Tuesday 7th May 2019

Best Walks Near Woolacombe In North Devon

Our self-catering holiday cottages benefit from being in close proximity to the stunning North Devon coastline, South West Coast path and Exmoor National Park. We wanted to share with you a few of our favourite walks near Woolacombe, that capture the dramatic scenery from rocky headlands, smugglers coves, beautiful woodlands and river walks to sandy bays. You will experience unique habitats such as coastal heathland and maritime grasslands which are fantastic for an abundance of birds and wildlife. When exploring the coastline be sure to always keep an eye out for our resident seals and dolphins in the summer months. Each walk has a recommended pub/café that celebrate North Devon’s finest and offer you refreshments in stunning surroundings.

Mortehoe Village to Lee Bay including Kinevor Valley, Bennett’s Mouth and Sandy Bay

Pub/Café: The Grampus Inn
Length: 5 Miles

Mortehoe resides 3.5 miles from Willingcott Valley, a quaint village with a Heritage Centre and a number of amenities. The moderate walk commences from the village car park by taking North Morte Road, opposite, by the Post Office. Walk to the end of the road, to the gate signed for Bull Point Lighthouse. Carry on towards the lighthouse for about half a mile, until you come to a footpath on the right signposted Bennett's Mouth. Take the path down the steps through the beautiful Kinevor Valley that is full of bluebells and primroses during the spring months, follow the stream until you reach Bennett's Mouth.

The band of rocks here are Morte Slates, that run east to west, through Devon to Somerset. Follow the coast path just over half a mile east to Sandy Cove and Lee Bay, both have a history steeped in smuggling and are fantastic for rock pools and exploring at low tide.

The 14th century Grampus Inn can be found in the picturesque village of Lee reached by a public footpath directly behind the beach. The Inn is very popular and has been awarded a ‘Top Pub’ status in the North Devon Pub Guide.

Heddon Valley to Heddon’s Mouth

Pub/Café: Hunters Inn
Length: 2 Miles

Heddon Valley is situated within Exmoor National Park and is well worth the 15-mile drive from Willingcott Valley. A family friendly walk on well-trodden paths through ancient woodland, following the River Heddon all the way to Heddon’s Mouth. The river has a number of small shingle beaches which make it perfect for paddling whilst the sheltered pebble beach has a more rugged terrain, surrounded by high cliffs. Heddon Valley is managed by the National Trust and is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to rare butterflies such as the brown fritillary. On the beach you will find a ruin of a 19th-century kiln.

The circular walk starts and finishes by the Hunters Inn, a stunning location for drinks or a bite to eat with extensive grounds for children to play in. Ensure you look and listen for the famous peacocks that reside here and can be seen wandering the grounds.

Morte Point via Rockham Beach to Bull Point

Pub/Café: Chichester Arms, The Ship Aground, Miss Fea's Café
Length: 6 Miles 

Photo courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson

One of the more challenging walks near Woolacombe that starts from Mortehoe Village car park, a short 3.5-mile drive from Willingcott Valley. This circular adventure on the South West coast path encounters some of North Devon’s most dramatic scenery particularly that of Morte Point, where you have extensive views of the coastline, across to Clovelly and Lundy Island on clear days. Morte Point is steeped in history and was once notorious for smugglers, now you can enjoy the tranquillity and look out for seals as you make your way past Rockham Bay and on to Bull Point and the lighthouse.

Photo courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson 

When you arrive back in Mortehoe Village you can reward yourself with a drink or a cream tea, we recommend visiting; Chichester Arms, The Ship Aground, Miss Fea’s Café.

Photo courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson

Woolacombe to Putsborough

Pub/Café: Putsborough Café, The Porthole
Length: 6 Miles

Photo courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson

Just over 2 miles from Willingcott Valley is the stunning Woolacombe beach, here you can take a 6-mile circular walk to Putsborough with uninterrupted views of the coast. This walk is suitable for all the family and don’t forget to bring your bucket and spade! On your outbound journey we recommend walking to Putsborough via Marine Drive, where midway you can try out the exciting new establishment; The Porthole, with fantastic healthy cuisine.

Photo courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson

At the end of Marine Drive you will find the South West coast path, from here you make your way up the hillside via the fields until you reach Putsborough beach carpark, with amenities and inviting cafe. We recommend walking back to Woolacombe entirely along the iconic stretch of sandy beach.

Watersmeet to Ash Bridge

Pub/Café: Watersmeet House National Trust Café
Length: 2.2 Miles

Photo courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson

There are many walks which can be completed around the beautiful Watersmeet within Exmoor National Parkbut we have recommended the most family friendly trail, more strenuous hikes that take in exhilarating coastal views can be located via the National Trust. Watersmeet is around 2 miles inland from Lynton & Lynmouth and it is highly recommended driving the 19 miles from Willingcott Valley to visit these iconic towns with an incredible history. Lynton & Lynmouth are also famous for the interlinking Cliff Railway that showcases stunning views of North Devon and Exmoor.

Photo courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson

This circular walk follows the banks of the East Lyn River from Watersmeet House through tranquil woodlands. Bluebells and wild garlic are abundant in the spring time and trout may be spotted in the river along with dippers and herons. At Watersmeet you will be greeted with cascading waterfalls and see where the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water meet. It is highly recommended to stop at the National Trust Watersmeet House and indulge yourself in a cream tea or cake in the most stunning of surroundings. The National Trust also provide amenities and a gift shop.

National Trust Baggy Point, Croyde

Pub/Café: Sandleigh Tearooms
Length: 2 Miles

Photo courtesy: Mark Clinton Johnson

Baggy Point is an impressive headland that sits to the east of Croyde beach, widely considered to be one of the best surf locations in the UK. The headland is only 5.9 miles from Willingcott Valley and this ‘must do’ circular walk is classified as easy. It is largely accessible by pushchair, wheel chair and mobility scooter. The dramatic headland has stunning coastal views and is an exciting location to watch the bird-life, spot seals and see the waves crash onto the steep cliffs. The sandstone rocks offer fantastic opportunities for rock climbing and the terrain is fantastic for coasteering. The walk is clearly sign-posted and commences at the National Trust car park, see if you can spot the whale bones on your journey? At the end of your walk we recommend you make time to stop at the National Trust Sandleigh Tea Rooms which are situated at the bottom of the car park. The tearooms reside within a beautiful walled garden, home to many vegetables patches that deliver produce straight to your plate. Sandleigh has a fantastic reputation for its homemade produce and the cream teas are one of the best in North Devon.

We hope you enjoy the walks near Woolacombe in this guide. Wilingcott Valley Holiday Village provides family friendly holiday cottages, and located 2 miles from Woolacombe beach – it is perfectly placed to enjoy a walking holiday in North Devon.

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