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Small carpark slightly up the hill from Combe Martin centre and the beach. I was suprised how quiet it was for a Saturday morning, parked easily, I suspect in Summer peak this will be harder. Information on this website, I parked for 5 hours which was plenty of time for the walk, bus home and a pint. https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/carpark/parade/ex34/combe_martin/?arriving=202404060830&leaving=202404061030
This walk is a real mix - paths alongside roads to begin with, then wooded footpaths (muddy depending on time of year!) onto rocky coastal path. The coastal path is really well maintained, at no point does it feel unsafe or close to cliff edges but it a bit rocky underfoot so would need to have appropriate footwear.
There is a lovely sand/pebbly beach in Combe Martin with a rock pools when the tide is out to explore. In Ilfracombe there is a small sandy beach within the harbour and can walk amongst the boats when the tide is out also.
Bins only available in the towns.
Once you reach the climbs of the coastal path the views are stunning looking back on Combe Martin or forward towards Ilfracombe. Ilfracombe has lots to offer if eg. Cafes, pubs, tourist points of interest as well as wildlife boat tours you would need to research and plan accordingly. We really enjoyed the little wooden posts that appeared along the walk nearer to Ilfracombe signposting historical information about that area, lots relating to WW2 and DDay. And of course the most important part, the pub! The Focsle Inn in Combe Martin super dog friendly and right on the edge of the beach.
As expected with any coastal walk there are ups and downs under foot but this walk didn’t have any extremes, it felt gently challenging. The beginning does dip in and out of along main roads but is safe with pathways but would require dogs to be on leads. Once you get to the coast path of the walk it isn’t too close to cliff edges so felt safe to let Lily do her pottering off lead as she likes to do! Despite walking on a Saturday on a bank holiday weekend it was lovely and quiet, everyone we met were very friendly. The views were stunning and loved the historical info posts that pop up along the way. We came to a stone shelter with a bench in it for the view at the perfect time during a rain shower, also other spots to stop and sit to catch your breath or have a snack which is great. Ilfracombe was very busy but I would say every other family had their dog with them so you’ll fit right in!! After a little explore we found St James Park just up the hill out of the town where we sat on a bench to eat our lunch and look down over the town. The 301 bus also stops right outside the park every hour and cost £2 to return to Combe Martin ready for a pint at The Focsle Inn!
