Woolacombe for walkers
Walking routes from Woolacombe: South West Coast Path, Mortehoe, Baggy Point and the North Devon coastline.
Walking base
One of England's finest stretches of coast path
Woolacombe sits on the South West Coast Path, the 630-mile national trail running from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset. The North Devon section passing through Woolacombe — from Saunton Sands through Croyde, Putsborough and Woolacombe to Mortehoe, Lee Bay and Ilfracombe — is regularly cited as one of the most dramatic stretches of the entire path.
The village makes an excellent walking base. You can step off the beach directly onto the coast path heading north to Mortehoe or south toward Putsborough. Day walks range from gentle 90-minute strolls to full-day routes over headlands with significant elevation. The terrain is Atlantic cliff path: uneven, rewarding and not suitable for pushchairs or those looking for flat surfaces.
Waterproof boots and a wind layer are recommended even in summer. The Atlantic coast is exposed and conditions can change quickly, regardless of the forecast inland.
Routes
Walks from Woolacombe
- Woolacombe to Mortehoe (1.5 miles, moderate). The coast path climbs north from the village, rising above the cliffs to the hamlet of Mortehoe. The route passes through National Trust land with views back over the bay. Mortehoe has a village pub and amenities. Allow around 40 minutes each way. From Mortehoe, a short walk takes you to Morte Point — a dramatic headland with rock formations and, in season, grey seals below.
- Woolacombe to Putsborough (1.5 miles, easy to moderate). Head south along the beach at low tide or via the dune path to reach Putsborough Sands. This is a low-gradient walk suitable for most abilities. Putsborough is quieter than Woolacombe and is a good turning-back point for a gentle morning walk.
- Woolacombe to Croyde via Baggy Point (approximately 4 miles, moderate). Continue south past Putsborough and climb up and over Baggy Point — National Trust land with a viewpoint over Croyde Bay. This is the most rewarding day walk from Woolacombe: 2 hours each way, with significant elevation at the headland. Croyde village has places to eat and drink. Return by the same path or arrange a taxi from Croyde.
- Morte Point from Mortehoe (short walk, moderate). If you drive or walk to Mortehoe, the short path from the village to Morte Point is worth doing for its rock formations and coastal views. Grey seals can be spotted in the water below in autumn and spring. Do not describe this as an easy walk — the path involves uneven surfaces and is moderately challenging toward the Point itself.
- Inland from Woolacombe. On days of strong coastal wind (common on the Atlantic-facing headlands), the inland valley paths toward Georgeham and Croyde village provide sheltered walking through farmland. These are quieter and unmarked on OS maps in places — an OS map or mapping app is helpful.
For a wider overview of local walks, see walks near Woolacombe.
South West Coast Path
Through walkers and long-distance routes
Woolacombe is a regular overnight stop for through walkers completing the South West Coast Path. The SWCP runs 630 miles from Minehead to Poole; Woolacombe sits on the North Devon section, roughly 15 miles west of Ilfracombe.
- The North Devon section is one of the more demanding parts of the full path. There is significant elevation between Saunton, Croyde, Woolacombe, Mortehoe and Ilfracombe. Daily mileage expectations should account for this.
- Woolacombe to Ilfracombe is approximately 7 miles via Mortehoe and Bull Point. Allow a full morning or afternoon with some ascents.
- Woolacombe to Croyde is approximately 4 miles via Baggy Point. See the route above.
- Some accommodation in Woolacombe is walker-friendly, with drying rooms and boot storage. When booking, check with the accommodation directly — see accommodation listings for options.
For the most current trail conditions and waymarking on the SWCP, check the South West Coast Path Association's official information.
Wildlife on the walk
What you might see
- Atlantic grey seals can be spotted in the water below Morte Point from autumn through spring. Summer sightings are less common as seals move away from busy shorelines. Look from the cliff path rather than descending to the rocks.
- Gannets are regularly visible offshore from the coast path, particularly from Baggy Point and Morte Point. Lundy Island — visible on clear days — hosts one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in England, though viewing requires the ferry from Ilfracombe.
- Braunton Burrows, accessible by car from Woolacombe (approximately 8 miles), is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK. It is important for ground-nesting birds and unusual plant species. Follow posted signs carefully during nesting season. See Braunton Burrows guide.
- Wildflowers on the cliff paths are excellent in May and June — gorse, sea campion and thrift are widespread.
Next steps
Plan your walking visit
- More walking route options: walks near Woolacombe.
- Woolacombe to Croyde coastal walk via Baggy Point: Woolacombe to Croyde walk guide.
- Baggy Point headland walk — the National Trust circular from Croyde village: Baggy Point walk guide.
- Mortehoe village details: Mortehoe village guide.
- Nearby beaches including Putsborough and Croyde: nearby beaches.
- Braunton Burrows for a half-day excursion: Braunton Burrows guide.
- Accommodation options for a walking break: accommodation listings.
- Best time to walk the coast path: best time to visit.
- Running the coast path or beach: running routes in Woolacombe — tide-conditional beach running and trail options to Mortehoe.
- A quieter heritage day on the estate: Hartland Abbey from Woolacombe — gardens, woodland walks and wild Atlantic coast near Hartland Quay.