Mortehoe, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7DT
The circular walk from Mortehoe village out to Morte Point and back is one of those routes that stays with you for a very long time. This six-mile stretch of National Trust managed coastal path winds through some of the most spectacular scenery in North Devon, passing dramatic clifftops, rare coastal heathland and the notorious jagged rocks known as the Devil’s Teeth that have claimed many ships over the centuries.
Starting from the heritage car park in Mortehoe village, the path leads through the churchyard and out onto the National Trust headland, following the South West Coast Path around Morte Point itself before looping back via Woolacombe and the dunes at Woolacombe Down. The elevation and terrain mean this is a proper walk rather than a gentle stroll, covering around 265 metres of ascent over the circuit, but the rewards are extraordinary at every turn. Views extend to Lundy Island, Baggy Point, Croyde and on a clear day as far as Wales across the Bristol Channel.
Dogs must be kept under close control throughout the walk due to both the proximity of cliff edges and the livestock that graze the coastal grassland. National Trust Exmoor ponies and sheep are a regular presence on Woolacombe Down, so a lead is essential in those sections. The path can be narrow in places and the terrain is rocky underfoot, so stout footwear and an attentive eye on your dog are important.
The walk passes through Woolacombe itself, where several dog-friendly pubs and cafes make an excellent mid-point break. Look out for grey seals hauled up on the rocks around Morte Point, particularly in autumn and winter. The car park at Mortehoe charges a parking fee, with the postcode EX34 7DT for navigation.
This is a walk that captures everything magnificent about the North Devon coast, and sharing it with your dog makes it even better.
