Mortehoe to Bull Point walk

A walk from Mortehoe towards Bull Point is a proper coast-path outing, not a quick stroll to a lighthouse. The reward is the headland scenery and a view of Bull Point Lighthouse, but the decision starts with the conditions: this is rocky, steep coastal ground in places, exposed to weather and best approached with suitable footwear, enough daylight and a willingness to turn back.

This guide covers the Mortehoe-to-Bull-Point section only. For the wider headland circuit, see the Morte Point walk; for the landmark itself, see Bull Point Lighthouse.

Mortehoe is the natural village base for this outing. The National Trust’s current Morte Point and Bull Point circular walk starts in Mortehoe and follows the coast path around Morte Point towards Bull Point, passing Rockham Bay on the way. That makes the village a useful place to decide whether the day suits an exposed coastal walk before you commit to the headland.

This is not a route to treat as a fixed-time promise. The National Trust describes its wider Morte Point and Bull Point circular walk as challenging, with steep, rocky coastal paths, high cliffs and steep valleys. It also notes that paths can be muddy and slippery in wet weather, with steps on the route. Your own time will depend on the line you choose, ground conditions, stops and the people in your group.

If you are planning a bigger coastal day, North Devon coast has broader ideas for shaping it around the weather. If you would rather spend time in the village than take on the exposed section, start with Mortehoe village.

Bull Point is a memorable turning point because the coast path reaches the lighthouse headland. It is a viewpoint, not a visitor-attraction promise. Trinity House says the present lighthouse was built in 1975, was automated that year and is monitored and controlled from its Planning Centre. Keep to the signed public path, follow any signs on the day and do not treat a view of the lighthouse as permission to enter operational property.

The section also helps explain why this coastline needs a measured approach. The official National Trust route describes rocky paths, high cliffs and steep valleys; the South West Coast Path Association advises walkers to stay on the path and away from cliff edges, because unstable or overhanging ground is not always obvious. That is especially relevant if you are tempted by an informal descent or a sea-level shortcut: do not use either.

Choose this walk if everyone in your group is comfortable on uneven, natural coastal ground. Footwear with a good grip is the sensible baseline. The South West Coast Path Association says the surface varies and is generally more uneven away from towns and villages; its footwear guidance also recommends boots for rugged sections or when it has been wet.

Before leaving Mortehoe, check the forecast, make sure you have enough daylight for a calm return, take water and a layer that works for the coast. The Coast Path Association specifically warns that mist, fog and high winds are more likely on the coast and can be hazardous. Mobile reception can be patchy too, so do not rely on a phone as your only way to navigate or call for help.

The decision is not about proving you can reach the lighthouse. Turn back, or choose a different local plan, if the wind, visibility, footing or confidence in your group is deteriorating. The official guidance is clear: plan within your fitness level and turn back when the walk becomes too strenuous for anyone in the group.

This page is deliberately not a full Morte Point circular guide. If you want the headland route in context, use our Morte Point walk guide. If you are joining the coast path as part of a longer North Devon walk, see South West Coast Path in North Devon rather than assuming this short section tells you everything about the wider trail.

For a calmer day, combine Mortehoe’s lanes, church and village stops with the decision to save the exposed coastline for a clearer forecast. For a coast-focused day, leave time to walk carefully rather than rushing to a landmark. The landscape is the point; the responsible choice is to stay on the public path and keep the plan flexible.

• Check the forecast and current route information; Coast Path diversions can be necessary after erosion or cliff falls.
• Wear footwear with grip and take water, an extra layer and a way to navigate without depending solely on a signal.
• Keep children and dogs closely supervised near cliff edges, and follow all signs and waymarks.
• Do not descend on informal paths, use sea-level shortcuts or approach the lighthouse beyond the public route.
• If the coast is windy, foggy, wet underfoot or beyond the confidence of anyone in your group, turn back and choose a village or sheltered-day alternative.

For general coast safety before a beach-and-walk day, read North Devon beach safety. For the wider setting, return to North Devon coast.