South West Coast Path (North Devon Section)

Surf beaches, rugged headlands, and Atlantic coastline along England's western shore.

The North Devon section of the South West Coast Path runs from Combe Martin to Bude, following the Atlantic coastline between Exmoor and Cornwall. Passing through the North Devon Coast National Landscape and some of England's most celebrated coastal scenery, the route links cliffs, beaches, estuaries, harbour villages, and remote headlands through a continuous journey shaped by the ocean.

As a self-guided journey, the route connects places such as Combe Martin, Ilfracombe, Woolacombe, Croyde, Braunton, Bideford, Clovelly, Hartland, and Bude while passing through dramatic clifftops, surf beaches, dune systems, and rugged coastal landscapes. Steep ascents and descents, sandy bays, and exposed headlands create a route defined by constant variation in terrain and scenery.

The character of the route changes steadily as it moves south-west. Around Ilfracombe and the North Devon coast, high cliffs and rocky coves dominate the landscape. Further west, the coastline opens into the broad beaches and dune systems of Woolacombe, Saunton, and Croyde before becoming increasingly rugged again around Hartland Point, where cliffs, hidden inlets, and Atlantic views create some of the wildest scenery in southern England.

Unlike the wooded valleys and moorland of the Exmoor section, this stretch feels distinctly maritime. Surf beaches, sea cliffs, and open ocean horizons shape the experience of the walk, while fishing villages, harbours, and coastal communities provide natural pauses between longer sections of open coast.

With National Trail waymarking, regular accommodation options, and some of the finest coastal scenery in England, the North Devon section offers a memorable long-distance journey along the Atlantic edge of South West England. The route combines beaches, cliffs, maritime heritage, and dramatic coastal landscapes into one of the most rewarding sections of the South West Coast Path.

Overview

Distance 120 miles / 193 km

Duration 8–12 days

Difficulty Challenging

Start Combe Martin, Devon

Finish Bude, Cornwall

Terrain Clifftop paths, steep ascents and descents, sandy beaches, coastal valleys, dunes, and harbour villages

Waymarking National Trail acorn symbols throughout