Great South West Walk

Tuesday August 14

Section 21. ILFRACOMBE TO CROYDE BAY. Miles: 13.6. Grading: Easy to Moderate

Start time and location
Could you please report for registration at Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station at 8am.
The Walk will commence at 8.30am

Parking
Plenty of parking avaialble at start points.

USEFUL INFORMATION
GENERAL
Ilfracombe: accommodation, shops (including a chemist), pubs, cafés, car park, toilets, telephone.
Lee Bay: limited accommodation, pub, café, car park, toilets.
Woolacombe: accommodation, pubs, cafés, car park, shops (including a chemist), seasonal café, car park, toilets, Blue Flag Beach.
Croyde Bay: accommodation, seasonal café, car park, toilets, Blue Flag Beach.
Croyde: accommodation, a few shops, pub.

MAPS
Ordnance Survey Landranger series (scale 1:50 000) Number 180,
Barnstaple and Ilfracombe.
Ordnance Survey Explorer series (scale 1: 25 000) Number 139, Bideford, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple.

BUSES
Service 305 – Ilfracombe to Lee Bay. Service 31 – Ilfracombe to Woolacombe. Services 1 and 2 – Ilfracombe to Braunton. Services 1, 2 and 30 – Ilfracombe to Barnstaple. Service 308 – Croyde to Barnstaple.
Please note that some of these routes are seasonal. Check with the operator before travelling – DevonBus traveline – 0870 608 2608 or Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre on 01271 863001.

TRAIN SERVICE
This section cannot be reached directly by train, but it is possible to get a train to Barnstaple, and then travel to Ilfracombe by bus (see above). For National Rail Enquiries, please telephone 08457 484950.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Ilfracombe – The Promenade, Ilfracombe, EX34 9BX. (Situated in the
Landmark Theatre) Tel: 01271 863001
Woolacombe – The Esplanade, Woolacombe, EX34 7DL
Tel: 01271 870553
Braunton - The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street, EX33 1AA.
Tel: 01271 816400

CAUTION
This guide book describes the official route of the National Trail known as the South West Coast Path. Along its whole length it is maintained by the county councils of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset, the National Trust and Exmoor National Park.

Where you find we have little to say about the route we consider that it is highly unlikely that the walker will run the risk of going astray.

Those who set forth on this beautiful trail must remember it is mainly a cliff top path – in places it can be a very high cliff top. Those who manage the coast path want to keep it safe but we remind walkers that it is unwise to leave the path at any point to the seaward side. We are not responsible for the maintenance of the cliff tops themselves which can be unstable and extremely unsafe.

Now and again we suggest an alternative path, away from the officially designated route. This will be for a more scenic and enjoyable experience.

These alternative, recommended paths follow rights of way and in a few instances ‘permissive routes’ which are maintained by the landowner.

This Association stresses that all persons using the path should not wander off it, especially on the seaward side, as to do so you would be putting yourself and possibly others in grave danger of severe personal injury or even death.

MANAGEMENT OF THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH
The management of the 630 miles of our coast path is the responsibility of:-
The Countryside Agency
The county councils of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset
The City Council of Plymouth
The Borough of Torbay
Exmoor National Park and
The National Trusts of Devon/Cornwall and Wessex

The South West Coast Path Association has, over the past 30 years, been the premier information source for those wanting to walk the coast path. Over those years uit has been the ‘user’ organisation and, we like to think, has been responsible, by persistent lobbying, for the enjoyable experience it is to walk it today.

PLEASE NOTE
Information included or available through the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) is given in good faith and is believed to be accurate and correct at the time of going to print – however it cannot be guaranteed not to include inaccuracies or typographical errors.

Advice received via the SWCPA should not be relied upon for personal decisions and you should take into account the weather and your own capabilities before following the walks set out in this Guide. It is for the individual concerned to weigh up the risks of each of the walks described in this book.

The SWCPA makes no representations about the suitability of walks to any one person and will accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered as a result of relying on this book: it should be used for guidance only.

In no event shall the SWCPA be liable for any personal injury or any loss suffered as a result of using this publication.

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE
Information included or available through the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) is given in good faith and is believed to be accurate and correct at the time of going to print – however it cannot be guaranteed not to include inaccuracies or typographical errors.

Advice received via the SWCPA should not be relied upon for personal decisions and you should take into account the weather and your own capabilities before following the walks set out in this publication. It is for the individual concerned to weigh up the risks of each of the walks described in this book.

The SWCPA makes no representations about the suitability of walks to any one
person and will accept no liability for any loss or damage suffered as a result of relying on this book: it should be used for guidance only.

In no event shall the SWCPA be liable for any personal injury or any loss suffered as a result of using this publication.

Dogs
It is not unknown for excited, disobedient dogs to fall off the coast path, often in pursuit of a rabbit. It needs to be said that dog owners should exercise control and be confident with the obedience of their four-legged friends.

The Route
The section of coast from Ilfracombe to Croyde offers a wide variety of scenery after the high cliffs of Exmoor. Starting at the pretty Ilfracombe harbour the route goes over the Torrs Walks to the delightful Lee village and its secluded bay. The walk then steeply rises and falls to Bull Point lighthouse before rounding Rockham Bay with a good chance of seeing seals basking on the rocks. Soon the scenery suddenly changes to wide expanses of sandy beaches interrupted by the spectacular headland of Baggy Point before dropping down to Croyde.

ILFRACOMBE

‘The name alone is suggestive of sunshine and happiness, scintillating seas and entrancing scenery. For the regular visitor – and there are
thousands for whom Ilfracombe has an irresistible attraction as each
summer season comes around – the word, like a wondrous Aladdin’s lamp, conjures up glorious memories of a perfect holiday amid
surroundings whose charms are enhanced by more intimate
acquaintance – memories of gorgeous scenery unsurpassed in the whole of the western hemisphere, and of idyllic walks with briar and bloom. Here soft breezes direct from the broad Atlantic bear the very breath of health and happiness, with which, indeed, Ilfracombe is synonymous. The Mecca of honeymooners! Star of the Severn Sea! Queen of the West Country! By such titles Ilfracombe has long been known and each year thousands of fresh devotees worship at her shrine of beauty.’

This extract is from the Official Guide to Ilfracombe circa 1935, and much of this still rings true today.

Shipbuilding was a major industry in the harbour for some 250 years. The ships were built in the Cove, which is where the Cove car park is now
situated, and a temporary wall used to be built to keep the sea out while the ship was built, and then removed to allow the tide to float the new ship. The last commercial vessel to be built in Ilfracombe, the 101 ton ‘Cloffock’ was launched in 1865.

The construction of the promenade pier began in 1872 and this enabled many paddle steamers to visit Ilfracombe harbour and offload passengers with much more ease than before. At times there could have been five paddle steamers tied up side by side, requiring the passengers to disembark by crossing from one ship to the next until reaching the pier. Today we enjoy the annual visits of the Waverley (c.1946) which brings back the
flavour of those times. It is also possible to take a day trip to Lundy Island from here.

ILFRACOMBE TO LEE

Annual Guide Section 5 (3.3 miles: 5.3 km) Grading: Easy to Moderate

From Ilfracombe harbour, continue past the new Lifeboat station. Follow the road and you will come to the bus station ahead of you. Continue straight ahead with the church on your right and continue on towards the new Landmark Theatre with its two conical towers: the theatre was built with this design to prevent the high winds and storms in the winter from being able to damage the building.
For those wishing to be a tourist for a moment: Pass the front of the theatre to pass the Tourist Information Centre, then go straight ahead/right down to the Ilfracombe Museum (open from 10.00am to 5.30pm and well worth a visit) and continue through their car park. On exiting the car park turn right up the path into the gardens. Take the next turning hard left up the steps and straight up towards the thatched shelter.
For those wanting to keep to the coast path: On reaching the theatre go up the flight of steps to the rear of the theatre and follow this path to the top of the lovely Runnymede Gardens.
At the top of the gardens go through the gate towards the Granville Hotel. Turn right out of the gate to follow the road round by the cliff top.

Soon after passing the Granville Hotel (c.1891) on the way out of Ilfracombe and after passing a rock-face on the right, if you look over the wall now on your right you will look down on the Tunnels Beaches, which used to be
segregated between the gentlemen's pool and the ladies' pool with a bugler positioned to warn of any man daring to cross over the rocks to get a peep! These beaches are so called because tunnels were cut through the rock face by Welsh miners in 1823 to gain access to these otherwise inaccessible beaches. They have a retaining wall that holds back sea water when the tide goes out enabling paddling to continue.

Keep on this road until reaching Torrs Park Avenue and follow this road sign posted Coast Path and Torrs Walk, until reaching the sign post to the right ‘Coastal Footpath’. Follow this up and around to the left, shortly turning right on to the Coast Path and follow this out to the coast. Now follow the zigzag path until reaching the top, passing through the little gate. Turn right up to the grass area and go left of the gorse down into the valley and down to the stile in the corner of the field. Cross over and follow the path ahead.

Pass through the old wall and over the little stream and continue up ahead. Ignore the grass track off up to the left instead continuing ahead and keeping closer to the coastal cliff on the Coast Path rounding the headland and back inland to the stile. Go over this and go slightly to the right/ahead to the steps and up onto the track.
Continue up the grooved rock cutting and carry on along this track until reaching the gate across it by the National Trust sign ‘Flat Point’. Pass through the gate and on down this small road passing the road off to the left to North Warcombe Farm. Continue down this small lane whilst enjoying the wonderful views ahead of you along the
rugged coastline. At the bottom of the lane turn right towards Lee Bay, an ideal spot for a break.

LEE

Beautiful Lee village snuggles in a sheltered steep sided wooded valley. It is known locally as Fuchsia Valley as there are hedgerows of fuchsias along the roads and footpaths. The valley opens out into a picturesque rocky bay that is wonderful for its rock pools full of weird and wonderful creatures. At low tide there is a sandy beach and a neighbouring secluded beach only accessible at a lower tide. This small village has a large hotel, a lovely old pub and a tea-room.

LEE TO WOOLACOMBE

Annual Guide Section 6 (4.0 miles: 6.4 km)
Grading: Strenuous, becoming Easy

Leave Lee Bay on the road up the hill on the left of the bay. Near the top of the hill go through the gate on the right signposted to ‘the Coast Path, Tarka Trail and Woolacombe 5 miles’, also with the
National Trust sign for ‘Damage Cliffs’. Follow this path up the hill and then take the track on the right near the top. Shortly follow the path on the right down some steps towards the sea. Ignore the stile on the right instead continuing round to the left. In about 250 yards (230 m) cross over the stile/bridge/stile and continue up the steps ahead. Having reached the top and starting down into the next
valley, cross the stile and follow the path down to the stream and beach at Bennets Mouth. Cross over the bridge and then the stile and ignore the green path off to the left instead going ahead up the zigzag path. After the brow of the hill there is the Bull Point lighthouse. Go down and pass its left boundary wall. Bull Point lighthouse is now fully automated and can be visited at certain times of the day. Pass the main gate and continue ahead up the path,
ignoring the road.

After about 200 yards (180 m) pass through the bridle gate and up the steps ahead (all 92 of them!!). Continue along the path bearing right at the coast path signpost and then left through the gap down to Rockham Bay. Carry on up the other side out of the cove and on reaching the stile cross it and continue ahead towards the sea
ignoring the path off to the left. After about 350 yards (320 m) cross the next stile and go up more steps. Carry on along the Coast Path ignoring any paths off to the left.

After about 0.75 mile (1200 m) you reach a headland called Morte Point. Follow the path round the headland to the left and continue along with the sea down to your right. Take the next path down some steps on the right. When this path divides keep to the right by the sea. After about 200 yards (180 m) cross over the stile in the dry-stone wall and continue ahead. Grunta Beach, the first rocky beach before the sands of Woolacombe beach is well known for its unusual shells which have been brought to these shores by the Gulf Stream all the way from the Bay of Mexico. Just below the houses bear right and over the stile ignoring the green paths off to the left and ahead. On reaching the road, turn right and follow it downhill, watching out for cars. By the Watersmeet Hotel entrance follow the Coast Path signpost to the right. Continue along the grassed area until reaching the car park. Go along its right hand edge along a pavement to the road. Turn right to follow this road (toilets are opposite) and pass the entrance to the beach on the right, continuing along the road.

WOOLACOMBE

Woolacombe is famous for its expanse of beautiful sandy beach some 2 miles (3.2 km) long. This beach keeps on winning the Blue Flag award for its excellent quality. The village has a small shopping area, an information
centre and a wide variety of accommodation.

WOOLACOMBE TO CROYDE BAY

Annual Guide Section 7 (6.3 miles: 10.2 km) Grading: Moderate

When the path opens up onto a grassy area bear right to go through the dunes, below a car park area. Now follow the various paths along the centre of the dune system, not going up to the car park or down to the beach, unless you want to walk the two miles of sandy beach. When you have walked about three quarters of the way along the dunes and not long before the white house ahead turn inland and climb to the top track/car park. Turn right onto it and at the end of the track bear left up the footpath signposted to the Coast Path. Ignore the gate and then the stile on the right. Follow this path and on reaching a gate and stile on the right ignore these continuing ahead as signed. On reaching the small road go straight ahead signposted Coast Path.

If you walked along the beach go virtually to the end of the beach and take the small road going up to the left by some houses. Pass the caravan site and continue up to the corner where the road levels off and bear right to follow the Coast Path sign.

Go along this small road for 150 yards (135 m) until coming to a gate and concrete stile by the Coast Path signpost. Cross the stile and follow the track ahead and after a short while start bearing over to the right back towards the sea. If you got your bearing about right you should have come over to a footpath by some gorse and along to the next Coast Path signpost. Carry on along this narrow path to the next stile, crossing this and continuing ahead, always keeping to the path by the gorse. After about 400 yards (360 m) cross over the next stile and carry on ahead. Cross over the next stile and soon ignore the path back to the left instead continuing ahead. Pass through the next bridle gate and then follow by the old lichen-encrusted dry-stone wall on your left, passing the old ‘wreck post’ which was used for breeches-buoy to rescue people from shipwrecks - no longer in use! Pass through the next gate and turn right down to Baggy Point.

At Baggy Point turn hard left and follow the path down towards Croyde. On the path down towards Croyde from Baggy Point, during the summer, you might notice on the cliffs some brightly coloured flowers in magenta and lemon yellow with fleshy leaves. These are Hottentot Figs whose seeds originally started their journey to these shores from the African coast. Go through the small gate by the Henry Williamson memorial stone who wrote ‘Tarka the Otter’, amongst other stories. Continue along this path, past the modern looking house built to look like a ships bridge and funnel, past the old whale bone and on past some more houses, through the gap by the gate and on down to pass the National Trust car park. Just after the N T car park the road takes a bend to the left. Go right here between the houses down to the flat rock of the Croyde beach and follow along by the wall until reaching the old lime kiln and the sand. The coast path follows the line of the edge of the sand dunes, but this makes for very hard walking through the soft sand so follow the high water mark on the firmer sand.

CROYDE

Croyde also has a marvellous beach which is ideal for surfing and bathing. The village is very picturesque with a wide choice of places to eat, some
excellent local ice cream and a fascinating gem museum.

If you have any question on any of the above please do not hesitate to contact one the event organisers found on the Contact us page click here

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