Devon

Morte Point and Bull Point circular coastal walk

Once notorious for smugglers and wreckers, this stretch of coastline is a great place to enjoy the dramatic scenery of rocky headlands, secluded coves and sandy bays. As you walk from Morte Point towards the lighthouse at Bull Point, look out for seals and take in the coastal heathland and maritime grasslands, which are great habitats for birds and other wildlife.

Near to

Mortehoe

Start point

Mortehoe village car park, grid ref SS458453

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 6 (km: 9.6)

Duration2 hours 30 mins to 3 hours

Dog friendly***

*Steep, rocky coastal paths. For further details, see Terrain section.
**Strenuous, steep climbs and steps. For further details, see Access section.
***Please keep dogs under close control. For further details, see Facilities section.

Address
Mortehoe near Woolacombe, North Devon EX34 7DT
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
The South West Coast Path runs through this area from Croyde to Ilfracombe.
By bus
Take the Stagecoach Devon 21A Barnstaple to Mortehoe Hail & Ride. It's then a 10 minute walk to Mortehoe Museum.
Cycling
National Cycle Network route 27 runs from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple, above Woolacombe Bay, passing close to Mortehoe.
By road
Take the A361 Barnstaple to Ilfracombe, then onto the B3343 to Woolacombe and Mortehoe. Follow the signposted road to Mortehoe. Postcode for satnav: EX34 7DT.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Mortehoe village car park, grid ref SS458453
Stage 1
From Mortehoe village car park, turn left past the village shop. Take the lane on the right, between the church and The Ship Aground pub, signposted Coast Path. Continue onto the National Trust path to Morte Point, keeping to the right of the cemetery and entering through the official gates onto Morte Point itself.
Stage 2
Continue straight on, taking the broad grass track downhill. Turn left after 220yd (200m) to join a footpath that links to the coast path. The path will now take you around Morte Point.
Stage 3
Follow the coast path through to Bull Point and the lighthouse, passing Rockham Bay and its sandy beach. Take the gravel path on the left round the back of the lighthouse and rejoin the coast path.
The lighthouse at Bull Point, Devon | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish
Stage 4
Continue uphill until the path starts to descend steeply down the steps to the secluded rocky bay of Bennett's Mouth. Before the bridle gate, take a sharp right onto the path signposted Mortehoe. Follow the path, keeping the stream on your left.
Stage 5
Pass through a bridle gate and continue to a signpost. Keep to the lower footpath until you come to a bridge on your left. Don't cross the bridge, but instead follow the path uphill until you reach the tarmac path at the top. Turn left to head back towards Mortehoe.
Stage 6
Follow the lane to a metal gate, go through it and continue on the road back to Mortehoe village car park.
End point
Mortehoe village car park, grid ref SS458453
Trail map
The circular walk taking in Morte Point and Bull Point in Devon | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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Contact - Woolacombe Rangers, Pay & Display car park (not NT), Mortehoe, Devon, EX34 7DT - SatNav for car park

01271870555

northdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk