Woolacombe to Ilfracombe – South West Coast Path walks
May 28, 2024
Woolacombe to Ilfracombe is the last section of coast path we hiked during our stay in Barnstaple. Â As we often do, we broke this section down into two separate walks, and as I often say…why rush these things.
The first walk was from Woolacombe Sand to Lee, and if anyone is there without food supplies, fear not…there’s a fabulous cafe to get takeout cakes, snacks and sandwiches (or breakfast).
For the second walk we started in Ilfracombe and walked back to Lee, the aforementioned turnaround point of our Woolacombe walk. Â Section completed…and very much enjoyed.
Know before you go
- The porthole cafe – just a short drive along Marine Drive above Woolacombe Sand. Â It’s worth a stop before starting a walk. Â We opted for some cakes for later in the walk and a scotch egg…second breakfast?
- Our walk from Woolacombe to Lee was a circular of 12.6km and 560 meters of ascent. Â We came back inland through Mortehoe. Â It took us 3.5 hours with very necessary stops for lunch and previously purchased cakes.
- Â Ilfracombe to Lee is a there and back again walk of 10km (5km each-way).
Woolacombe to Lee
After the obligatory stop at the Porthole to get elevenses/afternoon tea, we started our walk at the Northern end of Woolacombe Sand. Â Another one of those North Devon expansive soft sandy beaches. Â Once out of Woolacombe the walk quickly goes to rural coastal cliffs, undulating past Morte Point and Bull Point before the descent to Lee. Â Our inland route took us along lanes, country tracks and woodland before getting back to our starting point. Â A proper coastal circular.
Don't miss..
- The beach at Woolacombe – amazing beach and a world surfing reserve. Â
- The lighthouse at Bull Point.
- The perfect cove to have lunch at Damagehue rock (after the lighthouse).
Join us for our walk from Woolacombe to Lee
Walk 2 - Ilfracombe to Lee
This walk has a steep climb out of Ilfracombe, but then it’s onto open cliff-tops high above the sea before eventually heading steeply down-hill to the hamlet of Lee. Â The views back to Ilfracombe are rather spectacular..
Added bonus – The Grampus Inn in Lee. Â A microbrewery serving their own beer, Hoppy Dog. Â If you know us, you’ll know that of course we partook in the beer. Â We both enjoy hoppy beer and on a sunny day, what better refreshment to go with a lunch stop. Â We took a quick walk down to the cove at Lee, which is very pretty, and then we reversed our route to return to Ilfracombe (which obviously meant climbing back out of Lee….after beer. Â Oh well, burnt that off then!).
Don't miss..
- The Grampus Inn in Lee. Â A microbrewery serving their own beer, Hoppy Dog. Â If you know us, you’ll know that of course we partook in the beer. Â We both enjoy hoppy beer and on a sunny day, what better refreshment to go with a lunch stop. Â
- We took a quick walk down to the cove at Lee, which is very pretty before reversing our route to return to Ilfracombe (which obviously meant climbing back out of Lee….after beer. Â Oh well, burnt that off then!).
What next?
We headed back to where we left off in Looe, on the South coast of Cornwall. Â Home of the fictional town of Shipton Abbot from the show “Beyond Paradise”. Â If you want something that’s not dramatic and serious, but just a joy to watch, this is a great show. Â Coastal location, friendly and fun characters and a good crime to solve. Â What’s not to like (find it on the BBC iplayer.).
