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.

Avoncourt Lodge

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

Lee Meadow Farm Camping

Traditional campsite set in lovely countryside beside the Coast Path. Free hot showers, farm shop on site and bike hire. .

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.

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.

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.

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

Little Roadway Farm Camping Park, Woolacombe

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

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.

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.

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

Seacroft Ilfracombe

Elegant Grade 2 listed town house in quiet area 0.2 miles from Coast Path. Sleeps 6 in 3 double rooms. Comfy beds. All mod cons. Patio garden with BBQ. Close to shops.

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.

High Ways Guest House

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

Varley House

An Edwardian Guest House with 7 en-suite rooms, built originally as a Rest Home for officers recuperating from the Boer war, hence the grandeur of our building

Lee Bay Bothy

A traditional Devon Stone building adjoined to SWCP, 300 meters. a Bothy with a few added comforts.

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!

Watermouth Cove Cottages

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

North Morte Farm Caravan & Camping Park

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

Sandaway Beach Holiday Park

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.

Woolacombe Sands Holiday Park

Accommodation and Camping in Woolacombe with a footpath to Woolacombe and the beach

The Buttery and Cromlech House

A family holiday home on North Devon's beautiful SWCP, in the heart of an amazing village with 3 great pubs. The Buttery (5 bedrooms) and Cromlech House (4 bedrooms).

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.

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!

Channel Vista Guest House

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

Beach Cottage

Beach Cottage sits directly on the North Devon Coast Path. A beautiful property that sleeps 6 and dogs welcome. Opposite cottage is as dog friendly beach.

Newberry Beach Lodge

01271 883709 / 07922571331 / 07710664513

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!

Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park

Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park offers a haven of peace in a picturesque valley, including a woodland walk and natural surroundings for children to roam free and the best sea views in North Devon. Clubhouse with restaurant and bar on-site.

The Porthole

Cafe and take away kiosk, indoor & outdoor seating with panoramic beach views. Incredible food, coffee, drinks & ice cream. Open year round, check website for times.

Sea Stone

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

Pack O Cards

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

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 Sawmills

Situated between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, Sawmills provides the perfect stop off for great food, atmosphere and stay in one of 4 thoughtfully designed rooms. Experience the best of North Devon's coast, cuisine and hospitality.

Ilfracombe Aquarium

Consisting of Local Aquatic Exhibits, Pier Cafe & Gift Shop. Ilfracombe Aquarium prides itself on it's established reputation, quality of products & service.

The Old Schoolroom Craft Gallery

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

Castle Inn

TRADITIONAL VILLAGE PUB

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 Chocolate Emporiam 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

Mortehoe Museum

The Museum is housed in a former cart linhay barn. Much of the of the Parish’s rich heritage is recorded in the gallery upstairs where there are displays covering

Woolacombe Tourist Information

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

Ezee Cabs of Woolacombe

01271 871000 / 07966 548303

Friendly, family run taxi company getting you around North Devon and beyond to help in your Path journey. Can also transport larger groups (up to 24).

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.

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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