Morte Point walk from Woolacombe and Mortehoe

The Morte Point walk is the headland route to choose when you want Woolacombe to feel wild quickly. Start from Mortehoe village, follow the signed path past the church towards the coast, and the land opens into steep grass, jagged slate and big views back over Woolacombe Bay.

The short National Trust route to Morte Point is 2.2 miles and usually takes 1.5-2 hours. It is the best fit for most visitors who want the seals-and-views experience without turning the day into a long hike. Stronger walkers can extend towards Bull Point Lighthouse, Rockham Bay and Bennett's Mouth for a tougher 6-mile circular route.

Before you set off, check the live weather and Woolacombe tide panel. The main Morte Point path is a coast-path walk rather than a beach crossing, but tide state matters if you are planning detours to rocky coves, Rockham Bay, Bennett's Mouth or a later stop at Barricane Beach.

For most Woolacombe visitors, the answer is about two hours door to door from Mortehoe car park. The National Trust's Morte Point seals and smugglers route is 2.2 miles, starting at Mortehoe village car park, grid reference SS458453. It follows the South West Coast Path, with uneven, rocky and steep sections, then returns to the village.

If you want a bigger walk, the National Trust Morte Point and Bull Point circular is 6 miles and usually 2.5-3 hours, while the South West Coast Path's Morte Point walk is listed as 4.6 miles with steep ascents, descents and steps. Those longer versions feel more like a proper half-day hike, especially in wind. For the wider trail context, see the South West Coast Path at Woolacombe guide.

From Woolacombe itself, you can walk up to Mortehoe first via the Esplanade and Combesgate side, but remember Mortehoe is a clifftop village. The climb makes the day longer and harder. If your main aim is Morte Point, parking or taking the bus to Mortehoe keeps the walk focused.

Start in Mortehoe village car park, then turn left past the village shop. The National Trust route takes the lane between St Mary's Church and The Ship Aground, signed for the Coast Path, before entering the open Morte Point land. Facilities are best at the start: toilets, cafes and shops are in Mortehoe, not out on the headland.

Once you are on the point, take your time. The dark, sharp rocks are part of the drama, but they are also slippery when wet. Keep back from cliff edges and avoid scrambling onto the "stegosaurus" rocks unless you are sure of your footing. The sea can look calm from above while swell still surges around the gullies.

Views change constantly: Woolacombe beach and Baggy Point behind you, Rockham Bay around the north side, and Lundy Island out in the Bristol Channel on clear days. For more route ideas before or after this walk, see the main Woolacombe walks guide and the nearby beaches guide.

Atlantic grey seals are the wildlife highlight at Morte Point. The National Trust notes that seals can be seen playing close to shore on the Morte Point route, and local walking information points visitors to the north side of the point for seals bobbing in the water or resting on rocks.

You can see grey seals in the UK year-round, but autumn and winter are especially sensitive because grey seals give birth to pups in autumn and winter. For a visitor-friendly rule of thumb, October to February is a good period to scan carefully from the path, while keeping your distance and resisting any urge to approach. Natural England advises staying at least 100 metres away where possible, keeping dogs on leads around seals, and not disturbing mothers or pups.

Bring binoculars if you have them. North Devon Coast National Landscape highlights seabirds around Morte Point, including herring gulls, fulmars, shags, cormorants, oystercatchers and sometimes peregrine falcons. Grey herons are also worth watching for around quieter rocky inlets, especially if you are moving slowly rather than racing round the loop.

Yes for older children who are used to uneven paths, no for buggies, and not ideal for toddlers who want to run ahead. The short route is only 2.2 miles, but it has rocky, narrow, muddy and exposed sections, plus cliff edges where close supervision is essential.

For families, call it moderate rather than easy. It works well with children who enjoy wildlife, rocks and binoculars, because there are natural pauses throughout the walk. It works badly if you are trying to push a stroller, carry beach kit, or squeeze it in before a meal booking with tired legs.

Choose calm weather for a first family attempt. Strong wind makes the exposed headland feel more serious, and wet grass or polished rock can turn a short walk into a slip hazard. If the forecast looks rough, choose Barricane, Combesgate or another shorter route from the walks hub.

• Park in Mortehoe: North Devon Council lists Mortehoe car park at EX34 7DT with 89 bays, one disabled bay, paid charging between 8am and 6pm, and RingGo zone 3638.
• Use the village before you walk: toilets, cafes and shops are in Mortehoe. There are no facilities on the open point.
• Check the tide for coves: the headland path is the main route, but Rockham Bay, Bennett's Mouth and Barricane are tide-sensitive. Low tide gives safer beach and rock-pool options; high tide can remove space quickly.
• Keep dogs close: dogs are welcome on National Trust routes under close control. Use a lead near livestock, cliff edges and seals.
• Wear proper shoes: trainers with grip are better than sandals. After rain, expect mud and slippery slate.
• Take layers: Morte Point is exposed. Even in summer, wind off the Bristol Channel can make the headland colder than Woolacombe village.

• National Trust: Morte Point walk, seals and smugglers for the 2.2-mile route, start point, duration, terrain, parking and facilities.
• National Trust: Morte Point and Bull Point circular walk for the longer 6-mile route, Bull Point Lighthouse, terrain, steps and children supervision note.
• South West Coast Path: Morte Point walk for the 4.6-mile moderate route, older-children note and Coast Path context.
• North Devon Council: Mortehoe car park for current car park location, bays, charging period and payment details.
• The Wildlife Trusts: grey seal and Natural England seal safety guidance for seasonal grey-seal context and disturbance advice.
• North Devon Coast National Landscape: Woolacombe and Mortehoe for local birdlife and Morte Point wildlife context.