Hillsborough (Ilfracombe): A Coast in Conflict
1. From car park follow tarmac path up along left hand side of swimming pool, climbing gradually.
2. At path junction by hedgebank and Hillsborough information panel, go straight on, signed ‘Coast Path to Hele Beach’ .
3. Follow well used path up to the top of the hill. Near the top there is a short diversion on the left to a viewpoint, signed ‘Path to Viewpoint’ .
4. Back on the main path, continue over the brow of the hill and down to a fenced viewpoint by the Voluntary Marine Conservation Area information panel . Turn sharp right to follow zigzag path down the hill.
5. At footpath T-junction at the bottom of a short flight of steps, turn left following yellow waymarker arrow.
6. At fingerpost signed ‘Public Footpath to Ilfracombe’ turn right. (Alternatively, to visit Hele Beach continue straight on, then retrace your steps and turn left here).
7. Follow path up hill, and along the contour, ignoring all paths joining to the right.
8. Fork right just after the phone mast. Continue straight on to path junction by information panel. Turn left here and retrace your steps past swimming pool and back to car park.
2. At path junction by hedgebank and Hillsborough information panel, go straight on, signed ‘Coast Path to Hele Beach’ .
3. Follow well used path up to the top of the hill. Near the top there is a short diversion on the left to a viewpoint, signed ‘Path to Viewpoint’ .
4. Back on the main path, continue over the brow of the hill and down to a fenced viewpoint by the Voluntary Marine Conservation Area information panel . Turn sharp right to follow zigzag path down the hill.
5. At footpath T-junction at the bottom of a short flight of steps, turn left following yellow waymarker arrow.
6. At fingerpost signed ‘Public Footpath to Ilfracombe’ turn right. (Alternatively, to visit Hele Beach continue straight on, then retrace your steps and turn left here).
7. Follow path up hill, and along the contour, ignoring all paths joining to the right.
8. Fork right just after the phone mast. Continue straight on to path junction by information panel. Turn left here and retrace your steps past swimming pool and back to car park.
- Start/Finish: Hillsborough Car Park, Hillsborough Rd, Ilfracombe
- Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5km)
- Circular walk: Yes
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Coast path and public footpath. Some rocky, uneven, slippery and muddy patches
- Obstacles and steep gradients: 10 flights of steps; 1 steep descent
- Accessibility: Route is unsuitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs
There are no refreshments available
directly on the route. However,
there are many cafes, pubs and
restaurants in Ilfracombe. A small
selection, who use local produce,
are noted below:
Combe Cottage
Restaurant & café
63 High St, Ilfracombe
01271 862605
www.combecottage.co.uk
Menu ranges from cream teas to Sunday roasts. Committed to using fresh, local produce, and serving fair trade tea and coffee.
Grassroots café
97 High St, Ilfracombe
01271 865238
Friendly café serving fair trade tea and coffee. Vegetarian meals and snacks, with an emphasis on local and organic produce. Children are especially welcome, and the cafe has a soft play area for little ones.
Café Jardin
3, St James Place, ilfracombe
01271 855777
Homemade cakes and cream teas, along with light bites and snacks. Local seafood features during the evening.
Combe Cottage
Restaurant & café
63 High St, Ilfracombe
01271 862605
www.combecottage.co.uk
Menu ranges from cream teas to Sunday roasts. Committed to using fresh, local produce, and serving fair trade tea and coffee.
Grassroots café
97 High St, Ilfracombe
01271 865238
Friendly café serving fair trade tea and coffee. Vegetarian meals and snacks, with an emphasis on local and organic produce. Children are especially welcome, and the cafe has a soft play area for little ones.
Café Jardin
3, St James Place, ilfracombe
01271 855777
Homemade cakes and cream teas, along with light bites and snacks. Local seafood features during the evening.
Refreshments
Directions
As part of the frontline of an island
kingdom, Devon’s coast has for
centuries been a scene of confrontation
and combat. Along with the fruits
of the sea, the county’s two long
coastlines have also brought the
constant threat and reality of attack
and invasion.
North Devon AONB Unit,
Bideford Station,
Railway Terrace,
East-the-Water,
Bideford,
Devon EX39 4BB email: aonb@devon.gov.uk
