North Devon Walks
Coast path classics, family strolls and weather-aware walking days from Woolacombe.
Guide
Start with the walk that fits the day
North Devon walks range from short beach-and-village loops to exposed coast path days, wooded valleys and inland Exmoor routes. From Woolacombe, the best plan is rarely the longest walk. It is the route that fits the tide, weather, daylight, group energy and whether you need toilets, food or a quick return to the car.
Use Woolacombe for coast path access, Mortehoe for headland walks, Croyde and Baggy Point for a classic family route, and Exmoor for bigger scenery when the forecast is settled. Keep the plan flexible: a two-hour walk done well is a better holiday memory than a long route that becomes a slog.
Routes
Five strong walking choices
Morte Point
The headland walk from Mortehoe gives big sea views and a real sense of place. Keep back from cliff edges and keep dogs close around livestock and wildlife.
Baggy Point
Baggy Point is one of the easiest classic North Devon coast walks, with a clear route and strong views towards Woolacombe and Lundy on a good day.
Woolacombe to Putsborough sands
At lower tide, the firm sand makes a simple there-and-back walk. Check the tide times and turn before the group gets tired.
Valley of Rocks and Lynton
For a day away from the beach, the Lynton and Valley of Rocks area gives dramatic walking, but paths can be exposed and busy in season.
Ilfracombe coast and town walks
Ilfracombe works when you want a shorter walk with cafes, harbour views and an easier bad-weather fallback.
Heddon Valley and wooded combes
On windy days, sheltered wooded valleys can be calmer than cliff tops. Check parking and path conditions before making it the main plan.
Families
Easy walks with children
For younger children, choose short out-and-back routes where turning around is simple. Baggy Point, Barricane Bay from Woolacombe village, and a low-tide beach walk towards Putsborough all work better than committing to a full coast-path section.
Pack layers even in summer. North Devon can switch quickly from warm sun to sea breeze, and cliff tops feel colder than the village. If anyone is unsure on heights, choose beach, harbour or valley routes rather than exposed headlands. For pushchairs and mobility needs, check surface details before leaving because many coast paths are uneven.
Choose
Coastal, moorland or village walk?
Coastal walks give the most dramatic North Devon views, but they are also the most exposed. Choose them on clear, moderate-weather days when wind, rain and cliff-edge visibility are not the main story. Morte Point, Baggy Point and the South West Coast Path sections near Woolacombe all sit in this category.
Moorland and valley walks are better when you want a bigger landscape without a beach-day feel. Exmoor, the Valley of Rocks and wooded combes can be excellent, but they need the same care with footwear, maps and daylight. Village and harbour walks are the best fallback when the group is tired, the forecast is mixed or you want food and toilets close by.
Safety
Coast path planning that keeps the day simple
- Check tide before beach walks: Woolacombe is broad, but some coves and access points are tide-sensitive.
- Keep back from cliff edges: paths can be uneven, narrow or eroded after bad weather.
- Use a lead near livestock: this applies even on open-looking coastal land.
- Carry water: facilities disappear quickly once you leave villages and car parks.
- Plan the return: buses, taxis and phone signal should not be assumed on rural sections.
- Respect closed paths: do not climb around barriers after slips, storms or maintenance closures.
Season
Best seasons for North Devon walking
Spring and early autumn are the best all-round walking seasons, with good light and fewer heat issues. Summer walks are easiest early in the morning or later in the day. Winter can be spectacular, but only choose exposed coast routes if wind and rain are sensible.
When the weather is uncertain, build the walk around a place with facilities: Ilfracombe, Lynton and Lynmouth, Croyde or Woolacombe village. For bigger landscapes, compare with Exmoor.
Base
Why Woolacombe works as a walking base
Woolacombe is useful because several walking styles start close together. You can do a sand-and-cove stroll without moving the car, climb towards Mortehoe for headland views, or use the village as the easy finish after a longer coast path section. That matters on family holidays because not everyone wants the same level of effort every day.
For a longer walking week, rotate the terrain: one local beach walk, one Morte Point or Baggy Point day, one harbour walk in Ilfracombe, and one Exmoor or Lynton trip if the weather is settled. That gives variety without turning every day into a drive.
Plans
Simple walking day plans
Two-hour Woolacombe walk
Village, Barricane, Combesgate viewpoints and back. Good for first evening, light rain gaps and mixed-age groups.
Half-day coast classic
Baggy Point or Morte Point, with food afterwards. Start with weather and parking, then keep the route flexible.
Full day away
Lynton, Lynmouth, Valley of Rocks or Exmoor. Check venue and transport details before leaving Woolacombe.
Checked
Route notes
Route guidance was checked in July 2026 against National Trust, South West Coast Path and local Woolacombe walking pages. Conditions change after storms and heavy rain, so use current signs and official path notices on the day.