South West Coast Path at Woolacombe

The South West Coast Path is a 630-mile National Trail from Minehead to Poole Harbour. It follows the North Devon coast, and Woolacombe is a practical place to walk a section rather than attempt the whole trail.

From a Woolacombe base, the useful choice is simple: head north for Mortehoe, Morte Point and Bull Point, or south for the dunes, Baggy Point and Croyde. Both directions have proper coastal terrain, so pick the route around your group, the weather and how you will get back.

Choose this for a headland walk with rocky coastal scenery, coves and a clear Mortehoe start. The National Trust's Morte Point and Bull Point circular begins at Mortehoe village car park and is 6 miles (9.6km), with a stated time of 2½ to 3 hours. It includes steep, rocky coastal paths, climbs and steps, so it is a proper walk rather than a promenade.

For a more focused outing, use the Morte Point walk guide. Keep children close to you near cliffs and choose a shorter plan if wind or visibility is poor.

Choose this direction if you want dunes and beach in the day as well as coast path. The National Trust's Baggy Point to Woolacombe circular starts at Baggy Point car park and covers 10 miles (16km) in about four hours, including long dune and beach sections and uneven ground. Its route reaches Woolacombe through the dunes and uses signed coast-path sections.

For a longer one-way day from Woolacombe towards Croyde, use the Woolacombe to Croyde walk guide and settle the return before you set off. A taxi, lift or two-car plan is often more realistic than turning a long coast-path day into an out-and-back.

If the group wants a shorter walk, start from Woolacombe or Mortehoe and make an out-and-back plan instead of committing to a full crossing. The walks hub helps compare local choices. Do not rely on a beach line as the only return: tide and conditions can change how comfortable the sand and coves feel.

• Start point: Mortehoe village is the practical start for the Morte Point and Bull Point circuit. Baggy Point car park is the documented start for the Baggy Point to Woolacombe circular. Use the Woolacombe parking guide for village and beach-side options.
• Terrain: The National Trail includes steep hills and rugged coastal paths. Around these headlands, wear footwear with grip, take water and layers, and be willing to shorten the route.
• Route changes: Follow signs on the ground. Diversions and closures are signposted, and walkers should follow those signs.
• Tide and weather: Tide is most relevant when a plan includes beach or cove access. Check the live tide panel and weather before choosing a beach start. Do not force a route around rocks or coves when the tide is coming in; use the signed path or turn back.

Woolacombe is one stopping point within the North Devon part of the National Trail, not a promise of a complete North Devon trail guide. The Minehead-to-Westward Ho! section crosses Exmoor and North Devon, including Woolacombe's surf beaches. For wider ideas beyond a Woolacombe base, see North Devon coastal walks and North Devon walks.

Woolacombe can work as a rest and resupply stop between walking days. Check accommodation, food and transport availability for your dates, particularly outside the busiest season, rather than assuming a particular service will be running.

• GOV.UK: South West Coast Path National Trail, checked 29 July 2026, for trail length and endpoints, North Devon context, signs, terrain and route-change guidance.
• National Trust: Morte Point and Bull Point circular coastal walk, checked 29 July 2026, for the start point, distance, duration and terrain.
• National Trust: Baggy Point to Woolacombe circular walk, checked 29 July 2026, for the start point, distance, duration, dunes, beach and route context.