South West Coast Path: Ilfracombe to Woolacombe

Recommended by
Our view
"A tough walk along spectacular cliffs awash with wildflowers, culminating in a round of craggy Morte Point"
Walk directions

From the car park entrance turn right on Broad Street to find the 18th-century Royal Britannia Hotel, patronised by Lord Nelson and the novelist Henry Williamson, who lived nearby. Bear left in front of the Sandpiper Inn along Capstone Road, then turn right on Capstone Parade. Round Windy Corner and continue along the back of grey Devonian slate Wildersmouth Beach.

Pass the Landmark Theatre (Tourist Information) on the seaward side, immediately bearing left up steps (at a Coast Path ‘pointing finger’ sign). Walk through the top of Runnymede sub-tropical gardens overlooking Emmanuel Church and the Ilfracombe Museum, on the site of the laundry for the enormous Ilfracombe Hotel, built in 1897 and demolished to make way for the Landmark. Turn right along the coastal road (Granville Road) to pass above the Tunnels Beaches.

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Location
Additional information
  Terrain  - Undulating coast path, several steep ascents and descents
  Landscape  - Coastal, cliff top
  Dog friendliness  - Under control at all times; unfenced cliffs and livestock
  Parking  - Pay-&-display car parks in Ilfracombe and Woolacombe
  Toilets en route  - Ilfracombe, Lee Bay, Woolacombe
About the walk
Ilfracombe is a large, mainly Victorian resort with some Regency and Georgian terraces and a smattering of contemporary buildings thrown in over recent years. Originally a fishing village (mainly for herring), and then an important local naval port – the harbour, now used mainly by pleasure craft,...
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About the area
Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape, with its magnificent coastlines, two historic cities, the world-famous Dartmoor National Park and south Devon’s glorious English Riviera. A fashionable and much-loved holiday destination, hiking and cycling in the National Parks is extremely popular among visitors, with a great choice of off-road routes.
Area image

South West Coast Path: Ilfracombe to Woolacombe

Recommended by
Our view
"A tough walk along spectacular cliffs awash with wildflowers, culminating in a round of craggy Morte Point"
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Undulating coast path, several steep ascents and descents
  Landscape - Coastal, cliff top
  Dog friendliness - Under control at all times; unfenced cliffs and livestock
  Parking - Pay-&-display car parks in Ilfracombe and Woolacombe
  Toilets en route - Ilfracombe, Lee Bay, Woolacombe
About the walk
Ilfracombe is a large, mainly Victorian resort with some Regency and Georgian terraces and a smattering of contemporary buildings thrown in over recent years. Originally a fishing village (mainly for herring), and then an important local naval port – the harbour, now used mainly by pleasure craft,...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

About the area
Area image
Devon
Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape, with its magnificent coastlines, two historic cities, the world-famous Dartmoor National Park and south Devon’s glorious English Riviera. A fashionable and much-loved holiday destination, hiking and cycling in the National Parks is extremely popular among visitors, with a great choice of off-road routes.