Ilfracombe & Woolacombe loop of the South West Coast Path and the Old Railway Line — North Devon

Hiking trails & Routes

Ilfracombe & Woolacombe loop of the South West Coast Path and the Old Railway Line — North Devon

Hard

5.0

(4)

hikers

Ilfracombe & Woolacombe loop of the South West Coast Path and the Old Railway Line — North Devon

06:30

22.9km

500m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: June 6, 2024

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

North Devon AONB

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1.23 km

View of Torrs Point

Highlight • Natural

From here, you can take a path right down onto a beautiful pebbly cove beneath. The walk down is steep, so be mindful of your footing.

Tip by

2.40 km

View of Brandy Cove Point and Breakneck Point

Highlight • Climb

Here the south west coast path passes closeby Brandy Cove Point and Breakneck Point. There are gorgeous views north east towards Ilfracombe and the Torrs. Or south east towards Flat Point and all the way to Bull Point.

Tip by

6.35 km

View of Damagehue Rock

Highlight • Viewpoint

Up here above Damagehue Rock the views in either direction are superb. West to Bull Point or east across Lee Bay to Shag. You are spoilt for choice.

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7.43 km

Bull Point Lighthouse

Highlight • Monument

There has been a lighthouse here at Bull Point since 1879. The current structure was built in 1975 after the original building succumbed to subsidence. The light can be seen …

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8.28 km

Rockham Beach

Highlight • Beach

Amazing views at every corner, some serious climbs and decents but a nice Inn halfway round for a much needed energy boost.

Tip by

10.3 km

Morte Point

Highlight • Natural Monument

This is a brilliant place for seal watching. Keep a look out for their heads bobbing in the sea or lying up on the rocks.

If seals aren't enough, there …

Tip by

12.4 km

Combesgate Beach

Highlight • Beach

Combesgate Beach is just north of Woolacombe Beach and is much quieter and a lot smaller in comparison.

Check the tides if you are thinking of visiting as there is …

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18.8 km

The Old Railway Line (Ilfracombe to Woolacombe)

Highlight • Trail

The Old Railway Line is a traffic free walking and cycling path which links Ilfracombe and Woolacombe.

Once part of the London and South Western Railway, the route passes the …

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22.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types