Morte Property National Trust

The National Trust's beautiful Morte property includes most of the North Devon coastline between Croyde Bay and Ilfracombe. As well as a variety of wild and splendid coastal scenery, the area is important for its geology, archaeology and wildlife. The area is ideal for walkers, with a network of paths which offer walks of different lengths and difficulty through a variety of beautiful countryside. The National Trust aims to allow access wherever possible while at the same time looking after the environment and wildlife and supporting traditional) farming.

Much of the land around Woolacombe, including Morte Point, was given to the National Trust by Miss Chichester of Arlington Court (now owned by The National Trust), and a large part of Baggy Point was a gift from the Hyde family, who lived at Baggy. Other acquisitions have been added over the years, especially under the Neptune coastline Campaign, the Trust's appeal to save the unspoilt coast of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Walks in the area
The South West Coast Path between Ilfracombe and Croyde, which in this section is almost entirely on National Trust land, offers spectacular walking via cliffs and coves, sand-dunes and headlands, all with breathtaking sea views. On the north coast there are the rugged cliffs of the Torrs Walk, Damage cliffs and Bull Point, with coves and valleys tucked between. On the west coast there is the majestic sweep of Morte Bay, edged by the sand-dunes of Woolacombe Warren and punctuated by the headlands of Morte Point and Baggy Point - all Trust properties with open access and a network of paths to explore. Morte Point and Baggy Point are justifiably popular with walkers, strollers and picnickers and can be easily reached from nearby car parks. The National Trust has recently extended wheelchair access to some of the more popular spots. Whichever of the many routes in the area is chosen, the visitor is guaranteed some of the finest and most extensive views in Devon.

The coastline of the Morte property is underlain by Devonian Age rocks over 300 million years old in a succession of sandstones, shales and slates and much else of national importance geologically.

Contributed by: Julia Clive