Walk the South West Coast Path through North Devon
The North Devon section of the South West Coast Path runs from Combe Martin to Bude, following the Atlantic coastline between Exmoor National Park and Cornwall. The route passes through the North Devon Coast National Landscape, linking coastal towns and villages, beaches, estuaries and exposed headlands along this western part of the trail.
From Combe Martin, the path follows the coast towards Ilfracombe, crossing a succession of steep cliffs and coastal valleys before reaching the harbour town. Beyond Ilfracombe, the route continues west towards Woolacombe, where the landscape opens around the broad sweep of Woolacombe Beach.
The trail continues through Croyde and around Baggy Point before reaching Saunton and the extensive dune system of Braunton Burrows. This part of the route contrasts with the steeper coastline further east, combining beaches, dunes and the estuary landscapes around the Taw and Torridge.
Beyond the estuaries, the South West Coast Path continues west towards Clovelly, a historic coastal village overlooking Bideford Bay. The coastline becomes increasingly rugged beyond Clovelly as the trail approaches Hartland Point, with steep valleys, rocky inlets and repeated climbs and descents defining this more exposed stretch of the route.
From Hartland, the trail follows the coast towards Bude, crossing into Cornwall before reaching the seaside town. Bude provides a natural stopping point and marks the transition from the North Devon section into the Cornwall section of the South West Coast Path.
Across the section, the landscape changes considerably between harbour towns, beaches, dunes, estuaries and exposed cliffs. Destinations including Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Croyde, Clovelly and Bude provide useful bases for exploring individual stretches of the coast as well as stopping points for walkers following the longer route.
Overview
Distance: 88 miles / 142 km
Typical duration: 7–9 walking days
Difficulty: Challenging
Start: Combe Martin, Devon
Finish: Bude, Cornwall
Terrain: Clifftop paths, steep ascents and descents, sandy beaches, coastal valleys, dunes and harbour towns
Waymarking: National Trail acorn symbols throughout
EXPLORE THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH
Continue Exploring the South West Coast Path
Explore the complete South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole Harbour, or discover another section of the 630-mile trail.
South West Coast Path
Explore the complete 630-mile National Trail from Minehead to Poole Harbour.
South West Coast Path, Somerset & Exmoor
Explore the opening section from Minehead through Somerset and Exmoor to Combe Martin.
South West Coast Path, Cornwall Section
Continue from Bude around the Cornish coast, from the north coast to Land's End and the south coast.
South West Coast Path, South Devon Section
Follow the trail through South Devon, with coastal landscapes, estuaries, harbour towns and beaches along the route.
South West Coast Path, Dorset & Jurassic Coast Section
Follow the South West Coast Path through Dorset and along the Jurassic Coast towards Poole Harbour.
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