North Devon Coast National Landscape – High Cliffs, Open Moorland, and Atlantic Shores

A Rugged Coastal Landscape Shaped by Exposure, Uplift, and Pastoral Use

The North Devon Coast National Landscape — formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — stretches along the Atlantic edge of South West England, forming a rugged coastal arc between Exmoor National Park and the Cornwall border. Defined by towering cliffs, deep wooded valleys (known locally as combes), rocky coves, and windswept headlands, it is one of England’s most dramatic and least tamed coastal landscapes.

Walking journeys here are shaped by contrast and intensity. The coastline rises sharply from the sea, creating exhilarating clifftop walking with constant elevation change, while narrow valleys funnel paths down into sheltered woodland, streams, and hidden beaches. This is not gentle coastal strolling — it’s immersive, physical walking that rewards effort with scale, solitude, and big Atlantic views.

The South West Coast Path forms the backbone of walking in the North Devon Coast National Landscape. Along this stretch, the trail is at its most rugged, climbing repeatedly between headlands and valleys as it threads past some of the wildest shoreline scenery in England. Long-distance walkers experience a powerful sense of journey, while day walkers can tackle short but demanding sections with dramatic payoff.

Walking routes often move quickly between exposure and enclosure. One moment you’re high above the sea with wide horizons and wind off the Atlantic; the next you’re descending into a quiet combe where oak woodland, mossy paths, and streams soften the landscape. This constant change is a defining feature of North Devon coastal walking.

The northern edge of Exmoor National Park blends seamlessly into the coast here, adding further depth to the walking experience. Moorland routes spill down towards the sea, while coastal paths climb inland into high ground, allowing walkers to combine cliff walking with upland and valley terrain in a single journey.

Village-based walking provides access points rather than centres. Small settlements and historic harbours punctuate the coastline, offering rest and shelter without breaking the sense of wildness. Places such as Clovelly, Ilfracombe, Combe Martin, and Hartland act as gateways to the cliffs rather than destinations in themselves, keeping the focus on landscape and movement.

Beyond walking, the North Devon Coast supports a range of outdoor adventures. Trail running thrives on the steep, undulating terrain, while photography and wildlife watching are constant companions — from seabirds nesting on cliff faces to seals and dolphins offshore. The coastline’s exposure to Atlantic weather brings fast-changing light and conditions that add drama and atmosphere to every outing.

Accommodation is scattered along the coast and just inland, from clifftop inns and harbour guesthouses to rural B&Bs and farm stays tucked into valleys. Bases near Lynton, Lynmouth, and Woolacombe provide access to both coastal and inland routes, making it possible to build flexible, multi-day walking itineraries.

For walkers seeking dramatic scenery, physical routes, and one of England’s most uncompromising coastlines, the North Devon Coast National Landscape offers a deeply rewarding walking destination defined by scale, weather, and raw Atlantic character.

Where to Walk and Explore

South West Coast Path — North Devon Section

High, undulating clifftop walking with repeated ascents and descents, linking headlands, coves, and remote valleys along one of England’s wildest coastal stretches.

Valley of Rocks & Coastal Exmoor

A dramatic meeting of moorland and sea near Lynton, where open rock formations and cliff paths create one of the most distinctive landscapes on the North Devon coast.

Hartland Peninsula & Hartland Quay

Some of the most rugged coastal walking in southern England, with sheer cliffs, rocky platforms, and a powerful sense of exposure.

Clovelly to Bucks Mills

Steep, demanding walking linking historic harbours, wooded valleys, and clifftop paths with constant changes in elevation and scenery.

Adventure Highlights

• Dramatic clifftop walking on the South West Coast Path
• Deep wooded combes and hidden valleys opening onto the sea
• Wild Atlantic views across the Bristol Channel
• Trail running on steep, undulating coastal terrain
• Rich marine and seabird wildlife
• One of England’s most physically demanding and rewarding coastlines