North Devon
We help to look after 80 beautiful miles of the South West Coast Path (SWCP) in North Devon.
Marram grass on the sand dunes of Braunton Burrows, looking towards Saunton Sands, Devon
Most of this section faces out over the Bristol Channel, offering lofty coastal vistas from places like Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Lee Bay and Morthoe. The golden sands of Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton Sands lie beyond, offering some of the region’s best surfing. From there discover Braunton Burrows, one of the largest sand dune systems in the British Isles, located in the heart of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and part of the North Devon UNESCO designated Biosphere reserve.
Hartland Quay by Artur Szczeszek
In the centre of the North Devon stretch is the large joint estuary of the Taw and Torridge Rivers, flanked by areas of sand dunes and marshland. The SWCP follows old railway lines around the estuary, crossing the rivers at the towns of Barnstaple and Bideford. The stretch beyond this demonstrates the SWCP’s unique role in linking up coastal communities in places like Appledore, Instow, Bideford, Westward Ho! and the quirky fishing village of Clovelly. The section culminates with one of the great defining headlands on the SWCP, Hartland Point. Here the Path changes from heading east to west, to north to south. It’s character changes with brooding cliffs behind jagged fingers of rock stretching into the Atlantic Ocean.
Check out local Tourist Information Centres and Walking Guides in North Devon
How we're helping to look after this stretch
Exmoor and North Devon repairs after Storm Darragh
Storm Darragh caused widespread damage to the Exmoor and North Devon section of Coast Path. Fallen trees blocked many paths, making them unsafe and inaccessible. Skilled teams worked tirelessly with tractors, machinery, and chainsaws to clear debris and reopen the trail. Additionally, our dedicated trail partners inspected all the routes, coordinating with landowners, and ensuring the safety of these vital pathways. Thank you to Exmoor National Park Authority, The National Trust Exmoor teams and Devon County Council for your work in getting the sections reopened. SWCPA is working to source funding to contribute to the storm damage repair estimated at £27,000.
Visit local Way Maker Businesses who support the Path in this area
Visit your local Tourist Information Services in the area
To find even more free information about visiting this area, check out the local Tourist Information Centres.
