Woodview's guidebook
Local walks
A great walk that can be done from the cottage and by following the SW Coast Path. It can be combined with Little Hangman hill and Combe Martin beach. It is also possible to park near Girt Farm and walk from there, which misses out the steep section of going up Skirhead lane. Great Hangman has the highest sheer cliff in England at 800 feet but dont worry the path is nowhere near the edge of this. There are incredible views from the top of the north Devon coast and countryside with dramatic cliffs and open moorland. On clear days you can also see right across the Bristol Channel to the whole South Wales coastline from Newport to Pembroke.
Great Hangman
South West Coast PathA great walk that can be done from the cottage and by following the SW Coast Path. It can be combined with Little Hangman hill and Combe Martin beach. It is also possible to park near Girt Farm and walk from there, which misses out the steep section of going up Skirhead lane. Great Hangman has the highest sheer cliff in England at 800 feet but dont worry the path is nowhere near the edge of this. There are incredible views from the top of the north Devon coast and countryside with dramatic cliffs and open moorland. On clear days you can also see right across the Bristol Channel to the whole South Wales coastline from Newport to Pembroke.
This walk can be done from the cottage and gives lovely views of the Combe Martin valley. In the 1800s there were several silver mines in the village. The remains of one can be seen on this walk at the cross of Skirhead Lane and Corner Lane. You will also pass close to a mine tunnel in Bowhay Lane that has been restored and can now be visited! check the combemartinmines website for more details.
Combe Martin Silver Mine
Bowhay LaneThis walk can be done from the cottage and gives lovely views of the Combe Martin valley. In the 1800s there were several silver mines in the village. The remains of one can be seen on this walk at the cross of Skirhead Lane and Corner Lane. You will also pass close to a mine tunnel in Bowhay Lane that has been restored and can now be visited! check the combemartinmines website for more details.
Beautiful secluded bay great for swimming. Fairly steep descent to beach but worth it especially at higher states of tide. Although just around the corner from Combe Martin beach, no houses are visible and it feels as though you're in the middle of nowhere. Easiest way to access is via West Challacombe lane, either walk from the house or drive and park carefully, then take the footpath going uphill to the northwest that meets the coastpath. Please Note: Wild Pear is a dedicated nuturist beach although it is rare to see anuone there at all.
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Wild Pear Beach
South West Coast PathBeautiful secluded bay great for swimming. Fairly steep descent to beach but worth it especially at higher states of tide. Although just around the corner from Combe Martin beach, no houses are visible and it feels as though you're in the middle of nowhere. Easiest way to access is via West Challacombe lane, either walk from the house or drive and park carefully, then take the footpath going uphill to the northwest that meets the coastpath. Please Note: Wild Pear is a dedicated nuturist beach although it is rare to see anuone there at all.
A walk that can be done from the cottage by walking down to Combe Martin beach and then following the SW coast path up hill (to the east). The walk can also be incorporated with a visit to Wild Pear beach. There are great views from the top of Little Hangman hill of the North Devon coastline and countryside, although the views are more impressive from the much higher Great Hangman hill or Holdstone Down.
Little Hangman
A walk that can be done from the cottage by walking down to Combe Martin beach and then following the SW coast path up hill (to the east). The walk can also be incorporated with a visit to Wild Pear beach. There are great views from the top of Little Hangman hill of the North Devon coastline and countryside, although the views are more impressive from the much higher Great Hangman hill or Holdstone Down.
A walk that can be done from the cottage by walking up Skirhead Lane and then heading towards Girt Farm on Girt Lane. 200m along this lane take the footpath on the left. There are fantastic views from here of the West Challacombe valley, looking up at Great Hangman and Little Hangman hills and along the coast to Watermouth cove and beyond. At the end of the footpath turn right onto Shute Lane, then right again into Netherton Lane and at the bottom of the hill where the little stream crosses the road turn left down the steps and follow the sunken lane. This brings you out in West Challacombe Lane. Turn left where you can continue to the beach by taking the first or second footpath on the right or continue along West Challacombe lane until you reach the high street.
Knapp Down Lane
Knapp Down LaneA walk that can be done from the cottage by walking up Skirhead Lane and then heading towards Girt Farm on Girt Lane. 200m along this lane take the footpath on the left. There are fantastic views from here of the West Challacombe valley, looking up at Great Hangman and Little Hangman hills and along the coast to Watermouth cove and beyond. At the end of the footpath turn right onto Shute Lane, then right again into Netherton Lane and at the bottom of the hill where the little stream crosses the road turn left down the steps and follow the sunken lane. This brings you out in West Challacombe Lane. Turn left where you can continue to the beach by taking the first or second footpath on the right or continue along West Challacombe lane until you reach the high street.
A nice quick walk that can be made as long as you like by joining the SW coast path in either direction. Drive up Buzzacott Lane, follow signs to the Hunters Inn and park opposite the Glass House. A 10 minute walk to the top of the hill. At 1145 feet high there are incredible views from the top of the north Devon coast and countryside with dramatic cliffs and open moorland. On clear days you can also see right across the Bristol Channel to the whole South Wales coastline from Newport to Pembroke.
Holdstone Down
South West Coast PathA nice quick walk that can be made as long as you like by joining the SW coast path in either direction. Drive up Buzzacott Lane, follow signs to the Hunters Inn and park opposite the Glass House. A 10 minute walk to the top of the hill. At 1145 feet high there are incredible views from the top of the north Devon coast and countryside with dramatic cliffs and open moorland. On clear days you can also see right across the Bristol Channel to the whole South Wales coastline from Newport to Pembroke.
A lovely section of the SW coast path goes from Hele Bay, east of Ilfracombe, to Watermouth Cove a picturesque natural harbour. Park in the (free) car park on the right as you approach Hele Bay and join the coast path walking east back towards Combe Martin.
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Watermouth
A lovely section of the SW coast path goes from Hele Bay, east of Ilfracombe, to Watermouth Cove a picturesque natural harbour. Park in the (free) car park on the right as you approach Hele Bay and join the coast path walking east back towards Combe Martin.
A lovely walk following the river Heddon through a picturesque, steep sided valley to a dramatic, rocky cove. The walk starts and ends at the Hunters Inn (now owned by the National Trust) which is a great place for refreshment. The Inn is on the SW Coast Path and also the start for several other great walks.
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Heddon's Mouth
A lovely walk following the river Heddon through a picturesque, steep sided valley to a dramatic, rocky cove. The walk starts and ends at the Hunters Inn (now owned by the National Trust) which is a great place for refreshment. The Inn is on the SW Coast Path and also the start for several other great walks.
Surfing
Ive surfed the waves off Devon and Cornwall for over 30 years! These are my top spots local to the cottage. I'm happy to advise whats working when you visit . if this is your thing.
The main beaches for surfing in the area are Woolacombe, Croyde and Saunton. All three have surf schools for those wishing to learn but my personal opinion is that Woolacombe is the best beach for learning as Croyde can be quite a fierce wave, especially at low tide and Saunton can be quite a slow weak wave, especially on the inside where learners will be which makes it hard to catch the waves. All three beaches can have superb waves on their day but like any sport at the mercy of the fickle nature of swells and wind the conditions vary day to day. There are various surf forecasting websites/apps that will give good forecasts (accurate 2 - 3 days ahead), the simplest of these to use is MagicSeaweed but another good one is Surf Forecast. Just look up Magicseaweed Woolacombe to get a link straight to the forecast for that beach.
There are many other spots in the area but these are for experts only. If you would like further information on these other spots then please contact me directly.
PLEASE NOTE that all beaches can be dangerous in certain conditions, particularly large swells and strong winds. All the beaches below can have large waves and be dangerous for the inexperienced or unaware. Always obey the Lifeguards (when present). Please do not surf alone and never enter the water unless you're absolutely certain you have the experience to cope with the conditions you're presented with and ability to swim yourself out of difficulty.
Croyde is a world class break when the right swell and wind align. At low tide the wave forms into A frame peaks that regularly barrel. This state of tide, even on small swells, will have a lot more powerful surf than any other surf break in the area and should not be underestimated. As the tide moves in different banks can start working and these tend to be less steep and daunting than low tide.
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Παραλία Croyde
Croyde is a world class break when the right swell and wind align. At low tide the wave forms into A frame peaks that regularly barrel. This state of tide, even on small swells, will have a lot more powerful surf than any other surf break in the area and should not be underestimated. As the tide moves in different banks can start working and these tend to be less steep and daunting than low tide.
Saunton beach is 3 miles of fine, golden sand. There are surfable waves all along the beach but access to them is only from the car park at the north end so most people dont walk that far down. The waves here tend to be less steep andconsequently break more gently than other breaks in the area .Rides can be very long especially when surfing a longboard.
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Saunton Sands
Saunton beach is 3 miles of fine, golden sand. There are surfable waves all along the beach but access to them is only from the car park at the north end so most people dont walk that far down. The waves here tend to be less steep andconsequently break more gently than other breaks in the area .Rides can be very long especially when surfing a longboard.
Woolacombe is the perfect place for surfers of all levels of ability and all board types too. It is also a great place to learn at all stages of the tide. The waves tend towards long open walls for carving and are generally considered fun rather than fierce. The beach itself is 2 miles of golden sand, so plenty of space to find a wave to yourself. The southern end of the bay is called Putsborough beach. This is nearly always smaller than Woolacombe and it has some shelter from South West winds (which blow onshore at Woolacombe) so is a good place to go if it starts to get stormy.
The pictures here are all in front of the rocks because its the easiest place to take photos but the peaks are the same the length of the beach.
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Παραλία Woolacombe
Woolacombe is the perfect place for surfers of all levels of ability and all board types too. It is also a great place to learn at all stages of the tide. The waves tend towards long open walls for carving and are generally considered fun rather than fierce. The beach itself is 2 miles of golden sand, so plenty of space to find a wave to yourself. The southern end of the bay is called Putsborough beach. This is nearly always smaller than Woolacombe and it has some shelter from South West winds (which blow onshore at Woolacombe) so is a good place to go if it starts to get stormy.
The pictures here are all in front of the rocks because its the easiest place to take photos but the peaks are the same the length of the beach.
For advanced to expert surfers ONLY. This is due to the fact the waves break over rocks, which in some sections are shallow and in addition to this the currents are ever present and usually very strong. There are also a number of other underwater hazards and at some states of the tide entry and exit from the water can be very tricky.
Unfortunately Lynmouth is no longer a secret and is now known to the general surfing world, consequently the crowds can be extreme (by UK standards anyway). However it still holds some secrets as to which bits of this massive bay work best on which tides and which swell direction. Essentially it is a very long point break bisected by a river turning into two seperate but still very long (300m +) point break waves.
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Lynmouth
For advanced to expert surfers ONLY. This is due to the fact the waves break over rocks, which in some sections are shallow and in addition to this the currents are ever present and usually very strong. There are also a number of other underwater hazards and at some states of the tide entry and exit from the water can be very tricky.
Unfortunately Lynmouth is no longer a secret and is now known to the general surfing world, consequently the crowds can be extreme (by UK standards anyway). However it still holds some secrets as to which bits of this massive bay work best on which tides and which swell direction. Essentially it is a very long point break bisected by a river turning into two seperate but still very long (300m +) point break waves.
Food and Drinks scene
All Combe Martin attractions are within walking distance from the front door. A few of our favourites below, see guidebook in cottage for more recommendations
Combe Martin - Restaurant and bar meals, large beer garden with children's play area. Fresh fish van in car park every Wednesday.
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Pack O'Cards Inn
High StreetCombe Martin - Restaurant and bar meals, large beer garden with children's play area. Fresh fish van in car park every Wednesday.
Combe Martin - Award winning bakery offering Fri night takeaway and Sunday roast delivery.
Bobbies bakes
Rectory RoadCombe Martin - Award winning bakery offering Fri night takeaway and Sunday roast delivery.
Combe Martin - Friendly pub with lovely beer garden, Thai food take away every Wed in car park to eat in pub or take home.
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The castle inn
High StreetCombe Martin - Friendly pub with lovely beer garden, Thai food take away every Wed in car park to eat in pub or take home.
Local bakery providing evening meals at weekends. Nice food and atmosphere (BYOB). Recommend calling in advance as they do get booked up.
The Bakers Bistro
King StreetLocal bakery providing evening meals at weekends. Nice food and atmosphere (BYOB). Recommend calling in advance as they do get booked up.
Ilfracombe - The best real coffee and delicious homemade cakes and brownies all baked on site.
No 28 The Cookery
4 St James PlIlfracombe - The best real coffee and delicious homemade cakes and brownies all baked on site.
Muddiford - Sculpture gardens alone are worth a visit. There is also an excellent terrace cafe, restaurant , bar and regular events and workshops including foraging, yoga, fermentation and music Look up there 'Whats On' page during your visit. events.
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Broomhill Art Hotel
Muddiford - Sculpture gardens alone are worth a visit. There is also an excellent terrace cafe, restaurant , bar and regular events and workshops including foraging, yoga, fermentation and music Look up there 'Whats On' page during your visit. events.
Real Devon Cider from the barrel. Pop in for some free tasting and choose your favourite to take home. Also offers a range of produce from the farm.
Indicknowle Cider & Farm Shop
A3123Real Devon Cider from the barrel. Pop in for some free tasting and choose your favourite to take home. Also offers a range of produce from the farm.
An excellent fish and chip shop. Always busy. Check opening and closing times, usually closes at 8pm
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The Black & White
Borough RoadAn excellent fish and chip shop. Always busy. Check opening and closing times, usually closes at 8pm
Sightseeing
Some favourites. See guidebook in cottage for more recommendations.
Go see the Lions, Wolves and Gibbons you can hear from the garden.
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Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park
Go see the Lions, Wolves and Gibbons you can hear from the garden.
Award winning funicular Cliff Railway connecting the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. It is the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the world. Also voted the UKs BEST Cliff Railway and one of the best historic attractions in the UK (Which Reader poll 2020). It is the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the world.
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Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway (Σταθμός κορυφής)
Lee RoadAward winning funicular Cliff Railway connecting the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. It is the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the world. Also voted the UKs BEST Cliff Railway and one of the best historic attractions in the UK (Which Reader poll 2020). It is the highest and steepest fully water powered Victorian railway in the world.
Dramatic scenery and herd of feral (wild but friendly) goats. You can pick up the path at top of the Cliff Railway or walk in from Lynton (1/2 mile from village). There are public toilets, picnic area and Mother Meldrum's Cafe at the Lynton end of the valley.
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Κοιλάδα των Πετρωμάτων
South West Coast PathDramatic scenery and herd of feral (wild but friendly) goats. You can pick up the path at top of the Cliff Railway or walk in from Lynton (1/2 mile from village). There are public toilets, picnic area and Mother Meldrum's Cafe at the Lynton end of the valley.
Neighbourhoods
Closest 'big' town where you will find larger supermarkets and many shops on high street including butcher, greengrocer.
Head away from high street to Fore street , StJames Place where you will find many independent shops and restaurants. The Harbourside has many tourist shops and restaurants, Theatre , the Tunnels and not forgetting Damien Hirst's Verity.
See guidebook in cottage for more info.
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Ilfracombe
Closest 'big' town where you will find larger supermarkets and many shops on high street including butcher, greengrocer.
Head away from high street to Fore street , StJames Place where you will find many independent shops and restaurants. The Harbourside has many tourist shops and restaurants, Theatre , the Tunnels and not forgetting Damien Hirst's Verity.
See guidebook in cottage for more info.
Picturesque seaside towns, one by the sea the other on top of a steep hill. Often referred to as England's Little Switzerland By The Sea. Great place for walking as well as just taking in the dramatic views.
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Lynton and Lynmouth
Picturesque seaside towns, one by the sea the other on top of a steep hill. Often referred to as England's Little Switzerland By The Sea. Great place for walking as well as just taking in the dramatic views.
Simonsbath is a picturesque village in the middle of Exmoor, and like Hunters Inn is a centre from which many beautiful walks can be found.
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Exmoor
Simonsbath is a picturesque village in the middle of Exmoor, and like Hunters Inn is a centre from which many beautiful walks can be found.
Small(ish) village with a range of independent shops and restaurants.
The Braunton Burrows are internationally recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve. They offer prime dog walking territory through seemingly unending dunes and a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline. You can either park at Braunton Burrows car park (drive to Braunton and then turn right towards Saunton, the Burrows are signposted a little way along on your left) or Crow Point, reached via a narrow £2 toll road but parking is free when you reach the car park. Be warned, the Burrows are still used as a forces training ground so you might see soldiers on exercise while you are there!
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Braunton
Small(ish) village with a range of independent shops and restaurants.
The Braunton Burrows are internationally recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve. They offer prime dog walking territory through seemingly unending dunes and a beautiful stretch of sandy coastline. You can either park at Braunton Burrows car park (drive to Braunton and then turn right towards Saunton, the Burrows are signposted a little way along on your left) or Crow Point, reached via a narrow £2 toll road but parking is free when you reach the car park. Be warned, the Burrows are still used as a forces training ground so you might see soldiers on exercise while you are there!
Barnstaple
Beaches
Perfect family beach a gentle 30 minute stroll from Woodview. Sand, rockpools, a stream, caves, safe bathing. A kid's delight. It is also the perfect place to kayak or paddleboard to explore the hidden coves that can only be reached from the sea.
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Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park
WoodlandsPerfect family beach a gentle 30 minute stroll from Woodview. Sand, rockpools, a stream, caves, safe bathing. A kid's delight. It is also the perfect place to kayak or paddleboard to explore the hidden coves that can only be reached from the sea.
Offers 2+ miles of sand and surf, plus the dunes behind the beach, for some lovely walks. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year, but are restricted to beyond where the stream runs onto the beach during main season – look out for the signs (this still gives you oodles of space). Parking here in the main season is expensive (approx. £10 for the day), so make the most of it! There is metred parking (up to 4 hours) on the Esplanade (road on the right going around the headland ) which is handy if you just want to go for a surf for a couple of hours. If going for the day we always park in Marine Drive car park – follow the main road and keep going as if you are heading out the other side of Woolacombe – Marine Drive is on your right and runs all the way along the top of the beach. If you’ve got dogs you can drop straight down through the dunes on to the beach, away from the restricted end. The Red Barn welcomes dogs when the need for refreshment calls
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Παραλία Woolacombe
Offers 2+ miles of sand and surf, plus the dunes behind the beach, for some lovely walks. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year, but are restricted to beyond where the stream runs onto the beach during main season – look out for the signs (this still gives you oodles of space). Parking here in the main season is expensive (approx. £10 for the day), so make the most of it! There is metred parking (up to 4 hours) on the Esplanade (road on the right going around the headland ) which is handy if you just want to go for a surf for a couple of hours. If going for the day we always park in Marine Drive car park – follow the main road and keep going as if you are heading out the other side of Woolacombe – Marine Drive is on your right and runs all the way along the top of the beach. If you’ve got dogs you can drop straight down through the dunes on to the beach, away from the restricted end. The Red Barn welcomes dogs when the need for refreshment calls
Broadsands Beach
Παραλίες Σήραγγες
Bath PlaceΠαραλία Croyde
Saunton Sands
Παραλία Putsborough
Vention Lane