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'.

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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.

Ocean Backpackers

01271 867835
Quality independent hostel with large self catering kitchen, communal lounge and dining room. Private en-suite rooms and dorms. Open from April to November.
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Avoncourt Lodge Ltd

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

01271 890101 / 07729 803451
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.
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Little Roadway Farm Camping Park

01271 870313
Family-friendly campsite nestled on the edge of the beautiful North Devon coast. Glamping Pods, Caravans & Self Cottages also available. Shop
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Sunnymead Farm Camping & Touring Site

0271 879845/ 07826184874
Small friendly family run site, 4 AA Pennant, stunning views, dogs welcome FOC, hot showers, EHU's, large level pitches, play area, bus stop
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Little Meadow Campsite

01271 866862
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.
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The Devonian Guest House

01271 593656
The Devonian was built as a Gentleman's Victorian Residence in 1883 and is situated in its own acre of woodland and gardens.
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Epchris House Rooms & Kitchen

07833020424

Walker self-catering with use of well-equipped kitchen, lounge & gardens, located 5 minutes walk from the South West Coast Path

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White Pebbles Backpackers

07534 008590
Budget backpacker camping right on the Path with toilet facilities. Fantastic views set within a beautiful long garden. Card or Cash payment accepted
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The Carlton Hotel

01271862446
Quality, contemporary accommodation, fully serviced, all year round facilities. 4 star standard service and hospitality.
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No 5 Compass

07816 768421
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.
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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
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High Ways Guest House

01271 863821
Coastal & Countryside Views, caters for any dietary requirements. Bus stop outside
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Warcombe Farm Camping Park

01271 870690
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!
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Watermouth Cove Cottages

01271 865055

Watermouth Cove Cottages are ideally situated on the beautiful North Devon coast between the golden surfing beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde and the Exmoor National Park

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North Morte Farm Caravan & Camping Park

01271 870381

Family run Caravan and Camping Park, set in beautiful, unspoilt countryside with direct access to the South West Coastal Park. 5 minute walk from the village of Mortehoe

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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
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Seascape Hideaways at Mortehoe

07887 604295
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.
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Lundy House Hotel

07969 723811
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.
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Sandaway Beach Holiday Park

01271 883155

Situated on a cliff's edge with breathtaking sea views. There's a stepped path to the private 'Mermaid's Cove' beach, perfect for fishing & dolphin spotting. Relax and eat at Smuggler's Bar and take in the incredible views. Just 1 mile from the Path.

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Byron Woolacombe Holidays

01271 555001
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!
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Woolacombe Bay Hotel

01271870388
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.
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Newberry Beach Lodge

01271 883709

A pebbles throw from the award winning Newberry & Combe Martin beaches, local pubs and cafes. Enjoy a soak in a roll-top bath after a day's walking!

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Channel Vista Guest House

01271 883514
This friendly, hikers' haven is open Feb-Nov. By SWCP, beaches & amenities. Free Wifi & Parking; Conservatory Bar; Laundry & Drying
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Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park

01271 882563
A haven of peace in a picturesque valley, including a woodland walk and natural surroundings for children to roam free and amazing sea views. Clubhouse with restaurant & bar on-site.
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Sea Stone

01271 649987
Sea Stone - Premium Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Combe Martin, offering spacious en-suite rooms with superb sea views.
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Stowford Farm Meadows

01271 882476

Stowford Farm Meadows is a superb family friendly camping & caravan site, from which to explore the best of North Devon. Indoor Swimming Pool

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Pack O Cards

01271 882300
Grade2**listed ancient monument offering comfortable, modern accommodation. King size beds, enduite showers.. Varied menu.
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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.

The Old Schoolroom Craft Gallery

07493 173320

Contemporary Local Arts and crafts. Maps, books, art supplies, Ice cream, freshly ground coffee and delicious treats to takeaway, limited outdoor seating

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Hobbledown Bay - Watermouth Castle

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

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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

01271 533044
Drop in to find all the information you need on things to do and places to visit in Ilfracombe.
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Ilfracombe Chocolate Emporium Ltd

07774 411954
Delicious chocolate handmade on site in Ilfracombe. Also chocolate experiences on Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Free museum and see where our chocolate is made. Allergen aware
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Woolacombe Tourist Information

01271 870553
Check out all the information you need for enjoying the Woolacombe & Morthoe area at this award winning TIC.
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Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre & Museum

01271 889031
Discover local history and join in with fun events - including dressing up as a pirate. Coast Path stamping point.
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Coast Path View (Watermouth) Photographer Andrew Ray (2012 Photo Competition entry) Great Hangman in the background and Outer Stone in the foreground Photographer Mike Painter (2012 Photo Competition entry) After Watermouth. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson. Hele Bay, Near Ilfracombe. Photographer Mike Newbury, Oxford. Ilfracombe from Rillage Point. Photographer Ted Forman, Warlingham, Surrey Widmouth Head, looking over Water Mouth. Photographer Nicola Holland, Bristol. Just waiting for the tide, Watermouth bay. Photographer Andrew Harris, Western-Super-Mare Looking towards Ilfracombe. Photographer Alan Griffiths, Wrexham. Approaching Ilfracombe. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton. Ilfracombe Harbour, North Devon. Photographer Ted Forman. 'Ilfracombe harbour and St Nicholas Chapel on top of Lantern Hill which was a lighthouse in 1522'. Photographer Shirley Turner, Minehead. 'A rare march sunny day' From coast path looking eastwards at Water Mouth and Hangman Hill in the background twixt Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, North Devon. Photographer Rex Crofts (2012 Photo Competition entry) IIfracombe View Photographer Andrew Ray (2012 Photo Competition entry) Grunta Beach, near Mortehoe. Photographer Steve Wakefield, Northampton Watermouth near Combe Martin, North Devon. Photographer Andy Milsom, Bristol. A safe harbour at Watermouth Cove Photographer David Rowlatt (2012 Photo Competition entry) Boxing Day at Woolacombe Photographer Bob Small (2013 Photo Competition entry) Beacon Point, Devon. Photographer S Curtis The Toposcope at Ilfracombe. Photographer Joshua Day Ilfracombe to Clovelly, looking back to Ilfracombe. Photographer Jaap Gaasenbeek Looking back to Ilfracombe. Photographer Jaap Gaasenbeek Widmouth Head with Watermouth behind. Photographer Jaap Gaasenbeek Show me the way..taken just out of Coombe Martin near the Sandycove Hotel Photographer Abigail Smith (2012 Photo Competition entry) Lead the way....taken near Lee Point just after Illfracoombe Photographer Abigail Smith (2012 Photo Competition entry) Approaching Woolacombe from Morte Point Photographer Mike Painter (2012 Photo Competition entry) Approaching Woolacombe. Photographer Alan Griffiths, Wrexham. Watermouth, North Devon. Photographer Bryan Cath. Bull Point Lighthouse Photographer Matt Oliver (2012 Photo Competition entry) On the coast path out on Morte Point looking at Bull Point lighthouse. Photographer Michael Davies, South Wales. Rockham Beach, North devon Photographer Colin J Broadbent Combe Martin Bandstand Photographer Rob Kendall (2012 Photo Competition entry) Lester Point and Little Hangman, Combe Martin. Photographer Stephen Coombes, Torquay. Barricane Beach. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton. Wreckage on Rockham Beach Photographer Bob Small (2012 Photo Competition entry) On the SWCP from Lee Bay to Woolacome, south facing viewpoint enroute from Lee Bay to Bull Point Lighthouse. Photographer Ann-Marie Clapham, North Yorkshire. Rockham Bay. Photographer Tom Woodland, Somerset. Rockham Bay. Photographer Tom Woodland, Somerset. The route to pirate treasure, Hele Bay near Ilfracombe. Photographer Mike Newbury, Oxford. Rockham Bay Photographer Mike Watson (2012 Photo Competition entry) Looking back towards Ilfracombe. Photographer Alan Griffiths, Wrexham. Morte Point. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton. On the SWCP at Bull Point lighthouse, facing towards Woolacombe. Photographer Ann-Marie Clapham, North Yorkshire. Ilfracombe Photographer Mike Speke (2012 Photo Competition entry) Ilfracombe and a storm brewing. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton. "The path revealed"; Taken from the slipway, Watermouth, North Devon. Photographer Stephen Tew, Leics. Water Mouth. Photographer Nicola Holland, Bristol. Golden Cove at Sunset. Photographer Stephen Coombes, Torquay Ilfracombe Coast path looking towards Lundy Island Photographer Colin J Broadbent (2012 Photo Competition entry) Ilfracombe from Torrs Point. Photographer Ted Forman, Warlingham, Surrey Low tide at Ilfracombe harbour Photographer Rex Crofts (2012 Photo Competition entry) On the SWCP from Lee Bay to Woolacombe, north facing viewpoint towards Lee Bay and Ilfracombe. Photographer Ann-Marie Clapham, North Yorkshire From Bull Point looking east. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton. Lee Bay, North Devon Photographer Colin J Broadbent Bull Point Lighthouse, north facing towards Lee Bay and Ilfracombe. Photographer Ann-Marie Clapham, North Yorkshire. Looking back to Ulfred Point. Photographer Jaap Gaasenbeek Woolacombe Sunset Photographer Marcus Birkenfeld (2012 Photo Competition entry) Bull Point towards Morte Point Photographer Mal Ogden (2012 Photo Competition entry) View of the Cliffs from Rockham Bay, Mortehoe Photographer Andrew Burrell (2012 Photo Competition entry) Surfing at Woolacombe Photographer Bob Small (2013 Photo Competition entry) Woolacombe Beach. Photographer Ted Forman, Warlingham, Surrey Woolacombe Sunset. Photographer Andrew Wheatley Woolacombe from Morte Point. Photographer Ted Forman, Warlingham, Surrey Ilfracombe. Photographer Phil Maker, Devon.

Interactive Elevation

  • Exmoor Route Improvement - Cobblers Park, Combe Martin - There have been 6x route change improvements to the South West Coast Path along the 35 mile Exmoor section. These improvements have been created as part of the King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIII ECP) establishment works. These changes enhance the experience of the South West Coast Path, bringing the Trail more seaward. The South West Coast Path remains the National Trail starting in Minehead, Somerset, and finishing in Poole, Dorset, and will become part of the 2,700 mile KCIII ECP. More details.

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.

Section 4: Combe Martin to Woolacombe

Starts 34 miles (56 km) from Minehead

Ends 584 miles (940 km) to Poole

Previous section in South West Coast Path Lynmouth / Lynton to Combe Martin

Next section in South West Coast Path Woolacombe to Braunton

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