Woolacombe Down walk
Enjoy a scenic walk on Woolacombe Down, offering stunning views over Baggy Point and Woolacombe, especially on a clear day. This short route ends with a steep climb up Challacombe Hill, which comes alive with wildflowers in summer. For a longer adventure, continue on to Potter’s Hill and keep an eye out for Exmoor Ponies that can often be seen here.
Near to
WoolacombeStart point
National Trust Woolacombe Down car park, grid ref SS246142Trail information
Difficulty
Full trail
DistanceMiles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
National Trust Woolacombe Down car park, grid ref SS246142
Stage 1
From Woolacombe Down car park, take the path at the back of the carpark that runs alongside the road. Follow the sign for "Woolacombe Down" and walk about 300 meters along the track until you reach a gate.
Stage 2
Go through the gate and turn left. Follow the track next to the hedge for about 550 meters, passing through two fields until you reach a gate marked with a finger post.
Woolacombe Down finger post | © Katy Anderson Stage 3
At the gate, turn right and follow the finger post marked Woolacombe Down. Walk downhill toward the stile at the bottom of the field.
View over Baggy Point from Woolacombe Down | © Katy Anderson Stage 4
Head over the style, turn right and follow the footpath for about 300 m, until you get to a gate on your right marked by a carved wooden statue.
Stage 5
Head through the gate and make you way across the field, staying on the right-hand side next to the fence until you reach steps heading up to your right. Marked by a Donkey statue.
Stage 6
Head up the steps and through the gate, following the finger post marked NT carpark.
Stage 7
Continue up the steep hill to the gate at the top and head through the gate, back on to the track leading to the carpark.
End point
National Trust Woolacombe Down car park, grid ref SS246142
Trail map
Woolacombe Down walk, North Devon | © GIS
Potters Hill and Woolacombe Down walk
A walk up Potters Hill and beyond will reward you with stunning views across the bay towards Baggy Point and Morte Point. It's just a stone's throw from the beach, but you'll feel like a million miles away from the crowds.
Woolacombe beach walk
This gentle circular wander takes you through the sand dunes and along the beach at Woolacombe, plus a stretch of the South West Coast Path.
A short circular walk at Woolacombe via Combesgate
Explore the seafront and natural valley at Woolacombe on this easy 3-mile circular walk that is also suitable for access Trampers. Escape the crowds and enjoy shady woodland and panoramic views across the bay for a very different experience of Woolacombe that the whole family will enjoy.
Morte Point walk: seals and smugglers
Take in the dramatic views of Woolacombe beach and Baggy Point, and see if you can spot an Atlantic grey seal near the rocky outcrop of Morte Point on this fun trail.
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
Things to see and do at Woolacombe
From its ideal surfing conditions to its array of rock pools, Woolacombe remains one of North Devon’s best-loved beaches. Find out more about what you can see and do here.
Our work at Woolacombe
Discover how the National Trust protects and preserves the Woolacombe sand dunes, along with the surrounding coastline and countryside.
Explore Woolacombe by Tramper
All-terrain mobility scooters, called Trampers, allow you to enjoy a great day out at Woolacombe even if you have difficulty walking. Find out more about how to hire one.