Walk the Ilfracombe Torrs
The twisting and turning zig-zag walk to the top of the Ilfracombe Torrs was carved into the cliff face by the Victorians. Follow in their footsteps and be rewarded with fantastic views of the coastline and Ilfracombe.
Map
Start:
National Trust Torrs car park, grid ref SS512474
1
From the National Trust car park follow the footpath at the bottom of the car park and turn left after 110yd (100m) onto the Coast Path.
View, views and more views
From the top you get fantastic views both east and west along the coast. To the West you can see as far as Bull Point and to the East down into Ilfracombe and beyond, onto Exmoor.
2
Follow the Coast Path as it winds all the way up the hill until you reach a bridle gate.
Limekiln
Take a short detour to see an old limekiln. Limekilns were used to burn limestone and coal brough over by boats from South Wales to produce lime for spreading on the acid soils to improve fertility and lime mortar for building.
3
Go through the bridle gate and turn right for a short distance to the top of the hill next to the toposcope.
Plants and birds
Look out for fulmars as they glide below you and ravens or peregrines flying high above the cliffs. Spring is a great time for wild flowers with lovely displays of lesser celadines, stitchwort and sea campion.
4
If taking the shorter walk, head downhill towards the finger post next to the wall and go left signed National Trust car park. When you reach the road go left and the car park is a short walk down the hill. If taking the longer walk go right and follow the Coast Path signs.
5
When you reach the second stile climb over this and bear left, following the track until you come to a bridle gate and field gate together at the top of Langleigh Lane. This is a fabulous sunken Devonshire lane with hedgrows full of birdlife and wild flowers. This used to be the main route from Ilfracombe to Lee.
6
Go through the bridle gate and follow the lane downhill until it turns into a tarmaced road.
7
At the tarmaced road, Upper Torrs Road, go left and follow the road until you reach the National Trust car park.
End:
National Trust Torrs car park, grid ref SS512474
