{"id":26957,"date":"2023-05-06T07:19:16","date_gmt":"2023-05-06T05:19:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.countryfile.com\/?p=144422"},"modified":"2023-05-06T07:35:45","modified_gmt":"2023-05-06T05:35:45","slug":"ilfracombe-to-combe-martin-devon-walk","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/ilfracombe-to-combe-martin-devon-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"Ilfracombe to Combe Martin, Devon walk"},"content":{"rendered":"

This six-mile walk from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin stops off at some of Devon’s most beautiful beaches, including Hele Bay, Broad Sands and Wild Pear Beach. <\/p>

By Sian Anna Lewis\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Saturday, 06 May 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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This Devon \u2018swim safari\u2019 from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin is the perfect all-day walk on a sunny summer\u2019s day \u2013 stroll along six miles of green cliffs and stop at a necklace of magical swimming beaches along the way.<\/div>\n\n
Dip at Hele Bay, a popular bathing spot since Victorian times, Broad Sands, a crescent-shaped cove that\u2019s surely one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Britain, and remote Wild Pear Beach, a peaceful haven for skinny dippers.<\/div>\n\n
The joy of following a slice of the South West Coast Path\u2019s 630 miles is its simplicity \u2013 as long as the sea is to one side of you, you\u2019ll know where you\u2019re heading.<\/div>\n\n
This route is linear. To return to Ilfracombe, either retrace your steps (making the walk 12 miles) or hop on the 301 bus from Combe Martin.<\/div>\n\n
Looking for more walking inspiration? Check out our guides to the Britain\u2019s best summer walks<\/a>, amazing coastal walks<\/a> and Britain\u2019s best beaches<\/a>.<\/div>\n\n
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Best walks in Devon<\/h4>\n

The county of Devon comprises two national parks \u2013 Dartmoor and Exmoor \u2013 along with a host of other beautiful landscapes, from rugged coasts and wildlife-rich nature reserves, to waterfalls, river valleys and moorland. Explore this glorious county on foot with our favourite Devon walks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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\""The\"<\/div><\/div> <\/div> <\/section><\/div>\n

Ilfracombe to Combe Martin walk<\/h2>\n
5.9 miles\/9.5km (one way)\u00a0| 4 hours | moderate | 496m ascent\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n

1. Ilfracombe<\/h4>\n
Start in the seaside town of Ilfracombe and follow the coast path east for just over a mile to reach Hele Bay.<\/div>\n
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Aerial view over the town of Ilfracombe\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

2. Hele Bay<\/h4>\n
It\u2019s hard to believe that Hele Bay was once a smuggler\u2019s haven \u2013 now it\u2019s a peaceful beach with rockpools at both sides uncovered at low tide.<\/div>\n\n
The coast path rises up again and as you keep the glittering ocean on your left side you\u2019ll walk along open grassy stretches and through sheltered copses of trees and yellow gorse.<\/div>\n

3. Watermouth<\/h4>\n
Pass through the sheltered harbour of Watermouth after 3.1 miles, where you can detour to see the elegant castle or refuel in the charming Storm in a Teacup Caf\u00e9<\/a>, a beached boat by the water.<\/div>\n\n
The SWCP passes right through Watermouth Valley caravan park<\/a> before emerging onto the clifftop at 3.4 miles \u2013 from here you can look down on the crescent of Broad Sands Beach below.<\/div>\n\n
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Boats at Watermouth\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

4. Broad Sands Beach<\/h4>\n
Shortly on along a shady wooded section of the path is a signpost on the left indicating the way to Broad Sands Beach. Reaching this half-moon of sand requires a stiff steep walk down no less than 240 steps, so it\u2019s not for the faint of heart (or faint of knee joint), but it\u2019s well worth it once you reach the wide sweep of the bay, framed by green cliffs and enclosing limpid water that\u2019s perfect for a cooling dip.<\/div>\n\n
Back up the steep steps and onwards.<\/div>\n\n
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The Bristol Channel and Broad Sands Beach\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

5. Combe Martin<\/h4>\n
The SWCP passes the village of Combe Martin and its often-busy beaches before you stroll along open grassy clifftops to Wild Pear Beach at just under 6 miles.<\/div>\n

6. Wild Pear Beach<\/h4>\n
Wild Peak Beach is the hardest spot to reach on the walk. Follow a winding dirt path at a left angle down from the coast path to reach a scrambly four-metre section where, due to a rockfall, you need to pick your way carefully to the shore. This relative inaccessibility means that you might just get this wonderfully wild spot all to yourself.<\/div>\n\n
Wild Pear\u2019s remoteness means it\u2019s also a known naturist haven \u2013 to the right of the path are corners hidden by tall rocks where you can strip off privately if you do fancy a skinny dip.<\/div>\n\n
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Wild Pear Beach near Combe Martin\/Credit: Getty<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Ilfracombe to Combe Martin map<\/h2>\n
OS Maps: Ilfracombe to Combe Martin walking route<\/a><\/div>\n
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Useful information<\/h3>\n

Starting point<\/h4>\n
Start your swim safari in Ilfracombe, where there\u2019s plenty of parking (Pier Car Park: EX34 9EQ). To return to town at the end of day, hop on the 301 bus from Combe Martin.<\/div>\n

Terrain<\/h4>\n
Most of the walk is along the well-signposted South West Coast Path, which is hilly and can be muddy after rainfall. Hele Beach is easy to stroll down to, while Broad Sands and Wild Pear both require a steep descent.<\/div>\n

Map<\/h4>\n
OS Explorer 180<\/div>\n

Swim<\/h4>\n
All three swims are on sheltered beaches. Always check the tide, stay in your depth and take a swim buddy with you.<\/div>\n

Eat\/drink<\/h4>\n
Make a pitstop at the Storm in a Teacup<\/a> in Watermouth, a charming waterfront caf\u00e9 built from an old riverboat.<\/div>\n <\/body><\/html>\n
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