Family coast-path walks in North Devon
The North Devon coast path is genuinely beautiful, but it is also clifftop walking on rough, uneven terrain — not a park path. This guide helps families based around Woolacombe choose a realistic route based on commitment, terrain and the actual abilities of the children in your group, not optimistic descriptions that gloss over the difficulty.
Before you choose
What actually determines whether a walk works with children
Walk descriptions often lead with scenery and distance. When you are planning with children, the relevant questions are different:
- Surface: is the path firm and wide, or is it narrow, uneven clifftop with exposed rock? The difference between a well-maintained path and a rough coast-path scramble can be significant for younger children, and is rarely visible in a photo.
- Exposure: is the path enclosed by hedges or vegetation, or is it open clifftop with minimal barriers? Open clifftop paths near cliff edges require constant direct supervision of children — not occasional attention, but hands-on contact throughout the exposed sections. Do not assume children will understand where the safe zone ends.
- Ascent and descent: short ascents are fine for most children. Long or steep descents are often where fatigue and complaints become acute, especially on the return leg. The second half of an out-and-back walk is always harder than the first.
- Escape points: if the group needs to turn back early — because a child is tired, the weather changes, or someone is unhappy — how far is the nearest exit? Some coast-path sections have no exit between two distant points.
- Toilets, food and rest: plan around where these are, not around where you hope they might be. Many coastal paths have no facilities mid-route.
- Daylight: if you are planning a longer walk, check sunset time. Coast-path walking after dark with children is not advisable. In summer this is rarely a problem; at Easter or October half-term, afternoon walks can catch out late starters.
These factors — not scenery or marketing language — determine whether the walk is a good memory or a difficult day.
Route options
Three levels of commitment
Low commitment: village edge and short headland sections
The section of coast path immediately above Woolacombe, walking north towards Barricane Beach and the lower slopes below Mortehoe, involves manageable terrain with accessible turnaround points. The path from the northern end of Woolacombe village towards Barricane is one of the most family-accessible sections of the North Devon coast — short, spectacular, and with a sandy beach reward.
This level suits families with children of primary-school age, groups with mixed fitness, and anyone wanting a coastal walk without a significant commitment. See easy walks near Woolacombe for the short-route detail.
Medium commitment: Mortehoe and Morte Point
Walking to Mortehoe from Woolacombe (about a mile, with a significant hill) and then taking the path out towards Morte Point adds up to a half-day of walking with a genuinely dramatic reward at the headland. The path to Morte Point is about a mile each way on uneven, rocky clifftop terrain with no barriers at the cliff edge.
This is suitable for children who are confident walkers, used to rough ground, and can be kept in close physical contact with an adult on exposed sections. It is not suitable for toddlers or children who run ahead without stopping. For the Mortehoe detail, see Mortehoe with kids. For the Morte Point route, see the Morte Point walk.
Higher commitment: longer coast-path sections
The South West Coast Path runs through this section of North Devon continuously. Longer sections — towards Croyde from Saunton, or north towards Lee Bay and Ilfracombe — involve more ascent, more sustained clifftop walking, and fewer exit points. The North Devon coast path is not a mountain trail, but in places it is uneven, steep and remote enough that groups with children under around 8–10 should think carefully before committing.
If you want to plan a longer section, use the South West Coast Path walking database for current route detail and condition notes. Always check for current diversions and closures before you start. For a broader overview of walking in the area, see North Devon coastal walks and the South West Coast Path in North Devon.
Honest boundary
When a beach day is the better choice
The North Devon coast path is not automatically a good choice for families with children. A beach day at Woolacombe — with space to run, dig, bodyboard and explore at a pace that suits the group — is often more successful than a coast-path walk that asks more than the children can give.
Choose a beach day rather than a coast-path walk when:
- Your children are under about 5 and a long walk on rough terrain is not realistic
- The weather is hot and exposed clifftop walking is not comfortable
- The group is tired or in the middle of a long holiday week
- One or more people in the group genuinely do not want a long walk
- The walk you are considering has cliff-edge sections and you are not confident about keeping children close throughout
A beach walk from Woolacombe south towards Putsborough at low tide is a good middle option — open and coastal, but without the terrain and exposure of the clifftop path. See the Woolacombe to Putsborough walk guide for how to plan that route around the tide. For walks from Woolacombe, the walks hub covers the range of options.
Before you go
Preparation checklist for coast-path walking with children
- Check the current condition of the path you intend to use — closures and diversions are common on the South West Coast Path after storms
- Wear proper footwear with grip; trainers and flip-flops are inadequate on wet or rocky coast-path terrain
- Bring layers and waterproofs regardless of the morning forecast; clifftop conditions change faster than village conditions
- Carry water and food — most coast-path sections have no refreshments mid-route
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
- Do not assume mobile signal will be available mid-walk
- Keep children in direct physical contact with an adult on any exposed clifftop section; do not rely on verbal instructions to keep them safe near cliff edges
- If conditions deteriorate, turn back early — there is no shame in reversing a decision when the walk becomes unsafe or unenjoyable for the group
For cliff and sea safety information relevant to this stretch of coast, see Woolacombe beach safety.