A rugged stretch of Atlantic coastline where moorland meets the sea.
The North Devon Coast National Landscape, in the county of Devon in South West England, is one of the most spectacular places in the country for walking holidays and outdoor adventures. Stretching from Combe Martin near the Exmoor boundary to the Taw–Torridge estuary at Westward Ho!, it combines dramatic sea cliffs, rolling farmland, wooded combes, and sweeping Atlantic views.
This protected landscape offers some of the most scenic sections of the South West Coast Path, alongside tranquil estuary trails, surf beaches, and historic fishing villages. Seaside towns including Lynton, Lynmouth, Ilfracombe, Clovelly, and Westward Ho! act as gateways, blending coastal tradition with wild scenery. Whether you’re hiking clifftop headlands, exploring wooded valleys, or watching surfers on golden sands, North Devon is a place of energy and escape.
Counties: Devon
South West Coast Path (North Devon Sections)
This rugged stretch between Combe Martin and Westward Ho! includes steep headlands, deep combes, hidden coves, and unforgettable sea views.
Tarka Trail (Coastal Section)
A flat, multi-use route following old railway lines between Barnstaple, Instow, and Bideford, with estuary views and birdlife.
Valley of Rocks Circular
A dramatic loop near Lynton and Lynmouth on the edge of Exmoor, with towering cliffs, wild goats, and coastal panoramas.
Baggy Point Walk
A short, family-friendly headland route near Croyde with sweeping Atlantic views and seabird colonies.
It spans the northern coastline of Devon, from Combe Martin in the east to the Taw–Torridge estuary near Westward Ho! in the west.
The South West Coast Path between Lynton, Woody Bay, and Heddon’s Mouth is a highlight, while Baggy Point is a shorter classic.
Yes — while some clifftop sections are steep, the Tarka Trail and short headland paths around Croyde, Instow, and Ilfracombe are accessible.
Late spring and summer bring wildflowers and surf; autumn offers golden colours and quieter trails; winter brings dramatic waves and solitude.
It lies entirely within Devon, on the Atlantic coast of South West England.
