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Mortehoe Circular

4.7 miles (7.5 km)

Ordnance Survey Map Open Streetmap This circular walk from Mortehoe visits Morte Point, Rockham Bay and Bull Point on the North Devon Coast. It's a lovely section of Exmoor coast with dramatic cliffs, beautiful countryside and pretty beaches. The area is managed by the National Trust so there are good footpaths and facilities in the area.
The walk starts from the village of Mortehoe where there is a village car park. You follow a footpath through the countryside to Morte Point where there are some fascinating rock formations and great views towards Lundy Island. You then head east along the coast path to Bull Point, passing the lovely Rockham Bay and beach on the way. You should see lots of pretty wildlflowers in the summer along this stretch.
Just after Bull Point you pick up an inland footpath which takes you back to the village. Here you can enjoy refreshments at the Smuggler's Rest pub. You could also visit the Mortehoe Musuem and learn about the interesting history of smuggling and shipwrecks in the area.
It's easy to extend your walking in this lovely area by heading along the coast path to nearby Ilfracombe via Lee Bay. You could also visit the Woolacombe with its beautiful beaches and beyond that Baggy Point.

Postcode

EX34 7DR - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Mortehoe Circular OS Map Ordnance survey map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Mortehoe Circular Open Street Map Open Streetmap - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The Chichester Arms in Mortehoe is a pub of note, having originally been a 16th century vicarage. There's a good menu and a nice outdoor seating area to relax in after your walk. You can find it at postcode EX34 7DU.
The Smuggler's Rest (mentioned above) is another good option. It dates from the 1800s and also includes the delightful Miss Feas Cafe. Here you can soak up the summer sun in the lovely sheltered garden while enjoy a well earned snack. You can find the cafe in the village on North Morte Road at postcode EX34 7DR.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

For another circular walk in the area head east to pick up the Ilfracombe to Lee Bay Walk. It takes you along the coast to the beautiful Lee Bay before using the old Ilfracombe to Ossaborough Railway Path to return to Ilfracombe. It also visits the woodland trails in the Borough Valley between Lee and Ossaborough.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks, Exmoor Walks and North Devon Coast Walks pages.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Mortehoe - geograph.org.uk - 873899

View of central Mortehoe from St.Mary's churchyard

Bull Point Lighthouse - geograph.org.uk - 1421872

The Bull Point Lighthouse stands on the north Devon coast to the west of Ilfracombe, it was established in 1879, electrified in 1960 and automated in 1975. Its signal is 3 white flashes every 10 seconds.

Cemetery, Mortehoe - geograph.org.uk - 632422

The coastal cemetery, Mortehoe. Looking out across the cemetery of St Mary's Church. The air-sea rescue helicopter in the distance and Lundy on the horizon.

Coastal Paths, near Mortehoe - geograph.org.uk - 609381

Coastal Paths, near Mortehoe. At this point the path from Mortehoe village joins the coastal path between Morte Point and Bull Point. This stretch of coast is National Trust land.

Rockham Bay - geograph.org.uk - 874881

Rockham Bay. Spectacular view across Rockham Bay with Bull Point Lighthouse in the distance

Chichester Arms, Mortehoe - geograph.org.uk - 609327

Chichester Arms, Mortehoe. 16th century pub standing in a prominent position just south of the church. There are still some gas lights in use in the bar.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Mortehoe Circular.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Mortehoe Circular.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)