I’m an experienced hiker, and I’m here to tell you about the 15 best walks in Ilfracombe.
The region is full of incredible hikes and nice walks, offering something for every kind of hiker.
From the Valley of Rocks to Mortehoe Circular Walk, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, these 15 walks have something for you.
I’ve been guiding people through the area for years, so I can tell you a few tips and tricks to make sure you get the most out of your walk.
Let’s take a look at these beautiful walks in Ilfracombe.
Valley of Rocks
Take a stroll through the Valley of Rocks and let its beauty captivate you.
Located near the town of Lynton, this stunning walk is one of the best that Ilfracombe has to offer.
The rocky landscape is home to a variety of wildlife, including the wild goats that inhabit the area.
You’ll be able to take in the impressive views of the Bristol Channel and the Exmoor National Park.
The path is well-marked and easy to follow, and the surrounding cliffs offer the perfect backdrop for a relaxing walk.
The route is suitable for most abilities, and the nearby cafe is ideal for a refreshment after a long day exploring the area.
With its breathtaking views and diverse terrain, the Valley of Rocks is a must-visit for those looking for a great walk in Ilfracombe.
Mortehoe Circular Walk
Explore the stunning Mortehoe Circular Walk for breathtaking views of the rugged North Devon Coast. This 8-mile walk takes you along the beautiful South West Coast Path, providing great opportunities to spot wildlife and stunning views of the surrounding coast and sea.
Along the way, you’ll pass by the old Mortehoe Church, the historic Bull Point Lighthouse, and the picturesque Lee Bay Beach.
Along the way, you’ll experience the wild and rugged beauty of the North Devon Coast, as well as the rich wildlife that inhabits the area.
With its amazing views, variety of terrain, and abundance of wildlife, this is an excellent choice for a day out in Ilfracombe.
Lee Bay Walk
Experience the stunning beauty of Lee Bay Beach on this breathtaking walk along the North Devon Coast. Set off from Lee Bay and follow the coastal path, winding along the rugged cliff tops that dominate this part of North Devon.
Along your journey, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the beach and its stunning rock formations. As you descend towards the shore, you’ll be able to take in the full splendour of the bay and its stunning views of the sea and cliffs.
The walk is suitable for all levels of experience and the area is full of wildlife, making it a great choice for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.
After you reach the beach, take a moment to savour the stunning scenery and explore some of the rockpools that can be found here.
A visit to Lee Bay is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of North Devon.
Combe Martin Beach & Heddon Valley Walk
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Combe Martin Beach and Heddon Valley on a wonderful coastal walk. On this coastal trail, you’ll explore the long stretches of golden sand, rugged cliffs, and the beautiful Heddon Valley.
This walk is a perfect mix of coastal views, countryside, and woodlands, and it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
This walk starts at Combe Martin beach, where you can spend some time enjoying the sand and sea. The Heddon Valley is a short walk away, and here you can find steep wooded valleys and a meandering river.
This tranquil valley is a great place to take a break and enjoy nature. The trail then winds along the heritage coastal path, offering spectacular views of the sea.
There are plenty of opportunities to take pictures of the stunning landscape, before ending the walk at Lee Bay.
This is a great walk for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Ilfracombe. It’s a moderate length and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
With its stunning scenery, it’s an unforgettable experience and a great way to discover the hidden gems of Ilfracombe.
Tunnels Beaches Walk
As one of Ilfracombe’s best-kept secrets, the Tunnels Beaches Walk is a must-see for any walker. It’s no wonder why this hidden gem is one of the most popular walking routes in Ilfracombe. With breathtaking views of the sea and rugged coastal paths, the route offers stunning scenery.
This easy-to-follow route takes you past two historic tunnels. The Victorian-era beach-goers would access the beautiful beaches below through these tunnels.
The Tunnels Beaches Walk is great for all levels of walkers. There are plenty of rest stops along the way, allowing you to take in the beauty of the area at your own pace.
With its varied terrain and spectacular views, the walk is the perfect way to explore Ilfracombe and enjoy the beauty of the area.
Watersmeet Valley Walk
After having a wonderful time at Tunnels Beaches, I decided to take the Watersmeet Valley Walk. This walk starts at Lynmouth and follows the East Lyn River towards Watersmeet House. It is a moderate walk and offers beautiful views of the countryside, the river, and the woodlands. This is definitely a walk worth taking if you’re looking for a nice stroll in the countryside.
The Watersmeet Valley Walk takes about 2 hours and is perfect for nature lovers, as it offers plenty of chances to spot wild birds and other wildlife. The path is mostly flat and easy to walk on, although there are some steeper sections. The river has plenty of waterfalls and rapids, which add to the beauty of the walk. The forest also has plenty of trees, which provide some welcome shade during the hotter months.
All in all, this walk is a great way to take in the beauty of the Ilfracombe countryside.
Bull Point Lighthouse Walk
Taking the Bull Point Lighthouse Walk is an excellent way to experience Ilfracombe’s stunning coastal views.
This walk starts at Bull Point and takes you along a path that follows the coastline, offering some of the best coastal views in North Devon.
The walk is about 5.5 miles total, making it suitable for experienced hikers and leisurely strolls alike.
The terrain is relatively easy and the route is well marked, so even those who are new to hiking can enjoy the scenery.
Along the walk, you’ll see some of Ilfracombe’s most famous landmarks, including the Bull Point Lighthouse and Combe Martin Bay.
The views of the sea and the surrounding countryside are truly breathtaking!
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, the Bull Point Lighthouse Walk is an ideal choice.
Woody Bay Walk
Experience beautiful, wild nature on the Woody Bay Walk – a perfect way to enjoy the incredible vistas of North Devon.
This walk takes you from the small village of Woody Bay, through the woodlands of the Exmoor National Park, and along the stunning coastline.
You’ll be treated to stunning views of the Bristol Channel, as well as glimpses of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The terrain is relatively easy for a hike, and the route is well-marked with signs and maps.
As you make your way through the dense woodlands and along the shoreline, you’ll get to experience some of the best wildlife Ilfracombe has to offer.
You’ll be able to spot wild ponies, deer, bats, and even rare birds – all of which add to the beauty of the experience.
The walk is a great way to get your heart rate up and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
So why not take a break and take a stroll along the Woody Bay Walk – it’s an experience you won’t forget!
Woolacombe to Ilfracombe Walk
Leaving Woody Bay behind, we make our way towards Woolacombe for an even more picturesque and challenging trek.
This hike takes us along the stunningly beautiful North Devon coastline, with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean that will take your breath away.
The walk from Woolacombe to Ilfracombe is a moderate 9.5 mile length, with a couple of steep inclines and descents.
The terrain changes from sandy beaches to rocky cliffs, with plenty of opportunities to get off the path and explore the hidden gems that the area has to offer.
This journey is a great way to explore the local area, as well as being a great workout.
It’s a great way to get some fresh air and take in the wonderful sights and sounds of the area.
Heddon Valley to Hunter’s Inn Walk
Heading away from the coastal views of Woolacombe, we make our way towards the Heddon Valley, where a moderate 4.5 mile walk awaits.
The walk begins from the car park of Hunter’s Inn, and takes us along the banks of the Heddon River, providing us with stunning views of Exmoor.
The route then hugs the riverbank, making its way through lush green meadows and ancient woodlands.
We traverse along rocky paths, across stepping stones and over stiles, taking in the wildlife, plants and trees that call this valley home.
As we make our way to the end of the walk, we find ourselves at the base of the Valley of Rocks, a spectacular geological feature that has been carved out by thousands of years of erosion.
From here, we can enjoy the views out over the Bristol Channel before walking back to Hunter’s Inn.
This is a wonderful walk that provides a great opportunity to explore the beauty of Ilfracombe’s countryside.
Watersmeet to Lynmouth Walk
Take a refreshing stroll along the East Lyn River and explore the beauty of Exmoor on the Watersmeet to Lynmouth walk.
Starting at the picturesque Watersmeet, this route takes you along the gorge of the East Lyn River and up to the charming coastal village of Lynmouth.
This walk is around 6 miles long and can take around 3-4 hours to complete. It’s the perfect route for those looking to get out into the countryside and take in some of the spectacular views of the surrounding area.
The path follows the meandering river through lush green hills and woodlands, offering plenty of photo opportunities. Along the way, you’ll pass through villages, ancient ruins, and historic sites, and you may even spot some of the local wildlife.
The route eventually leads down to the sea front of Lynmouth where you can enjoy a well-deserved drink or bite to eat at one of the many cafes and pubs.
Combe Martin to Challacombe Walk
Experience the rugged coastline of Exmoor National Park on the Combe Martin to Challacombe walk.
This spectacular walk takes you along the cliffs of North Devon, from Combe Martin to Challacombe, with breathtaking views of the sea and the rolling green hills of Exmoor.
It is a moderate walk of about 10 miles, with some steep paths and inclines. It’s a great walk for those wanting to experience the beauty of Exmoor, and the challenge of some of its terrain.
The walk can be completed in a day, but could easily be split into two with a stop in the charming village of Challacombe for a bite to eat.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the coastline, from the rocky cliffs to the sandy beaches, as well as some of the unique wildlife that call Exmoor home.
This walk is a must for any outdoor enthusiast, and a great way to experience the beauty of Exmoor National Park.
The Valley of the Rocks to Woody Bay Walk
Soak in the breathtaking views of Exmoor National Park’s stunning coastline on the Valley of the Rocks to Woody Bay walk.
This popular walking route is a great way to explore the stunning landscape of Ilfracombe.
With a moderate difficulty, the Valley of the Rocks to Woody Bay walk is a great choice for hikers of all levels.
The route takes you along the coast, offering spectacular views of the sea and the surrounding area.
The terrain is varied, with a few sections of steep inclines, but overall the route is manageable and can be completed in a few hours.
Along the way, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the sea, the Valley of the Rocks, and the picturesque village of Woody Bay.
This route is a great way to explore the beauty of Ilfracombe and its diverse landscape.
Lynton to Watersmeet Walk
Venture along the beautiful Lynton to Watersmeet Walk, a scenic path meandering through the lush Exmoor National Park.
This stunning walk takes you along a section of the South West Coast Path, one of the United Kingdom’s longest national trails.
The 11-mile round trip is ideal for those looking for a leisurely day out or a more challenging hike, with plenty of opportunities to explore Exmoor’s stunning countryside.
The route begins in Lynton and takes you along the East Lyn River to Watersmeet, passing through the Valley of the Rocks and Woody Bay.
Along the way, you will be treated to some of the most breathtaking views of the Exmoor coastline and countryside.
If you’re looking for a picturesque hike in Ilfracombe, the Lynton to Watersmeet Walk is the perfect choice.
Ilfracombe to Bull Point Walk
For a spectacular stroll close to Ilfracombe, take the Ilfracombe to Bull Point Walk. This delightful five-mile route, with gentle paths and a few interesting inclines, starts just a few minutes away from Ilfracombe and takes you up the stunning North Devon Heritage Coast.
For the first part of the walk, you’ll pass through the quaint villages of Hele Bay and Lee Bay and take in the stunning views of the Bristol Channel and Lundy Island. As you travel along the coastline, you can take in the spectacular views of the sea cliffs and the distant Welsh coast. You’ll also be able to spot a variety of marine wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and basking sharks.
At the end of the walk, you’ll arrive at Bull Point Lighthouse, where you can enjoy a picnic and take in the breathtaking views of Ilfracombe and the surrounding coastline. With its stunning landscape, rich wildlife, and breathtaking views, the Ilfracombe to Bull Point Walk is a must-do for anyone looking for a peaceful and relaxing stroll in Ilfracombe.
Conclusion
Having experienced the best walks in Ilfracombe, I can confidently say that these are some of the most beautiful and diverse hikes and walks in the country.
From the wild and rugged Valley of Rocks to the peaceful and picturesque Lee Bay Walk, there’s something for everyone here.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging adventure or a leisurely stroll, Ilfracombe has the perfect walk for you.
So, pack your bags and come explore the stunning countryside of this delightful seaside town. You won’t be disappointed.