Devon

Walk the Ilfracombe Torrs

Once a popular Victorian seaside destination, the view of the Torrs at Ilfracombe is captured in watercolour | © National Trust Images/Rob Corston

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.

Near to

Woolacombe

Start point

National Trust Torrs car park, grid ref SS512474

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2 (km: 3.2)

Short trail

DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Duration 45 mins to 1 hour

Dog friendly**

*Defined trail with a steep slope. For further details, see section marked Terrain.
**Dogs on leads welcome.

Two route options

You can choose between a shorter or longer route on this trail.

Address
Ilfracombe, North Devon
Directions via Google Maps
On foot
From Ilfracombe sea front follow South West Coast Path westwards through town and uphill onto the Torrs 1095yd (1km) from Landmark Theatre.
Cycling
From Ilfracombe sea front follow South West Coast Path westwards through town and uphill to the car park, 1095yd (1km) from Landmark Theatre.
By road
Car park access through housing area. From Barnstaple direction, take A361 (St Brannocks Road) and turn left onto Church Hill (last road on left before roundabout.), which turns into Langleigh Road. Follow to end, then turn right onto Torrs Road, round a right-hand bend and uphill, then bear left onto Upper Torrs Road. Car park (National Trust) is 219yd (200m) ahead on right.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
National Trust Torrs car park, grid ref SS512474
Stage 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.
Stage 2
Follow the Coast Path as it winds all the way up the hill until you reach a bridle gate.
Stage 3
Go through the bridle gate and turn right for a short distance to the top of the hill next to the toposcope.
Stage 4
If taking the shorter walk, head downhill towards the fingerpost next to the wall and go left to the 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.
Stage 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.
Stage 6
Go through the bridle gate and follow the lane downhill until it turns into a tarmacked road.
Stage 7
At the tarmacked road, Upper Torrs Road, go left and follow the road until you reach the National Trust car park.
End point
National Trust Torrs car park, grid ref SS512474
Trail map
$Map showing route and steps of Ilfracombe Torrs walk$
Ilfracombe Torrs walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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