Combesgate Beach: quieter cove between Woolacombe and Mortehoe
Combesgate is a small sandy cove on the South West Coast Path between Woolacombe and Mortehoe, sheltered on three sides and far quieter than the main beach. Here is how to reach it, what to expect, and when to go.
Overview
What is Combesgate Beach?
Combesgate Beach is a small sandy cove approximately 1 mile north-east of Woolacombe main beach, sitting on the South West Coast Path between the village of Mortehoe and the northern end of Woolacombe Bay. Headlands shelter it on three sides, rocky outcrops and productive rock pools flank the sandy section, and the path linking it to Woolacombe and Mortehoe means walkers regularly discover it in the middle of a coastal day. Most visitors arriving directly say the same thing: they wish they had known about it earlier.
The beach is part of the wider Woolacombe Bay system (Woolacombe to Combesgate to Barricane Beach), which is worth walking as a full tide-appropriate day. See Barricane Beach and nearby beaches for the complete picture.
Getting there
How to reach Combesgate Beach
There is no car park at Combesgate itself — access is on foot from Woolacombe or Mortehoe. Check tides before setting out, as the beach-level route from Woolacombe can be affected at high tide. For the cautious arrival version, see Combesgate Beach parking.
From Woolacombe
Walk north along the main beach at low-to-mid tide, then follow the slipway path or SWCP signpost from the car park area. Allow 20 to 30 minutes on foot. Check the live tide times before setting out if you plan to walk along the beach — at high tide, take the coast path route instead.
From Mortehoe village
Take the South West Coast Path south from Mortehoe village. The path drops down clearly toward the cove in approximately 20 minutes, mostly downhill on a well-defined track. Mortehoe village car park is the most practical starting point if arriving by car.
Woolacombe has the nearest facilities and car parks. See Woolacombe parking for car park options, prices and the nearest point to start the walk.
The beach
What Combesgate is like
Combesgate is sandy at its centre, with a rocky backing that provides some shelter from prevailing winds. The beach is noticeably quieter than Woolacombe main beach, even in peak summer — access by foot only, combined with the short walk, filters out most casual visitors. Rocky outcrops at each end of the sandy section mean the cove feels enclosed, giving it a different character from the wide open bay of Woolacombe.
The beach is not lifeguarded. There are no facilities on the beach itself. Bring water and snacks; the nearest café options are back in Woolacombe or up in Mortehoe village — see Woolacombe cafés for the main options.
Activities
Rock-pooling and swimming
Rock-pooling: the pools at Combesgate at low tide are well-stocked with crabs, anemones, small fish and periwinkles — exactly the kind of undisturbed rock-pool habitat that fewer visitors at the main beach preserves. A net and bucket from any of the Woolacombe beach shops is all you need. See Woolacombe rock-pooling for what to look for and how to handle marine life safely.
Swimming: Combesgate is sheltered but not lifeguarded — check conditions before getting in the water. Sea temperature is the same as Woolacombe main beach, typically 14–17°C in summer. See Woolacombe sea temperature for monthly averages and beach safety for general North Devon coastal safety guidance.
Who it suits
Good for
- Families wanting peace and quiet: the walk-in-only access means it rarely feels crowded, even when Woolacombe main beach is full.
- Rock-poolers: the pools at each end of the cove are excellent at low tide and less picked-over than those on the main beach.
- SWCP walkers: the cove makes a natural break on the coastal path section between Mortehoe and Woolacombe.
- Photographers: the combination of headland shelter, sand and rocks gives a completely different foreground from the open bay of the main beach.
- Visitors who arrive on a busy day: if Woolacombe main beach feels too crowded, Combesgate is 25 minutes on foot and usually half as busy.
Wider context
The Woolacombe Bay beach walk
Combesgate sits in the middle of the Woolacombe Bay beach system: from the main Woolacombe Beach northward to Combesgate, then continuing along the coast path to Barricane Beach and up toward Morte Point. Done as a full walk at appropriate tides, this route takes in three very different beaches and the dramatic headland scenery of the South West Coast Path. For the Morte Point section, see the Morte Point walk guide.