Woolacombe and Mortehoe offer some spectacular coastal walks!
Located on the South West Coast Path, the villages of Woolacombe and Mortehoe offer a variety of walks to suit all ages and abilities. From a sedate stroll along the golden sands, to an adventurous hike over dramatic cliffs, there really is something for everyone.
The National Trust have some excellent downloadable walks on their website https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/woolacombe/lists/walks-around-woolacombe or see below for inspiration.
The Tourist Information Centre stocks a wide range of walking maps and books - take a look at our online shop, or pop in and see us when you are here, and we can assist you further.
Woolacombe to Mortehoe
Woolacombe is just a mile from Mortehoe by road, but there are some lovely footpaths that will take you to this pretty village with some stunning views.
From the Tourist Information Centre head along The Esplanade towards Combesgate Beach - from here you can go one of two ways:
Follow the road behind the Watersmeet Hotel, and walk a short way up the hill until you see a sign on the left to pick up with South West Coast Path. Head out on to Morte Point, past Grunta Beach and Windy Cove, to the tip of the Point. From here you get amazing views back around Woolacombe Bay, out to Lundy and, as you round the Point, Rockham Bay. As you go along the North side of More Point, watch out for seals bobbing about in the water or basking on the rocks. There are various points where you can head back in to Mortehoe village, at Whiting Cove, Rockham bay or Bull Point Lighthouse. (Walk length 2-3 miles depending on where you turn back to Mortehoe).
Alternatively, at the end of The Esplanade, cross over to to the bus turning area, take the path on the left and head up through the Combesgate Valley, over Quarry Hill to arrive at the back of Mortehoe village. (Walk length approximately 2 miles).
Please note that whichever way you go, the walk is steep in places, as Mortehoe is a cliff top village!
Woolacombe to Putsborough Sands
There are a variety of ways to walk to Putsborough, so it is easy to make in to a circular walk.
The most obvious way is to stroll along the beach from Woolacombe for almost 3 miles, where you will arrive at Putsborough. But you can also go up Potters Hill (above Marine Drive Car Park), over Woolacombe Down to Putsborough, or through Woolacombe Warren (the sand dunes), or along Marine Drive, which filters down to a footpath at the end of the car park, again taking you to Putsborough.
Whichever way you choose, you will be rewarded with glorious views of the beach, the headlands of Morte Point, Baggy Point, and even Harland Point in the far distance, and straight out to sea, you'll spot Lundy island on a clear day.
Up on the Down you may see our small group of Exmoor ponies that enjoy grazing there, or through the dunes, keep your eyes peeled for the Devon Ruby Red Cattle - all very friendly but do be sure to keep your dog on a lead.
Refreshments are available at Putsborough
Woolacombe to Ilfracombe
Following the coast path from Woolacombe to Ilfracombe, this walk is approximately 8 miles.
From the Tourist Information Centre head along The Esplanade towards Combesgate Beach.
Follow the road behind the Watersmeet Hotel, and walk a short way up the hill until you see a sign on the left to pick up with South West Coast Path. Head out on to Morte Point, past Grunta Beach and Windy Cove, to the tip of the Point. From here you get amazing views back around Woolacombe Bay, out to Lundy and, as you round the Point, Rockham Bay. As you go along the North side of More Point, watch out for Atlantic Grey Seals bobbing about in the water or basking on the rocks. Continue on the path to Rockham Bay (unfortunately there is currently no access to the beach here due to storm damage to the steps), then on to Bull Point Lighthouse. Bennett's Mouth, a tiny little beach, is next, before a steep climb on to the picturesque Lee Bay, also known as Fuchsia Valley. Another climb out of Lee on to The Torrs, which first levels out, then drops down in to Ilfracombe. On a clear day, you get spectacular views from here over the Bristol Channels to the welsh coast.
It is possible to get a bus back from Ilfracombe, but please check times in advance. Buses don't run on public holidays, and only on Sundays in the height of the season.
Woolacombe to Croyde
Follow any of the routes above to Putsborough; from there you can either walk around Baggy Point, which is a reasonably level walk most of the way - the panoramic views back towards Putsborough and Woolacombe from the headland are incredibly beautiful. As you round the Point, you will be treated to lovely views of Croyde Bay. This walk would be approxiamtely 8 miles.
Alternatively (or you can return this way to shorten the route coming back to Woolacombe) you can go over the top of Baggy Point, without going all the way round it, making it a 4-5 mile walk.
Baggy Point is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for it's botany and geology, so look out for maritime flowers, sea birds and even hebridean sheep on the way!
Please note, there is no direct bus service between Croyde and Woolacombe - you would need to change buses at either Mullacott Cross or Braunton, meaning that sometimes, the journey can take longer than walking! Please check bus times before you start your walk, or take a taxi number with you!
