A dramatic section of the South West Coast Path through North Devon’s Atlantic coast.
The North Devon section of the South West Coast Path runs from Combe Martin to the Cornwall border at Hartland, around 90 miles of rugged cliffs, sweeping bays, and historic villages. This part of the trail is perfect for walking holidays and outdoor adventures that blend dramatic natural scenery with vibrant seaside culture.
Here, walkers encounter some of England’s best surf beaches — Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton — alongside wooded combes, rocky headlands, and timeless fishing villages like Clovelly. The trail dips and climbs relentlessly, rewarding stamina with Atlantic views, hidden coves, and some of the most characterful stretches of coast in South West England.
This section passes through the North Devon Coast National Landscape, skirts the edge of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and connects seamlessly with both Exmoor and Cornwall’s wild Atlantic coasts.
Combe Martin to Ilfracombe
A mix of wooded valleys and clifftop paths with dramatic sea views. Ilfracombe is a lively harbour town with art, food, and coastal character.
Ilfracombe to Woolacombe & Croyde
A highlight of the entire trail: golden surf beaches, high cliffs, and rolling dunes. Popular with walkers and surfers alike.
Croyde to Braunton & Saunton Sands
Expansive beaches backed by Braunton Burrows — a UNESCO Biosphere dune system with rare wildlife.
Braunton to Bideford
A gentler stretch along the Taw and Torridge estuaries, with easy walking, birdlife, and historic towns like Barnstaple and Bideford.
Bideford to Clovelly
Wooded cliffs and secluded bays lead to Clovelly, a famous cobbled fishing village where donkeys once hauled supplies.
Clovelly to Hartland
One of the wildest stretches of the entire South West Coast Path — remote headlands, towering cliffs, and wave-battered coves leading to Hartland Quay.