Best North Devon Coast Walks – Ilfracombe to Woolacombe
Walking the South West Coast Path is something that I have enjoyed for years. Living in East Devon I am easily able to reach the sections of the path near me along the Jurassic Coast. I’ve no plans to tackle the whole 640 miles, but I really do enjoy making the time to explore other areas of this fabulous long distance walking trail.
Recently I was given the opportunity to use Woolacombe as a base for a walking weekend and it was the ideal chance to explore some really beautiful sections of the coast path in North Devon.
The South West Coast Path officially starts in Minehead and the route runs along the craggy northern edge of Devon, before it turns south towards the golden sand of Woolacombe. It can be quite challenging in places, with a great many ups and downs but the rewards are worth it.
Dramatic sections from Porlock to Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe offer far reaching views, steep cliffs interspersed with pretty villages and secret coves only accessible to walkers. In places the rocks are forced out of the sea like jagged shards of black glass and if you are lucky you might spot seals sunning themselves.
I know it can be helpful to have detailed descriptions of routes but with the South West Coast Path there is not too much scope for going wrong as long as you concentrate on the sign posts. The route is reasonably well marked with the acorn symbol being the key to staying on track. Too much chatting and you may veer off course! That said I still do like to use a map and the Ordnance Survey app continues to be my favourite.
Walking from Ilfracombe to Woolacombe
Ilfracombe is a good starting point for the 10 mile walk to Woolacombe. You can reach the pretty harbour town using public transport from Woolacombe, the number 31 bus conveniently stopped outside our holiday park and runs via Mortehoe.
Ilfracombe has become famous for the Damien Hirst statue of Verity looking out to sea. It needs to be viewed from all sides to appreciate it, but is certainly very striking. She is described as a modern allegory of truth and justice.
Stock up on water and snacks if you are not prepared, because apart from a 1 mile detour in the village of Lee, there was no other places to buy food and drink.
Highlights of the North Devon Coast Path
Ilfracombe to Lee Bay
The coast path climbs out of the town and quite quickly it starts to feel remote. The walk initially hugs the coast then heads inlands slightly, keeping reasonably level. After about 2.5 miles you start the descent down a road into Lee Bay. This is a lovely resting place.
When we were there (April 2024) there was signs of new a development on the site of an old hotel. Despite being a village there was no facilities in the Lee itself but there was a sign for a cafe and toilets about 1/2 mile inland.
Lee to Rockham Bay
It’s a steep climb out of Lee Bay and soon there is the chance to take the equally steep steps down to a lovely secluded beach called Sandy Cove (although it’s more like shingle). Dotted with large rocks and a great suntrap (north east facing) this made a perfect lunch stop. My friend even went for a swim (in April). At low tide the beach can also be accessed from Lee Bay – this would have saved the legs for sure!
Walk on for about another mile to Bull Point which is where the coast path turns and starts to head South. Next up is Rockham Bay, often cited as a ‘secret beach’ and it is really beautiful. A word of warning, access to the beach from the coast path has eroded due to cliff falls and the signs ask you not to go there. We did see people on the beach, but there is not an obvious or easy route down.
Rockham Bay to Morte Point
There are chances at Bull Point and Rockham Bay to head back inland to North Morte or Mortehoe if you have walked enough. Otherwise the coast path heads out to Morte Point where you can get a great view of Lundy Island out to the West. Then as you turn the corner the sweep of sandy Woolacombe Bay and Baggy Point come into view. This is the home stretch, into Woolacombe or cross over the headland back into Morethoe. If you time it right you will find a pub, fish and chips or ice cream in both places.
Where is Woolacombe?
Most people reach the North Devon coastal resorts of Woolacombe and Croyde by turning off the M5 at junction 27 at Tiverton. From there its a about an hour to the coast (although very dependent on traffic). The main roads to Woolacombe are good, but be careful about taking the coast road from Barnstaple. Although a lovely scenic route, in the summer this narrow road gets very congested going though small villages. A bus or lorry can cause havoc and reversing can be hard for everyone.
Places to Stay in Woolacombe
Woolacombe is a really popular holiday destination with an award winning beach. When you see the huge sweeping bay of sand, it’s wide flat tidal beach and waves perfect for surfing and body boarding you will understand why. This means there are also lots of places to stay and something for all budgets.
Twitchen House Holiday Park
For the weekend we were invited to stay at Twitchen House Holiday Park, a lovely large, family orientated holiday park. Technically it’s closer to Mortehoe but does have it’s own footpath down into Woolacombe (approx 2 miles walk). Most people wanting to visit the beach would probably take the bus or drive and pay to park. The park is totally geared for families with two swimming pools, playpark, a big indoor entertainment complex which includes a cinema and arcade as well as a bar, restaurant and on site shop.
There’s also a spa (we didn’t have time to try that out) as well as lots of kids clubs, entertainment and more. The park offers holiday caravans to hire to suit all budgets as well as camping and touring pitches. We stayed in a Beach Haven New Wave, one of the modern holiday homes in an exclusive area at the top of the park with decking and great views. Some had hot tubs as well. It was very clean and had enough equipment to cook a few simple meals. Our weekend in April was ideal. Take a look at my video below or here.
We were super lucky with the weather and being out of season the park was quite quiet. It was a fantastic base for walking. You an easily create good circular walks out to Morte Point or do as we did and get the bus to Ilfracombe. On our second day we drove to a village near Combe Martin and did another coast path walk, this time making it a circular walk via llfracombe.
Discover North Devon
I would certainly recommend the park and the North Devon area for anyone looking for a family holiday or short break away as a couple or with friends. You can walk, explore the area around Woolacombe and more North Devon beaches . Nearby there are also plenty of attractions such as The Big Sheep and Milky Way Adventure Park.
Thank you to Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks for the invitation to stay at the park. This was a gifted stay but all opinions are my own and I would happily recommend the park.
Head to North Devon and enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
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The North Devon coastline features iconic landscapes such as the cliffs of Baggy Point and the golden sands of Croyde Bay, which can be transformed into creative designs on the pin, allowing you to take away a tiny piece of the coast in style.
Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
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