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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Safety advice

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 Youth hostel with large self catering kitchen, communal lounge and dining room. Private en-suite rooms and dorms. Open from the beginning of March to the end of November
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Lee Meadow Farm Camping

01271 879825

Traditional campsite set in lovely countryside beside the Coast Path. Visit the farm animals, free hot showers, farm shop & tea room on site. Ehup available.

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Avoncourt Lodge

07900221099
Simple 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
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, Woolacombe

01271 870313

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

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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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The Beach House Hostel

07500 701982
The Beach House Hostel is in the centre of Woolacombe, 2 minutes from the Coast Path and beach. Combination of Dormitory style rooms & Private rooms. Free Wifi
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Brookdales B&B

01271 269388

Brookdales is a Victorian House offering bed and breakfast and is situated in a quiet area a few minutes walk to tunnels beach, harbour and High Street.

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Harcourt Hotel

01271 862931
Harcourt Hotel in Ilfracombe is a small "dog friendly Hotel " with a clean, friendly, home from home environment, in very close proximity to all amenities, including the Coast Path.
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Collingdale Guest House

01271 863770

Award winning Guest House directly on SWCP with stunning views of Ilfracombe Harbour. Minutes to the Moors, Seconds to the Sea. Book direct for best rates.

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Hele Valley Holiday Park

01271 862460
Located in the beautiful seaside town of Ilfracombe along the stunningly rugged North Devon coast. The perfect destination for relaxing and for walking the South West Coast Path.
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Higher Mullacott Farm

01271 377432
Farmhouse cottages, peacefully hidden in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, just 1.5 miles from the Path. Sleeps from 6 - 11 people. See complete range of self--catering cottages at My Favourite Cottages.
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Fisherman's Cottage

07809096036

Cosy Fisherman's Cottage is just 50 yards from the Coast Path and sleeps up to 4 adults in two bedrooms. Well-equipped and with sea views.

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Marlyn B&B

07952 244874

We've three en-suites with fine bedding, good food, views and 3 nearby pubs. Parking and coast road buses for break days and longer stays.

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Stowford Farm Meadows

01271 882476
Stowford Farm Meadows is a superb camping & caravan site, from which to explore the best of North Devon
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Sandaway Beach Holiday Park

01271 883 155
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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Marine House B&B

01271 870972
We are a small modern B&B in the center of Woolacombe, just 2 minutes walk from the beach and the South West Coast path.
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Woolacombe Bay Hotel

01271 870388

Hidden behind the Victorian grandeur of our historic hotel in North Devon is a warm and inviting coastal retreat...

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Newberry Beach Lodge

01271 833709

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

+441271883514

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

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Mellstock House B&B

01271 882592
A free pick up/drop off service is available to the Coast Path, we offer boot trays, drying room, laundry service, packed lunches, cosy bar and evening meals. All our rooms are en-suite and have TV/DVD, tea/coffee etc with free WIFI.
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Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park

01271 882 563

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.

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Blair Lodge

01271 882294

Quiet location overlooking the bay. 100m gentle walk from the Path, beach, pubs and shops. Evening meals available. Comfy Bar. Wifi. Parking. Tel: 01271 882294

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Wheel Farm Cottages

01271 377 432

Set just outside Combe Martin, Wheel Farm is a collection of 10 cottages sleeping from 2 - 14 guests with a shared poool and tennis court. Dogs welcome.

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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.

Lee Meadow Farm Shop

01271 879825

The home of Glampig home reared pork cuts,our own eggs, fresh baked bread and pastries, cream teas, lite bites, amazing cooked breakfast, bbq products, dog friendly,free parking.

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Coast Path View (Watermouth) Photographer Andrew Ray (2012 Photo Competition entry) After Watermouth. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson. Ilfracombe from Rillage Point. Photographer Ted Forman, Warlingham, Surrey Widmouth Head, looking over Water Mouth. Photographer Nicola Holland, Bristol. Hele Bay, Near Ilfracombe. Photographer Mike Newbury, Oxford. Just waiting for the tide, Watermouth bay. Photographer Andrew Harris, Western-Super-Mare Great Hangman in the background and Outer Stone in the foreground Photographer Mike Painter (2012 Photo Competition entry) Approaching Ilfracombe. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton. Looking towards Ilfracombe. Photographer Alan Griffiths, Wrexham. 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) Watermouth near Combe Martin, North Devon. Photographer Andy Milsom, Bristol. Grunta Beach, near Mortehoe. Photographer Steve Wakefield, Northampton 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 Ilfracombe to Clovelly, looking back to Ilfracombe. Photographer Jaap Gaasenbeek The Toposcope at Ilfracombe. Photographer Joshua Day 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) Watermouth, North Devon. Photographer Bryan Cath. Approaching Woolacombe from Morte Point Photographer Mike Painter (2012 Photo Competition entry) On the coast path out on Morte Point looking at Bull Point lighthouse. Photographer Michael Davies, South Wales. Approaching Woolacombe. Photographer Alan Griffiths, Wrexham. Bull Point Lighthouse Photographer Matt Oliver (2012 Photo Competition entry) 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) Rockham Bay. Photographer Tom Woodland, Somerset. Rockham Bay. Photographer Tom Woodland, Somerset. 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. 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. Water Mouth. Photographer Nicola Holland, Bristol. "The path revealed"; Taken from the slipway, Watermouth, North Devon. Photographer Stephen Tew, Leics. Golden Cove at Sunset. Photographer Stephen Coombes, Torquay Ilfracombe Coast path looking towards Lundy Island Photographer Colin J Broadbent (2012 Photo Competition entry) Ilfracombe Photographer Mike Speke (2012 Photo Competition entry) Ilfracombe and a storm brewing. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton. Ilfracombe from Torrs Point. Photographer Ted Forman, Warlingham, Surrey Low tide at Ilfracombe harbour Photographer Rex Crofts (2012 Photo Competition entry) Bull Point Lighthouse, north facing 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 On the SWCP from Lee Bay to Woolacombe, north facing viewpoint 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

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

Local maps and publications

Nearby Events

  • Couch to Coast Westward Ho!

    October - December 2019, Westward Ho!

    Similar to the running plan ‘Couch to 5k’, we’ll be helping people gradually build fitness, stamina and confidence to go from sitting on the sofa, to doing a 5k walk on the South West Coast Path. More info. 

     

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