Coastal Walk from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin via Broadsands Beach

This coastal walk takes you from Ilfracombe to Watermouth, passing by the picturesque ‘is this really England’ Broadsands beach. Then on to Combe Martin and then a little bit further, before looping around to walk back to Ilfracombe.

The full walk is 9miles/15km, however there are a few options to make it shorter which I will tell you about along the way. But here is a brief overview.

(Oh, one thing I must add. The distances I have given are actually from a car park just outside Ilfracombe. If you are starting the walk in Ilfracombe it will be a short walk extra to what I have mentioned. If you have come here by car, then this car park is a great start point. It’s not actually marked on google maps, but you can see where it is from the map I have provided)

This post uses affiliate links. You can read the privacy policy or disclaimer for more info.

A) Walk from Ilfracombe to Watermouth and Broadsands beach

If I was going to do a shorter version of the walk this is what I would do. In my opinion, the best views of the walk are on this bit. There and back would be about 4miles/7km. This part of the walk isn’t a circular, so you would walk there and back along the same trail. It’s a very hilly section of the walk with lots of steps.

We didn’t walk down to the beach. We aren’t even sure where the trail is. In fact, we were sure that there isn’t one, and you need a boat to get there. However, I have read that it is there, and a bit hidden. You will need to investigate if you want to go to it.

A view of the peninsula of watermouth bay on the walk from Ilfracombe. There are a few boats in the water. There is a man walking along the trail.

B) Walk from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin

The walk I am going to describe below does an extra loop from Combe Martin. You can shorten the walk by stopping at Combe Martin without that extra bit. This one would be about 6.8miles/11km. However, if you have come all this way, you might as well do that little bit extra.

The sea bed when the tide is out in Combe Martin, on the walk from Ilfracombe. There is a boat on the sea bed and a green grass covered hill on the other side. — Combe Martin

The grass covered cliff top with the hills and coastline in the distance as they meet the blue sea. — This is what you will see on the extra loop

My thoughts on the full walk from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin via Broadsands Beach

I thoroughly enjoyed this walk, however, if I was to do it again, I might do things a little differently. As I mentioned above, the best views of the walk are the first bit from Ilfracombe to Watermouth and Broadsands Beach. This is also a super hilly section, so there and back it’s quite a workout.

After this, on the section between Watermouth and Combe Martin, there is quite a bit of road and less views. This section of the walk was average for me. Nothing too exciting.

Then from Combe Martin and that extra loop, it’s cool, but for me it wasn’t quite enough to justify the average section. If I had walked a little further, this walk could have included Little Hangman and Great Hangman. I think if I had included those, this would have been an epic hike.

Little and Great Hangman

So, I missed out these bits because of timings really. Once we reached Combe Martin, Ollie didn’t want to do anymore, so I left him there to go and do a little bit extra. I didn’t want him to be waiting forever for me, so I kept the next bit short.

So, if I was to do it again, I would do Ilfracombe to Watermouth and Broadsands beach as one walk, then drive over to Combe Martin and do a separate walk to Little and Great Hangman. Or make this a longer walk by doing the extra bit to the Hangmans.

Logistics for the walk from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin

Start/Finish: Car park just outside Ilfracombe on Watermouth road
How to get there: If you are in Ilfracombe, head east along the main road. It starts as Portland, Street, then becomes Hillsborough road, then Watermouth road. You should notice a little car parking area along here (see map for exact location). I can’t see any trails leading here from the centre of Ilfracombe on the map, so I think you would just need to walk along the main road.
Distance: 9 miles there and back
Time: We did it in about 3h 43m
Difficulty: Moderate-Challanging. I rate it as this because of the mix of how long the walk is with the addition of the hills. But it’s not crazy difficult. There are those steps though. It doesn’t matter how often I walk up stairs, they never get easier.
Terrain: Some road, dirt trail both wide and narrow, stairs.
Elevation: With all the ups and downs, you will end up walking an elevation gain of around 508 meters.
Tips: Hiking boots/shoes would be handy for the steeper bits, but not a deal breaker. As you are along the coastal path for a long time, I will advice sunscreen. It’s the coast paths where the sun gets you….I speak from experience.
Amenities: You will have options for food/drink/toilets in Combe Martin and Ilfracombe. Watermouth has much less options. Along the way there will be some nice little benches to sit on for resting and view admiring.
Time of year: We walked this during Spring

Map for the coastal walk from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin

Click ion the top box in Google Maps to open in your maps, click on the trail name of AllTrails to open in your app.

You can find my more detailed route map for the full hike from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin on AllTrails.

Whilst you are in Ilfracombe, why not try out this guided history and ghost tour. You will explore the oldest street, learn about the towns history, and hear all the true stories of strange spooky things that have happened.

How to walk from Ilfracombe to Combe Martin via Watermouth and Broadbands Beach

Walk from Ilfracombe to Watermouth

So, from the car park you should notice a trail leading from it, alongside the road (walking away from Ilfracombe). Actually before you do that, walk to the other end of the car park onto the green with the picnic benches for a lovely view of the cliffs and Ilfracombe.

Ilfracombe beach with the town buildings behind it at the start pod the walk to watermouth. The town sits in the valley between green tree covered hills.

A gravel trail running alongside the road, on the edge of the cliff.

The hilly, cliff coastline where it meets the blue sea, near Ilfracombe at the start of the walk towards watermouth.

So back to the trail. If you walk along this trail for a short while you will get to another car park with a white cottage. Here you will see the coast path signage.

Wooden coast path sign post infront of the green hill which leads to the blue sea.

Follow it onto the narrow trail that will lead you downhill with view back to Hele Bay, then around the corner, a view to Samson’s bay. The rugged hill in the distance is beautiful, with the yellow flowers and carpet like green grass.

A narrow walking trail through the green grass hill top, with the sea in the distance.

A secluded bay in the shade of the cliff side, with a big tree covered hill in the distance.

A green grass covered hill top cliff on the walk from Ilfracombe to watermouth. The cliff meets the blue sea.

As you continue along this trail, you will soon be engulfed in the bushes and trees and will get your first taste of the steps.

Steps leading up a small grass hill, surround by bushes and trees.

The view of Watermouth Bay

You will then go through a gate and be wowed by the first view of Watermouth Bay. Simply stunning.

A view through the tree branches of the beach of watermouth on the water from Ilfracombe.

Here you go left. Right is a private trail. You will go up some more steps, before going down, where things open up again to give you a grand view back to the rocky, cliffy coastline.

Oliver walking up some steps surrounded by green bushes and trees.

Steps leading downhill with a green field on the right, trees and bushes on the left and the blue sea ahead.

The rocky cliff coastline where it meets the blue sea in North Devon.

Lots more steps

The trail will take you around to the right, where you will be greeted by more steps.

Steps leading downhill towards the blue sea with the rock cliff coastline in the distance. — This is looking back and down the steps. There are more than this picture would have you believe.

You will now be in for a treat. Once you get to the top of these, there is a fantastic view down to Watermouth. There is also a little bench here to rest if you so wish.

A view down to the peninsula of watermouth and the beach, on the walk from Ilfracombe. There are a few boats in the water.

From here, continue along the trail, and it will take you down some steps, along a flat bit, then up some steps, then along through the bushes to some more steps (I told you there are lots of steps).

A small dirt trail running through the grass and lines with a fence. There is a field on the other side of the fence and a house in the distance.

The lamas

There is a little bit where you go over a sort of bridge before the last steps. To the left here, you will get a cool view into a private area with Watermouth Bay in the distance.

A green patch with a few plants with a sneak peak view of watermouth bay in the distance through the gap in the trees.

Lamas in a field, grazing on the grass. — This photo was taken on the walk back.

The field on the right of this is where you might see some lamas. We didn’t see them yet, it was on the walk back to Ilfracombe that the Lamas where out roaming.

Walk to Watermouth

The trail will then take you through some woodland, where you get little peaks through the trees of Watermouth Bay and the boats.

A view through the trees to watermouth bay with the tide out on the walk from Ilfracombe. There are a few boats resting on the sea bed.

A dirt trail through the trees, with a man walking on the other side. — .

When you get to the steps, go up onto the road and continue straight, walking past Watermouth Castle.

Tip: If you want to just go and see Broadsands Beach (the next bit) without doing the full hike, you can park here. However, the castle was closed when we came here, so I’m not sure about the parking situation when the castle is open. You probably need to be visiting the castle as well. If anyone knows exactly, I’d love to know.

Walk from Watermouth to Broadsands beach viewpoint

Walking along here, you will walk past a place where boats are kept. I noticed a sign here for a boat cafe. It could be a place for refreshments. We didn’t look.

Watermouth Bay with the tide out and a few boats resting on the sea bed.

Just past this bit, there is coast path signage. Follow it along a trail with a fence and it will lead you back up to the road with the Watermouth Cove resort ahead.

Just past the resort, there is a green sign pointing you over a little river and into the caravan grounds.

The walking trail with a low brick wall on the right of it and a wooden signpost pointing along it.

Everything became sort of immaculate through here. Perfectly kept lawns. Clean roads. I think it was closed for camping in. I mean the place was empty, so I assume it was. It might be very different when it’s full of caravans/tents.

From here, you follow the road uphill and should see picnic benches at the top.

Past the picnic benches, there is signage directing you along a grassy trail uphill. Make your way up here and you will come to Broadsands Beach viewpoint.

Broadsands Beach viewpoint

The view from here is incredible. We had actually been here earlier in the day when we came for sunrise. I didn’t have my camera at the time. Here is a photo I took during the walk now.

Looking down at broadsands beach from the viewpoint, on the walk from Ilfracombe. The beach is curved and secluded by cliff.

Apparently (according to the sign here) Broadsands Beach viewpoint has been voted the best viewpoint in Britain. I had never heard this, but after seeing the view, I don’t dispute it.

This is the point at which you should turn back if you don’t want to do the bigger walk.

Also, I think you can get down to the beach, although, I’m not sure where the trail is. I heard it is quite challenging through. We didn’t even attempt to look for it. After all those steps, we were quite content with not having to do any more ups an downs for a while.

Walk from Broadsands Beach viewpoint to Combe Martin

This next bit is the bit I mentioned earlier that I wasn’t too fussed about. If you continue up the hill and take a left through the gate, you will now be on a gravelly dirt path under tree cover. You do get a sweet view through the trees though.

The blue sea and a big coastline hill just about visible through the trees.

You will exit the woods past a blue house with about 50 no parking signs (exaggeration, but there were lots).

Past the Sandy cove Hotel, there is another viewpoint spot, and then you turn right up the hill. There is a little coast path signage here.

Looking over the bushes at the big coastline hill in the distance as it meets the sea.

Follow the coast path signs along the road

Actually, there is a fair bit of coast path signage going forwards. I think because there are a few turns/junctions but you are not technically walking along the coast.

So yeah, just follow the signs.

At the top of this hill, walk left along the main road and when you reach the side road on the left, take it (see photo below).

A road curving to the right, with a wooden fence running alongside it. There is the rooftop of a house visible behind the fence and bush.

Follow this down and around to the left where you will see the coast path sign post on the right leading over a stile and downhill with a lovely view.

Looking down at the green and then the hilly coastline behind it in North Devon.

The walk into Combe Martin

When you reach the main road, continue along it, and a bit further down, you will notice a slip road to the left. Go down it. (Below is a photo of the main road. I don’t have one of the slip road)

At the bottom of the hill, go left at the signpost and this will lead you around to Combe Martin.

The sea bed of Combe Martin bay on the walk from Watermouth and Ilfracombe. There is a green grass covered hill and cliff on the other side. There are a few people walking on the beach.

A house in Ilfracombe with a stone faced and blue front door.

This is where I left the boyfriend to go and do that little bit extra…..

Walk past Combe Martin and Exmoor National Park sign

So, if you follow the coastline and walk through a car park, you will see this Exmoor signage, and a bit further along, a really cute acorn coast path signage. It looked a bit like a toy signpost.

Follow this to the right to reach another cute signpost. Basically just follow all the signposts and you will be lead uphill.

Cute wooden coast path signpost in front of a green hedge. The sign post points three directions. The the coast path and to scenery.

There is a lot of signage around here, so you shouldn’t get lost.

Wooden coast path signage screwed to a brick wall.

The final loop

Up the hill you will reach some viewpoint benches, and past there you will go uphill some more. It’s quite a narrow trail here, so you won’t be able to pass people in front. I ran into some traffic.

A narrow dirt trail leading uphill engulfed by green grass and bushes on the walk out of Combe Martin. There are a couple of people walking ahead on the trail.

A wide dirt trail on the hill top, with a couple of wooden benches next to it.

A view down to the bay of Combe Martin with the rocks and trees and hill top behind it.

A big hill as it meets the blue coloured sea.

If you continue along the trail, as things open up, you will reach another signpost. Right points to Combe Martin. You could turn right and loop back here, but you shouldn’t. The best view of this section is about to come.

A walking trail through the grass in North Devon near Combe Martin, There is a wire fence on the right of the trail and a green gras field on the right side of it. There are green undulating hills in the distance.

Wooden signpost pointing to Combe Martin and the coast path. The sign is in front of green bushes.

Continue on straight and further along, things open up some more with a spectacular view back along the coastline.

A view down the cliff rock, rugged coastline on the Ilfracombe to Combe Martin walk.

To finish up this walk, this is where you turn back. You can of course go further. If I had the time, I would have.

Walk back to Combe Martin

From this point, there is a gate ahead to the right. I actually walked uphill a little, then back down. See photo below.

Green grass field leading to the undulating hills in North Devon. — That trail with people on is the main one you will walk along uphill. To turn back, take this grass trail here on the left back down to the gate. You don’t have to walk up here just to turn back. I did it to get a higher up view. It’s a nice higher up view (the photo of it is towards the top of the article in the intro)

A wooden fence and stile with a walking trail on the other side. There are green bushes in the left and right of the gate.

Through the gate, you will be surrounded by bushes and stuff, as you make your way downhill. This bit was quite wet. It hadn’t rained for a while, so it must be a permanent thing.

A muddy trail leading downhill under overgrown bushes and trees in North Devon.

At the bottom, when you exit the tree tunnel bush section, turn right to walk along the road.

There are lovely hill and field views along here, and further along past some houses, there will be a lovely view to Combe Martin to the right.

Wooden signpost pointing to little hangman and Combe Martin.

A green grass field with the undulating hills on the other side of it.

A track with grass and bushes on both sides and an overhanging tree on the right side.

The road track leading to some houses with a brick wall on the left side of it and a green hedge on the right side.

A view to the houses and rooftops of Combe Martin on the walk from Ilfracombe and Watermouth. The blue sea is visible past the houses with the rugged coastline on the other side.

At the fun signpost, take the dirt trail to the right of it. (See photo below, it’s the trail behind it).

A wooden signpost pointing in five directions. The signpost is infront of the trail with a green hedge with orange coloured flowers behind it.

You will go through another bush tunnel, then out the other side, take a left past the house.

At the main road, go right and you will be back in town.

Walk back to Watermouth and Ilfracombe

From here, simply walk back the way you came. The walk back was actually pretty cool, as the tide had now come in, so things looked very different in places.

More local walks

If you are in the Ilfracombe area, you could try out this short walk to the Ilfracombe Viewpoint. It’s a great place for sunset (probably also for sunrise. We didn’t see the sunrise but I suspect it would be good).

If you have a car, then you could drive a little further south to walk to Blackchurch Rock. I would 100% recommend going to see it if you can.

If you would like more walking ideas, you could check out the Visit Devon website.