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Barnstaple - Exmoor

Distance: 48 miles
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard
End points:
- Exmoor (Grid Ref SS725404 )
- Barnstaple (Grid Ref SS665308 )

This is a coastline of great variety. In the east, the Exmoor coast features some of the highest cliffs in England, punctuated by spectacular wooded "combes". Further west, the coast is characterised by a series of rocky headlands separated by small coves and sweeping sandy bays. This whole length is notable for its superb views. Between Saunton and Barnstaple the path is low level, crossing sand dunes, passing quiet marshlands and following the estuary of the River Taw. A former railway makes the estuary-side path easy going for all the family.

Mileages between towns on route:
Porlock (Somerset) - Lynmouth; 12 miles
Lynmouth - Combe Martin; 13 miles
Combe Martin - Ilfracombe; 5 miles
Ilfracombe - Woolacombe; 7 miles
Woolacombe - Croyde Bay; 6 miles
Croyde Bay - Braunton; 8 miles
Braunton - Barnstaple; 6 miles

Relevant maps/guides: O.S.Explorer (1:25,000 scale): OL 9 Exmoor & 139 Bideford, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple

Notes on route: Mostly strenuous, easier betweem Croyde and Barnstaple.

For more information on the route of this walk, please visit www.southwestcoastpath.com