks to its enduring popularity the village has numerous dining options and no shortage of local walks to build an appetite.

For sandy beaches head towards Woolacombe.