How to visit Devon’s most DRAMATIC headland

Sitting just a short distance from the popular holiday town of Woolacombe, you’ll find the dramatic Morte Point. 

Its name means “death point”- and yes, it’s every bit as dramatic as it sounds!

This rocky headland is shaped by centuries of erosion, forming sharp ridges and craggy outcrops that extend into the sea. 

Its name is thanks to the treacherous waters around it that have claimed many ships over the years. 

Despite its ominous reputation, the area boasts some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Devon, with sweeping views, abundant wildlife and walking trails that follow the contours of the cliffs.

Here’s what you need to know about it – and how you can see it safely!

The Landscape and Scenery

Part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the headland is renowned for its exposed, weather-beaten landscape shaped by relentless waves and coastal winds. 

Jagged rocks emerge from the sea, forming an uneven, spine-like ridge that leads towards the horizon. 

The ocean’s colour shifts with the seasons, from deep blue on calm days to a churning grey when storms roll in.

Wildflowers cover the headland in spring and summer, with sea thrift and heather adding patches of pink and purple to the otherwise rugged terrain. 

Thanks to the elevation, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over Woolacombe Bay, while on clear days, Lundy Island appears as a hazy outline in the distance (see my blog post about this island – it’s my favourite place in Devon). 

The best way to see Morte Point is via the South West Coast Path, which runs along the edge of the cliffs.

Wildlife and Marine Life

Grey seals are a frequent sight around Morte Point – you might spot them resting on the lower rocks or bobbing in the water below. 

The cliffs and headland attract birdlife, with fulmars nesting on the rock faces and peregrine falcons scanning the coastline from high vantage points. 

Gannets and cormorants are common offshore, diving for fish in the open water.

The sea around Morte Point is rich in marine life due to the strong tides and underwater rock formations that create ideal conditions for fish and crustaceans. 

Species like spider crabs and lobsters thrive beneath the surface, and dolphins occasionally pass through these waters, following schools of fish along the coastline.

The History of Morte Point

Morte Point has long been associated with shipwrecks, smugglers, and perilous waters. 

Its name, derived from the Old English word for ‘death,’ is thanks to the dangers that sailors faced when navigating the headland’s sharp, protruding rocks. 

Before modern navigation, strong currents and hidden reefs made this stretch of coastline a graveyard for ships, with countless vessels running aground over the centuries.

Stories of ‘wreckers’ – local people who allegedly lured ships onto the rocks to loot their cargo – are tied to this area. Though the veracity of this history has been debated, it’s thought that coastal communities often relied on salvage from wrecked ships. 

The treacherous conditions made rescue attempts difficult, and many sailors lost their lives before reaching shore.

By the 19th century, shipwrecks had become so frequent that calls for improved navigation led to the construction of safer shipping routes. 

Today, Morte Point is protected by the National Trust.

How to visit

Morte Point is accessible from the nearby village of Mortehoe, where several walking routes lead towards the headland. 

The most popular trail follows the South West Coast Path, starting from Mortehoe’s village centre and winding through open farmland before reaching the clifftop. 

From Woolacombe, walkers can take a longer route that follows the coast, climbing towards Morte Point with views of the bay stretching behind. The circuit from Mortehoe is around two miles, while the walk from Woolacombe extends to about four miles. 

Sections of the path can become slippery after rain, and high winds make the exposed cliff edges particularly striking but also hazardous.

Mortehoe has a public car park near the village centre. A bus service also connects Woolacombe and Mortehoe – but some hiking is required to visit Morte Point.

The best time to visit is outside of peak summer when the trails are quieter. Choose a crisp, sunny day whatever the season though!

Safety

Like all of the South West Coast Path, Morte Point is largely safe (despite the name) provided you take common precautions. 

The coastline here is exposed to strong winds, and the narrow, rocky paths require careful footing.

Don’t visit in high winds or stormy conditions. 

Whatever the weather, make sure you’re wearing proper walking shoes

Cliff edges are unfenced, and sections of the path run close to steep drops. So make sure you always keep a safe distance to the edge. 

Also, only observe the grey seals from a distance – getting too close can disturb them, and in some cases, they may react defensively.

Weather conditions change quickly along the coast, with mist and sea fog reducing visibility. 

Check forecasts before setting out and carry a waterproof layer. 

There are no facilities on the headland itself, so bring water and any essentials. There are plenty of facilities in Woolacome and Mortehoe. 

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