Skip to content
A scenic view of a small town by the ocean, captured from a hilltop, showcasing the coastline and surrounding landscape
View from Woolacombe Down | © NTI/Katy Anderson
Devon

Woolacombe Down walk

Enjoy a scenic walk on Woolacombe Down, offering stunning views over Baggy Point and Woolacombe, especially on a clear day. This short route ends with a steep climb up Challacombe Hill, which comes alive with wildflowers in summer. For a longer adventure, continue on to Potter’s Hill and keep an eye out for Exmoor Ponies that can often be seen here.

Total steps: 7

Total steps: 7

Start point

National Trust Woolacombe Down car park, grid ref SS246142

Step 1

From Woolacombe Down car park, take the path at the back of the carpark that runs alongside the road. Follow the sign for "Woolacombe Down" and walk about 300 meters along the track until you reach a gate.

Step 2

Go through the gate and turn left. Follow the track next to the hedge for about 550 meters, passing through two fields until you reach a gate marked with a finger post.

A finger post pointing in the direction of Woolacombe Down
Woolacombe Down finger post | © Katy Anderson

Step 3

At the gate, turn right and follow the finger post marked Woolacombe Down. Walk downhill toward the stile at the bottom of the field.

Looking out over the sea towards a headland
View over Baggy Point from Woolacombe Down | © Katy Anderson

Step 4

Head over the style, turn right and follow the footpath for about 300 m, until you get to a gate on your right marked by a carved wooden statue.

Step 5

Head through the gate and make you way across the field, staying on the right-hand side next to the fence until you reach steps heading up to your right. Marked by a Donkey statue.

Step 6

Head up the steps and through the gate, following the finger post marked NT carpark.

Step 7

Continue up the steep hill to the gate at the top and head through the gate, back on to the track leading to the carpark.

End point

National Trust Woolacombe Down car park, grid ref SS246142

Trail map

OS map showing the Woolacombe Down walk
Woolacombe Down walk, North Devon | © GIS

You made it

Share your experience

Red Devon Cows at sunset in the Woolacombe Dunes
Trail
Trail

Potters Hill and Woolacombe Down walk 

A walk up Potters Hill and beyond will reward you with stunning views across the bay towards Baggy Point and Morte Point. It's just a stone's throw from the beach, but you'll feel like a million miles away from the crowds.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 0.75 (km: 1.2) to miles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Visitors walking on the coastal path at Woolacombe, Devon, with the beach behind them.
Trail
Trail

Woolacombe beach walk 

This gentle circular wander takes you through the sand dunes and along the beach at Woolacombe, plus a stretch of the South West Coast Path.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)
Combesgate beach with Woolacombe beach in the distance seen from Mortehoe, Devon
Trail
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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
Visitors and a dog on the 'stegosaurus' rocks at Morte Point, North Devon
Trail
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.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 2.2 (km: 3.52)

Get in touch

Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7DL (Tourist Information)

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

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

Visit website 

Surfer at Woolacombe on a cloudy day
Article
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.

A ranger with a litter picker claw on a beach clean at Woolacombe
Article
Article

Our work at Woolacombe 

The National Trust helps to care for and conserve the sand dunes of Woolacombe. Find out how we protect them plus tackle the unending problem of litter, particularly plastics.

Visitors exploring West Exmoor
Article
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.