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.

View or download a print-friendly version of this trail

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

Visitors and a dog on the 'stegosaurus' rocks at Morte Point, North Devon

Trail

Morte Point walk: seals and smugglers

Take in the dramatic views of Woolacombe beach and Baggy Point, and see if you can spot an Atlantic grey seal near the rocky outcrop of Morte Point on this fun trail.

Once a popular Victorian seaside destination, the view of the Torrs at Ilfracombe is captured in watercolour

Trail

Walk the Ilfracombe Torrs

Ascend the Torrs at Ilfracombe on this exhilarating walking trail, where you'll follow a path carved into the cliff face by the Victorians.

Combesgate beach with Woolacombe beach in the distance seen from Mortehoe, Devon

Trail

A short circular walk at Woolacombe via Combesgate

Explore the seafront and natural valley at Woolacombe on this easy 3-mile circular walk that is also suitable for access Trampers. Escape the crowds and enjoy shady woodland and panoramic views across the bay for a very different experience of Woolacombe that the whole family will enjoy.

Visitor on the rocks at Morte Point, North Devon

Trail

Octavia Hill walk at Morte Point

Enjoy the dramatic geology and sweeping coastal views of Morte Point on this short walk commemorating National Trust founder Octavia Hill.

Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7DL (Tourist Information)

01271870555

northdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website

Walking

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

Top coastal walks

Explore some of the UK's most famous natural landmarks on a coastal walk. With a variety of walking trails offering clifftop views, golden sands and local wildlife, there's a walk for everyone.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District

Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon

Article

Staying safe at National Trust places

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.

Article

Follow the Countryside Code

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

Article

Things to see and do at Woolacombe

From its ideal surfing conditions to its array of rock pools, Woolacombe remains one of North Devon’s best-loved beaches. Find out more about what you can see and do here.

Article

Explore Woolacombe by Tramper

All-terrain mobility scooters, called Trampers, allow you to enjoy a great day out at Woolacombe even if you have difficulty walking. Find out more about how to hire one.

Visitors walking in the grounds at Knightshayes, Devon

Walking in Devon

From rugged coastline with captivating views to gentle woodland strolls, these are some of the best walks in Devon this winter.

Areas A-Z

Things to do

Place types

Woolacombe beach walk

Total steps: 5