The Point of Death
The name Morte comes from the Norman French for death — and the headland earned it honestly. The reef system that extends offshore from Morte Point, particularly the notorious Morte Stone, claimed an extraordinary number of ships in the age of sail. The combination of westerly gales, spring tides and the hidden submerged rocks created a maritime death trap. Five ships were lost on the Morte Stone in January 1852 alone. The shore station for rescues now houses a National Trust café and interpretation centre in Mortehoe village.
Today the drama is geological rather than maritime. The headland is formed from contorted slates and siltstones, folded into extraordinary patterns by ancient earth movements — the cliff faces reveal layer upon layer of tilted strata, bent into curves and chevrons by forces that are hard to fully comprehend. The offshore reef system that made Morte so deadly to ships now provides ideal haul-out habitat for Atlantic grey seals, which are present year-round.
🦭 Finding the Seals
Grey seals are reliably seen from the headland path — look for them hauled out on the flat rock shelves and in the gullies between the offshore rocks, particularly on the western (Atlantic) side of the point. They are most visible in morning on calm days when the sea is settled. In winter, up to 30–40 animals are sometimes present. Binoculars help enormously.
The Route
🗺️ Morte Point Circular from Mortehoe (3 miles · 1.5 hours)
Park in Mortehoe village (EX34 7DT) and follow signs for the coast path toward Morte Point. The path passes the NT information point and heads northwest along the clifftop. The first views of the Bristol Channel open up almost immediately.
The path follows the cliff edge around the headland — the terrain here is rough grassland and heather above dramatic slate cliffs. The rock formations become increasingly spectacular as you approach the point. Look down into the gullies and onto the offshore rocks for seals. The tip of the point gives views north to Lundy, east to the Exmoor coast, and west into the open Atlantic.
Continue around the headland to the south, where the path descends toward the northern end of Woolacombe beach. The view of Woolacombe bay from above is excellent — the 3-mile beach stretches south, with the Baggy Point headland at the far end. You can descend to the beach here and walk back along the sand to Mortehoe via the Esplanade, or continue on the coast path above.
From the northern end of Woolacombe, a footpath cuts inland and uphill back to Mortehoe village — a short but steep climb past hedged Devon lanes. Alternatively, return along the cliff path to avoid the village road walking.
Mortehoe Village
The village of Mortehoe sits just inland from the point — a small, attractive village of whitewashed cottages with a Norman church (St Mary Magdalene, with a notable 13th-century chancel), a National Trust shop and café, and a good pub. The village museum includes display boards on the maritime history of the point and the stories of the wrecks. Worth 30 minutes before or after the walk.
Combining with Woolacombe Beach
Morte Point and Woolacombe beach combine naturally — the headland walk can be extended to include a walk along Woolacombe's 3-mile beach, with a return via the coast path or the village road. Woolacombe is one of the finest surf beaches in England — if the swell is running, the surf from the point above gives an excellent overview of the waves before you paddle out.
Getting There
Mortehoe is 1.5 miles north of Woolacombe, reached via the B3343 from Ilfracombe or Barnstaple. Pay-and-display parking is available in the village. In summer, parking fills early — arrive before 9am in July and August. There is a seasonal bus service from Ilfracombe and Barnstaple to Woolacombe; Mortehoe is a short walk from Woolacombe.