Walk - Combe Martin to Woolacombe

13.9 miles (22.4 km)

Combe Martin - EX34 0DH Woolacombe

Challenging - Moderate to strenuous in parts

This is a truly spectacularly wild and beautiful section of the South West Coast Path, which includes some easy cliff paths across windswept farmland around Ilfracombe and Woolacombe and some more strenuous ascents, especially between Lee Bay and Morte Point. The area around Morte is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its beautiful maritime heathland and grasses, however its contrastingly vicious rock formations has led to a local saying that Morte is ‘the place which heaven made last and the devil will take first'.

There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Breakers B&B

Beach-side B&B only 1 minute from the Coast Path with stunning ocean views, comfortable en-suite rooms and a warm welcome after a long day's walk.

Sunnymead Farm Camping & Touring Site

Small friendly family run site, 4 AA Pennant, stunning views, dogs welcome FOC, hot showers, EHU's, large level pitches, play area, bus stop

Ocean Backpackers

Quality independent hostel with large self catering kitchen, communal lounge and dining room. Private en-suite rooms and dorms. Open from April to November.

Little Roadway Farm Camping Park

Family-friendly campsite nestled on the edge of the beautiful North Devon coast. Glamping Pods, Caravans & Self Cottages also available. Shop

Little Meadow Campsite

Small, uncommercial campsite situated above Watermouth Harbour just a few minutes walk from the Coast path. Beautiful views, hot showers and baked pastries every morning.

Avoncourt Lodge

Dog friendly light and airy B&B with full breakfast, ensuite baths, honesty bar and drying room on SW Coastal Pathway, Ilfracombe. Dog friendly

The Devonian Guest House

The Devonian was built as a Gentleman's Victorian Residence in 1883 and is situated in its own acre of woodland and gardens.

Epchris House

Epchris House is a walker-friendly guest house, located 5 minutes walk from the South West Coast Path. Refuel with our complimentary afternoon tea and homemade cake.

White Pebbles Backpackers

Budget backpacker camping right on the Path with toilet facilities. Fantastic views set within a beautiful long garden. Card or Cash payment accepted

The Carlton Hotel

Quality, contemporary accommodation, fully serviced, all year round facilities. 4 star standard service and hospitality.

No 5 Compass

No 5 Compass is a cosy, two bed apartment right on the South West Coast Path in Ilfracombe, North Devon. It has panoramic sea views from the balcony.

North Devon Resort

Holiday accommodation from double rooms, studios, 2 & 3 bed apartments, and 1 & 3 bed hot tub residences. Onsite facilities include pool, sauna, restaurant, bar

High Ways Guest House

Coastal & Countryside Views, caters for any dietary requirements. Bus stop outside

Warcombe Farm Camping Park

Warcombe is a family run campsite with direct access to the SW Coast Path we have excellent facilities and secluded pitches. We're dog friendly too!

Tiny House

Tiny House is a private self-contained home, nestled on the edge of its own woodland, up a track off a Public Footpath within 1 mile of Woolacombe village

Seascape Hideaways at Mortehoe

Park Cottage is your ultimate coastal escape and idyllic base from which to explore the Path and rugged Atlantic coast and beaches including Morte Point, Woolacombe and Putsborough.

Lundy House Hotel

Set on the cliffs of the North Devon coast between Mortehoe and Woolacombe we are a dog friendly BnB, offering 8 ensuite rooms and self catering options for longer stays.

No.9 Putsborough

No.9 Putsborough - Luxury family & dog friendly sea view apartment in Woolacombe

Byron Woolacombe Holidays

Byron Woolacombe Holidays: Chic self-catering apartments, a stones throw from Woolacombe Beach and the South West Coast Path. Perfect for families, couples, and pets!

Woolacombe Bay Hotel

Luxury coastal hotel just minutes from the South West Coast Path in Woolacombe – perfect for walkers seeking sea views, great food and well-earned comfort.

Channel Vista Guest House

This friendly, hikers' haven is open Feb-Nov. By SWCP, beaches & amenities. Free Wifi & Parking; Conservatory Bar; Laundry & Drying

Sea Stone

Sea Stone - Premium Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Combe Martin, offering spacious en-suite rooms with superb sea views.

The Smugglers Rest

Boutique bed and breakfast on the SWCP. A fully restored victorian residents with 8 en suites rooms and ground floor bistro. specific SWCP holidays available.

Pack O Cards

Grade2**listed ancient monument offering comfortable, modern accommodation. King size beds, enduite showers.. Varied menu.

West Challacombe Bothy

A remote bothy near a dramatic part of the South West Coast Path, on the edge of the Exmoor National Park. 4 Guests/1 Bedroom/2 Dogs
You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Hobbledown Bay - Watermouth Castle

Historic coastal castle with gardens, café and sea views on the South West Coast Path near Ilfracombe.

What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre

Drop in to find all the information you need on things to do and places to visit in Ilfracombe.

Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium Ltd

Delicious chocolate handmade on site in Ilfracombe. Also chocolate experiences on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Free museum and see where our chocolate is made. Allergen aware

Woolacombe Tourist Information

Check out all the information you need for enjoying the Woolacombe & Morthoe area at this award winning TIC.

Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre & Museum

Discover local history and join in with fun events - including dressing up as a pirate. Coast Path stamping point.

Interactive Elevation

Highlights

  • The spectacular views to Lundy and the Welsh coast.
  • Bull Point Lighthouse first constructed in 1879.
  • Seal spotting at Rockham Beach. This was also a site of many wrecks and in fact, the propeller and boiler of the 1914 wreck of the SS Collier can still be seen on the beach at low tide.
  • The historic lime kilns at the beautifully secluded Lee Bay.
  • The jagged, rocky headland of Morte Point with views to Baggy Point and Woolacombe.
  • You may spot gannets and grey seals around the dreaded Morte Stone, otherwise known to sailors of old as the Death Stone, for obvious reasons.
  • In summer it is possible to see dolphins, sunfish and basking sharks.
  • The Coast Path is also part of the Tarka Trail and references to a number of features along this walk can be found in Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter. For example, the wrecks at Morte Point and Bull Point are described as being where Tarka first picks up the scent of his mate White-tip.
  • Spotting the many references to a past of smuggling and wrecking in the names, such as Breakneck Point, Damage Cliffs and Brandy Cove.
  • Breathtaking displays of wildflowers and grasses such as bird's-foot-trefoil, wild thyme, common bent, sweet vernal and orchids. These grasslands provide vegetation for many birds and butterflies, such as stonechats and the dark green fritillary butterfly.

Shorter option

Walk to Ilfracombe (5.3 miles, 8.6 km).

Longer option

Continue to Croyde (an additional 6 miles, 9.6 km).

Public transport

First Great Western trains run from Exeter to Barnstaple. National Express coach number 502 runs between Taunton bus station and Ilfracombe via Barnstaple. Buses number 300 and number 3 run between Combe Martin and Ilfracombe. The 3B First North Devon Service runs hourly between Ilfracombe and Woolacombe and the
35 runs 4 journeys between Ilfracombe and Lee Bay. For further details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Parking

Combe Martin (Postcode for Sat Navs: EX34 0DH), Hele Bay, Ilfracombe, Mortehoe and Woolacombe.

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