Ocean Backpackers Independent Hostel – Opens on the 5th April 2025!

There’s something special about walking the Southwest Coast Path, particularly the North Devon section, where wild cliffs plunge into the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean, and the windswept moors meet the rugged coastline. Here, history, literature, and nature converge in a way that takes your breath away.
The significance of this section of the path is captured in Raynor Winn’s moving memoir The Salt Path. Winn and her husband, Moth, embarked on a similar journey when their lives were turned upside down by the loss of their home and Moth’s terminal diagnosis. Their story, full of hardship, courage, and an overwhelming connection to the landscape, brought new meaning to the idea of walking for healing. If you retrace their footsteps along the North Devon coast, you might feel the emotional weight of their journey as you absorb the same dramatic views.
The coastal path is challenging, and the terrain often feels as though it hasn’t been tamed for human convenience. Steep ascents, slippery descents, and narrow pathways that edge precariously along cliff faces demand all of ones attention. As you push on, you will be rewarded with wild beauty of the land, and the extraordinary landscapes that Raynor so evocatively captured in The Salt Path.
One of the great joys of walking the North Devon section of the Southwest Coast Path is how every bend reveals a new and stunning vista. The golden sands of Woolacombe Bay stretch out before me, where surfers take on the waves and children play along the shore. Further along, the dramatic cliffs at Baggy Point beckon, these are the very landscapes that Raynor and Moth traversed as they sought to heal and rebuild their lives.
And it’s not just the views that evoke a sense of history, but the towns and villages that line the path. Instantly recognizable landmarks, like the Damian Hirsts statue of Verity standing guard over the historic harbour in Ilfracombe and the village of Clovelly, whose cobbled streets descend sharply to the sea, are reminders of the resilience of the communities that have lived here for generations. The fact that these villages still thrive, perched on the edge of this powerful coastline, speaks volumes about the enduring connection between the people and the land.
Probably the most poignant moment of the walk comes as you near the famous Lundy Island, visible on the horizon. Lundy is a fascinating place, not only for its stunning natural beauty but for its rich history and wildlife. Just as it is a place of escape, it also symbolizes the feeling of refuge and the catharsis that Raynor and Moth sought as they walked the path. In their eyes, the island represented a sanctuary from the turmoil they had faced. In mine, it stands as a powerful reminder of the ways in which walking can offer not just a way forward, but a path back to oneself.
However, if camping is really not that appealing to you, Ocean Backpackers in Ilfracombe and also an official Waymaker passport stamping point, offers affordable comfort and much of the North Devon section of the Southwest Coast Path can be achieved in sections, using public transport.
Ilfracombe is a small, charming town lies on the coast path and the hostel is in the Harbour area so very convenient for everything you might need and boat trips to Lundy.

The North Devon coast is an area of significant geographical interest for several reasons including its unique landscapes, geological formations, biodiversity, and cultural history. Ocean Backpackers offers 37 beds spread over 11 rooms and is ideally located in the picturesque harbour town of Ilfracombe. Convenient for all the eateries, boats to Lundy, and the southwest coast path that runs through the town, we also have a well-equipped self-catering kitchen and great communal space.

Reasons to visit North Devon…….

1. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
• The North Devon Biosphere Reserve is one of the UK’s first biosphere reserves designated by UNESCO. It is recognized for its blend of natural habitats and human interaction, promoting sustainable development alongside conservation. The area includes both coastal and inland environments, showcasing a diverse range of ecosystems.
2. Dramatic Coastal Landscapes
• The North Devon coastline features some of the most dramatic and rugged coastal scenery in England. Cliffs, headlands, coves, and expansive sandy beaches create a varied landscape. Sites like Hartland Point, Baggy Point, and Morte Point are examples of how the coastline shifts between towering cliffs and sweeping bays.
3. Geological Significance
• The area’s geology is a key point of interest. The coastline is primarily composed of Devonian rocks, named after Devon, itself, dating back over 400 million years. The Hartland Quay area is particularly famous for its folded rock strata, providing insights into Earth’s tectonic history.
• The cliffs along the coast exhibit complex rock formations, including fossil-rich limestone, slate, and sandstone, allowing geologists to study ancient marine environments.
4. Cliffs and Coastal Erosion
• North Devon’s high cliffs, especially around Clovelly and Lynton, are subject to significant coastal erosion. This dynamic process continues to shape the coastline, providing ongoing research opportunities in geomorphology and environmental sciences.
5. Biodiversity
• The coastline is home to an array of wildlife, both terrestrial and marine. Lundy Island, located off the coast of North Devon, is a key marine conservation zone. The island and surrounding waters are a sanctuary for marine life, including seals, dolphins, puffins, and seabirds.
• The coastal areas also have important habitats like salt marshes, dunes, and heathlands, supporting rare plant and animal species. The Braunton Burrows sand dune system is one of the largest in the UK and is recognized for its rare flora and fauna.
6. Historical and Cultural Heritage
• The North Devon coast has a rich cultural history. Towns like Ilfracombe and Clovelly have centuries-old fishing and maritime traditions. Clovelly, with its cobbled streets and car-free policy, preserves the look of an ancient fishing village, making it a popular cultural and historical destination.
• There are also remnants of Bronze Age barrows, Iron Age hillforts, and medieval settlements along the coast, adding archaeological significance to the area.
7. Outdoor Activities and Tourism
• The natural geography of the North Devon coast makes it an ideal location for outdoor activities like surfing, coasteering, hiking, and wildlife watching. Beaches such as Woolacombe, Croyde, and Saunton Sands are famous for their surf, while the Southwest Coast Path offers extensive hiking trails that provide stunning coastal views.
8. Environmental Protection and Conservation
• Due to its ecological importance, many areas along the coast are protected under various conservation designations, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) now known as National Landscapes. These protections ensure that the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region are preserved.
The North Devon coast is of geographical interest because of its diverse geology, spectacular landscapes, rich biodiversity, historical significance, and ongoing environmental conservation efforts. Its blend of natural beauty and scientific importance makes it a key area for study and tourism alike and great choice for both educational and sporting trips.