Morte Point with children: decide before you walk
A family-fit check for the Morte Point coast path, with terrain, exposure and source-dated practical checks before you leave Woolacombe.
Short answer
Is Morte Point a good walk with kids?
Morte Point can be a brilliant family coastal walk when your group is steady on uneven ground, the forecast is calm enough, and everyone is ready to turn back. It is not the default stroll from Woolacombe. Treat it as a proper headland walk with cliffs, wind, steps, muddy or slippery sections after rain, and children who need close supervision.
For the all-visitor route, start with our Morte Point walk guide. This page is only about deciding whether today, with your children and the current conditions, is the right day to commit.
Check first
The official facts to read before setting off
Route and terrain
The National Trust lists the Morte Point and Bull Point circular from Mortehoe village car park. Its notes describe steep, rocky coastal paths, high cliffs, steep valleys, steps, and paths that can be muddy or slippery in wet weather.
Weather and exposure
The same route information warns about high winds on the coast path. Check the forecast before leaving, then reassess at Mortehoe if the wind, visibility or ground feels worse than expected.
Parking, toilets and dogs
The National Trust points visitors to Mortehoe Museum car park, not National Trust, with a parking fee, plus toilets, cafes and shops in Mortehoe village. Dogs must be kept under close control.
Family fit
Who this walk suits best
This is a better match for families who already enjoy coast paths, can handle a plan changing mid-walk, and are comfortable keeping children close near drops and rougher ground. It is less comfortable if you need level surfaces, quick toilet access, a buggy-friendly loop, or a walk where tired children can roam ahead.
The South West Coast Path route page marks its Morte Point walk as moderate and notes steep ascent and descent, including steps, but also says there are shortcuts back across the heath. You do not have to finish a full loop for the day to count. A shorter out-and-back from Mortehoe can still give sea views if conditions feel right.
Editorial judgement
Have a turn-back point before you start
Before you leave Mortehoe, agree what would make you stop: tired children, wind making conversation difficult, slippery ground, livestock or dogs making the group tense, or anyone rushing near exposed ground. That is editorial judgement, not an official route instruction. It is simply the difference between a good family walk and forcing a route that no longer fits.
If the headland feels marginal, switch plans early. Stay close to Mortehoe, choose a brief viewpoint walk, or save the coast path for another day and use Woolacombe with kids or North Devon family walks to pick a gentler option.
Safety
What to take seriously on the coast path
South West Coast Path safety guidance says staying safe is your own responsibility, and tells walkers to keep to the path, stay away from cliff edges, supervise children and dogs, check the weather forecast, wear footwear with good grip, and turn back if the walk is too strenuous for anyone in the group.
That matters because the interest of Morte Point is also the risk: exposed coastline, rocks, changing weather and views that tempt people towards edges. Do not let the hope of seeing seals become the reason to push further. Wildlife is a possibility, not a reliable family activity.
For beach and cliff basics around Woolacombe, read our beach safety guide. On the day, local signs and official route notices come first.
Access
Pushchairs, shortcuts and practical limits
The wider National Trust Mortehoe page says the track to Bull Point lighthouse is suitable for pushchairs, with one gate on route, and says the path out to Morte Point is fairly flat but uneven in places. The older accessibility guide describes loose surface, slopes and uneven ground on the Morte Point return trail.
For family planning, separate the ideas. A lighthouse track taste and the full Morte Point coast path are not the same commitment. If using a pushchair, mobility aid or carrying a child, check the official access notes first and plan a conservative turn-around.
Checked 14 July 2026
Sources used for this family check
This page was checked against official visitor and coast-path information on 14 July 2026. Route status, weather, parking, dog controls and access notes can change, so recheck before travelling and follow signs on the day.
- National Trust Morte Point and Bull Point circular coastal walk for route, terrain, facilities, dogs and access warnings.
- National Trust Mortehoe visitor information and its accessibility guide for parking, toilets and access notes.
- South West Coast Path Morte Point walk and South West Coast Path safety advice for route difficulty, shortcuts and general coast-path safety.
- Met Office Woolacombe forecast for the drafting-day weather check.