South West Coast Path at Woolacombe

The South West Coast Path is the 630-mile National Trail from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Around Woolacombe it gives you two very different day-walk choices: north towards Mortehoe, Morte Point and Bull Point, or south along Woolacombe Bay towards Putsborough, Baggy Point and Croyde.

For visitors, the useful thing is that you do not need to be walking the whole trail to enjoy it. Woolacombe works as a base for short out-and-back viewpoints, a classic Morte Point loop, or a longer point-to-point coastal day. The route is waymarked with the National Trail acorn symbol, but you should still carry an offline map for longer sections and use local signs where paths split.

The main decision is how much ascent, exposure and return travel your group wants. North feels wilder sooner. South gives you beach, dunes and Baggy Point, but the return from Croyde needs planning.

The north-side section is the best choice when you want Woolacombe to feel rugged quickly. Mortehoe sits above the beach, and the path towards Morte Point opens into cliff grassland, slate rocks and wide views back across Woolacombe Bay towards Baggy Point.

For a focused outing, use the dedicated Morte Point walk guide. The short National Trust route is 2.2 miles from Mortehoe and usually takes 1.5-2 hours. If you link Morte Point back towards Woolacombe, think in the region of 3 miles one way, with more effort if you start in Woolacombe and climb up first.

This side is moderate rather than extreme, but it is not a casual promenade. Paths can be narrow, uneven, muddy after rain and exposed in wind. It suits confident walkers, older children and visitors who want views, seals and proper coast-path atmosphere. It does not suit ordinary buggies.

The south-side section is the bigger Woolacombe day walk. From the village end, you head along Woolacombe Sands or the paths behind the bay towards Putsborough, then pick up the coast path around Baggy Point before dropping into Croyde.

Plan the full Woolacombe to Croyde route as about 7 miles one way and allow 3-4 hours at a visitor pace, plus stops. The beach start can feel easy at low tide, but the route becomes a proper coastal walk once you pass Putsborough and commit to the headland.

Use the detailed Woolacombe to Croyde walk guide before setting off. The return is the main practical issue: check buses, arrange a lift, book a taxi, or use two cars. Walking both ways turns it into a much harder day.

• Woolacombe village: best for the beach end, short walks, and southbound routes towards Putsborough. Use the Woolacombe parking guide to choose between village and beach-side car parks.
• Mortehoe village: best for Morte Point and Bull Point. Starting high keeps the north-side walk focused and avoids adding the Woolacombe-to-Mortehoe climb.
• Marine Drive or Putsborough: useful for shortening south-side walking, depending on tide, parking availability and whether you want beach time as part of the day.
• Croyde / Baggy Point: a good start if your group wants the Baggy Point section without doing the full Woolacombe to Croyde route.

The SWCP around Woolacombe is manageable for many visitors, but it is still a coast path. Expect ascents out of Woolacombe, uneven ground near headlands, narrow sections, mud after rain and wind that can make exposed areas feel more serious than the mileage suggests.

For families, judge the day by the youngest walker rather than the distance on a map. Morte Point is short but needs close supervision. Woolacombe to Croyde is not technically difficult in settled weather, but the length and return logistics make it a stronger-walker route.

Wear shoes with grip, take layers, carry water and avoid pushing on if visibility or wind turns. If the weather looks poor, use a shorter village or beach walk and save the headlands for a clearer day.

The Morte Point route is mainly a headland walk, so tide state matters most if you add coves such as Rockham, Bennett's Mouth, Barricane or Combesgate. Do not squeeze around rocks or coves near high tide.

South of Woolacombe, tide timing can shape the day more directly. Low tide gives wide, firmer sand towards Putsborough and makes the first part of a Croyde walk feel easier. High tide can narrow the beach line and make the coast path the better option. Check Woolacombe tide times before you choose the sand, and follow local signs if a beach route looks awkward.

For multi-day SWCP walkers, Woolacombe is a useful resupply and rest point rather than just a beach resort. The village has food, shops, bus connections, places to eat and a choice of stays within reach of the path.

If you are walking through, check accommodation and evening food ahead of time, especially outside peak summer when opening patterns can change. Mortehoe is handy for north-side walkers, while Woolacombe village gives easier access to the beach, buses and supplies before the southbound section towards Croyde, Braunton and Saunton.

• GOV.UK South West Coast Path National Trail and South West Coast Path Association trail guide for the 630-mile trail, endpoints and acorn waymark detail.
• South West Coast Path: Morte Point, Woolacombe to Braunton and National Trust Morte Point material for local section context.
• National Trust Baggy Point to Woolacombe circular walk and the existing Woolacombe to Croyde guide for the Putsborough and Baggy Point section.