Woolacombe Down

Woolacombe Down

Woolacombe Down Group Walks | Join a Walk

199m Elevation
37m Prominence
England Country

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Classifications

100-199m Tump

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Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Woolacombe Down together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

199m

653 ft

Prominence

37m

Coordinates

51.1648, -4.1917

SS468429

OS Map

180

Explorer: 139

At the Summit

The summit features a grassy hilltop that boasts a prominent stone shelter, perfect for a quick sit and a bite to eat while admiring the view.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with gentle slopes sprinkled with the occasional rocky outcrop.

Woolacombe Down is predominantly composed of sandstones and mudstones from the Mesozoic era, providing a rich geological tapestry that records millions of years of earth's history. A fine example of coastal geology is present nearby, where you can see stratified rock formations.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, hikers can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Atlantic coastline, the sandy beaches of Woolacombe, and on clear days, the towering Exmoor hills to the east.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Woolacombe' is derived from the Old English, meaning 'Cwm' (a valley or hollow) of the 'Wool' – unsurprising given the area's rich sheep farming history.

Historical Significance

Historically, Woolacombe has been a popular resort since the Victorian era and continues to be a beacon for holidaymakers.

Popular Routes

Woolacombe to Woolacombe Down

Easy

A scenic trail that ascends from the beach through lush grassland, offering stunning views of the North Devon Coast.

3.5 km 1.5 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a public car park located at Woolacombe beach (SS 460 427) with ample space but it can fill up quickly during the summer.

Public Transport

The nearest bus service operates from Barnstaple to Woolacombe, with regular services, especially during the tourist season.

Nearby Facilities

Woolacombe offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and public toilets, especially near the beach area. Perfect for a post-hike treat!

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Caution is advised on the slopes during wet weather as they can become slippery. Also, be mindful of livestock that may graze on the hills.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Find Walking Companions

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Woolacombe Down?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Woolacombe Down through the maps

Are there other walkers around Woolacombe Down?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Woolacombe Down search or of course create your own walk for Woolacombe Down

Can I organise a walk to Woolacombe Down?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Woolacombe Down.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Woolacombe Down?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Woolacombe Down here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible