Easy walks around Woolacombe
A choice guide for families who want coastal scenery without a strenuous hike — distances, surfaces, start points and suitability notes so you can pick the right route for today.
Before you choose
What "easy" means on the North Devon coast
Woolacombe sits inside the North Devon AONB on one of the most dramatic stretches of the South West Coast Path. Even routes described as short or gentle tend to include some gradient, uneven ground, or stile-crossing. "Easy" here means shorter distances, relatively low ascent, and paths that are generally passable for fit adults and older children — not necessarily suitable for pushchairs, wheeled mobility aids, or very young children without significant adult assistance.
Each route summary below includes a terrain note and a suitability caveat. Conditions on coast paths change with weather, erosion and seasonal maintenance. Check for current closures before setting out, and allow more time than the stated distances suggest if you are walking with children, dogs on leads, or anyone who needs a slower pace.
Route 1
Woolacombe short circular walk
Distance: approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) | Start: Woolacombe village or Marine Drive | Terrain: mixed — coast path with some gradients, grassy clifftop, beach section possible at low tide.
The National Trust's Woolacombe short circular walk takes in Woolacombe Down, Potters Hill and clifftop views over the bay. It is shorter and lower-level than the full Morte Point loop, making it the most accessible introduction to the coast path from Woolacombe.
Suitability: suitable for most fit walkers, older children and confident dogs. Not suitable for pushchairs. Some sections involve uneven coast-path terrain. Download the official route and waypoints from the National Trust before setting out.
What you see: panoramic views of Woolacombe Bay, Baggy Point and Lundy on clear days. The elevated position above the beach gives a completely different perspective on the bay from the sand-level view.
Tide note: if the route dips onto the beach, check today's tide times first.
Route 2
Morte Point walk from Mortehoe
Distance: approximately 2.2 miles (3.5 km) | Start: Mortehoe village car park | Terrain: coast path, some uneven and rocky sections, one or two steeper gradients.
The Morte Point walk starts from Mortehoe village (a short drive or 1.5 mile walk from Woolacombe) and loops around the headland. Morte Point itself has dramatic cliff scenery, rock platforms and seabird views. The National Trust manages the headland.
Suitability: suitable for older children and adults. Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Dogs welcome under close control; keep on leads around livestock and cliff edges. Some sections of path are uneven underfoot. See the full Morte Point walk guide for detailed route notes.
What you see: views of Woolacombe Bay, the Outer Morte Stone rocks, Baggy Point, and on clear days Lundy Island. The headland is an SSSI and supports nesting seabirds.
Route 3
Woolacombe Beach to Putsborough at low tide
Distance: approximately 1.5 miles one way along the beach | Start: Woolacombe village end or Marine Drive | Terrain: beach — firm sand at low tide, softer sand above the tideline.
Walking the full length of Woolacombe Beach to Putsborough Sands is possible at low tide. The route is flat and entirely on sand, making it the most pushchair- and buggy-friendly option in this guide. At low water the route passes the rocky outcrops mid-bay and arrives at the quieter, sheltered sands at Putsborough.
Suitability: suitable for all abilities at low tide, including pushchairs with all-terrain wheels. Not possible at high tide — the sea reaches the dune edge and cuts the route. Check tide times before you start: the return walk needs to be completed before the sand is covered. See live tide times and the Putsborough Sands guide for access information.
Tide note: this route is only safe at low to mid-tide. Do not start if the tide is already rising significantly. Allow at least two hours for a return trip with children.
Route 4
South towards Croyde via the coast path
Distance: 4–6 miles one way to Croyde, or shorter as an out-and-back | Start: Putsborough car park or Marine Drive | Terrain: coast path and beach sections, Baggy Point headland — some steep and uneven ground.
The coast path south of Woolacombe leads across Baggy Point headland to Croyde. This is the most demanding route in this selection, but the first section south from Putsborough is manageable as a shorter out-and-back that takes in clifftop views before returning.
Suitability: fit walkers and older children. Not suitable for pushchairs. Dogs on leads near livestock and cliff sections. The full Woolacombe-to-Croyde route is a half-day walk — treat it as more than an "easy" walk if you plan to complete it. See the full Woolacombe to Croyde walk guide.
Planning
Practical tips for walking near Woolacombe
- Check the weather before you go. Coast paths are exposed; conditions change quickly on the North Devon headlands.
- Wear appropriate footwear. Grippy walking shoes or boots for any coast path route. Flip-flops are suitable only on the beach itself.
- Check tide times for beach sections. Use live tide times before starting any route that uses the beach or rocky shores.
- Allow more time than the distance suggests. With children, dogs or anyone who moves slowly, budget at least double what a fit adult would need.
- Download routes beforehand. Mobile signal is unreliable on exposed headlands. Download the National Trust and OS route maps before leaving the car park.
- Dogs on leads near livestock and cliff edges. National Trust land around Morte Point and Woolacombe Down has grazing livestock seasonally.
For all walking routes in the area, including longer day walks, see the North Devon coastal walks guide and Woolacombe walks hub.