Devon

Woolacombe beach walk

Enjoy this gentle circular wander through the sand dunes and along the beach at Woolacombe, and including a stretch of the South West Coast Path. The area is a haven for wild flowers and birdlife in the summer.

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Total steps: 5

Start point

Marine Drive car park, grid ref SS458433

Step 1

From the car park at Marine Drive drop down into the sand dunes until you reach the National Trust dog bin and bench.

A surfer's paradise

Surfing came to North Devon in the early 1900s, becoming more fashionable in the 1920s when the young Agatha Christie became an enthusiast. Today the waves can attract over 10,000 people to Woolacombe beach on a good day. Woolacombe Sands is over two miles (3km) long and was given to the National Trust in 1909 by Miss Rosalie Chichester of Arlington Court in memory of her parents. She was also largely responsible for the creation of the holiday village as we see it today.

Step 2

From this point, follow the South West Coast Path until you reach a large waymark post.

Site of the US 'invasion'

At the beginning of the Second World War these beaches were protected by barbed wire and guns, with large posts positioned across the beach to stop enemy boats and aircraft landing. In 1943 the beaches were put to a very important and secret purpose – as the training grounds for the US Assault Training Centre. American troops took over the coastline from Morte Point to Appledore in preparation for landing on the Normandy beaches on D-Day, 6 June 1944.

Step 3

At the waymark post turn right down the track until you reach a junction in the sand dunes.

Sand dunes

The dunes at Woolacombe developed from sediment eroded during the last glaciation. This was deposited at sea and then gradually brought ashore, where it was picked up by onshore winds blowing across the beach at low tide, and deposited as dunes behind. Dunes tend to migrate inland but the dunes at Woolacombe are backed by the steep seaward face of Woolacombe Down: a fossil sea-cliff dating from a period of higher sea level.

Step 4

At this junction go right and descend through the dunes onto the beach. Once on the beach turn right towards Mill Rock.

Step 5

Just past Mill Rock climb up a gap in the dunes to return to your starting point.

End point

Marine Drive car park, grid ref SS458433

Trail map

Woolacombe beach walk map, Devon — Woolacombe beach walk map | © Handmade Maps Ltd

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Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7DL (Tourist Information)

01271870555

northdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk

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Woolacombe beach walk

Total steps: 5