Beaches South West England Wild Pear Beach - North Devon | Wild Pear Beach - North Devon |
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General Wild Pear Naturist Beach is a delightful little cove on the North Devon coast, near the seaside holiday village of Combe Martin. 
Getting There Wild Pear beach can only be reached on foot and the nearest car park is in Combe Martin. [The village can be reached via the A399 from Ilfracombe or the A39 / A399 from the direction of Minehead.] Until late 2005 the access path was declared dangerous as a result of winter storm damage and the collapse of some steps which formed part of the route. However, as a result of some hard work by National Trust volunteers, access is now much improved and this delightful naturist beach is open once again - although the path is still hard to find and involves a steep scramble down the cliff. To get to the beach, walk up through the car park behind the Foc'sle Inn at the back of Combe Martin beach. At the top of the car park, follow the signs for the coast path and in the direction of Hangman Hills. The walk to the beach is 1/2 mile in lngth and quite strenuous - not recommended for anyone elderly or unfit. Also, the path is narrow and, in places, slippery. Good trainers or proper walking shoes are advisable. The first part of the walk, up to "Little Hangman" is probably the worst part - it's uphill all the way. At several points along, the path, you can see the beach below by peering over the fern undergrowth (Very Carefully!). When you reach "Little Hangman", you will find a covered resting-place (very reminiscent of a bus shelter) Follow the coastal path and you will see the hill called "Great Hangman" ahead, just after you cross a stile, the path down to the beach is on your left with the path to "Great Hangman" straight on. Note that the path down to the beach is not so easy to see or find. Bear over to your left even more "towards the edge" and you will begin to make out a couple of very thin "slots" worn in the long grass - you would have to be very imaginative to call them paths. The undergrowth is very long with a lot of thistles and thorn bushes - so it is not advisable to be wearing shorts or anything that does not protect your legs. The path down to the beach is narrow and winding - proceed with great care, as it becomes quite steep and slippery in places. Description "Our overriding memory of the beach is how quiet it was. You can lay on the beach and hear nothing but the waves lapping on the shore." Facilities Water Quality User Comments Trip Report - 2002 "Although the beach was deserted all afternoon other than my Lady & myself, obviously due to the poor weather on the day, I thoroughly enjoyed my first venture into Naturism." Trip Report - 2002 "Lovely bay immediately north [of] and next to Combe Martin Bay, 1/2 mile, hard work, path was still out but it was well worth it.
Comments (10)
  written by Richard Batstone, June 07, 2007
The way down to the beach is certainly much better than it was, and, although it would be difficult for really elderly or infirm people, it would not cause problems to any reasonably fit person. We were there a couple of weeks ago and, at sixty-three and forty-one years of age respectively, are no spring chickens, but we found that it was definitely a walk rather than a scramble. One useful addition to the description of the route would be to point out that the descent to the beach forks off from the coast path about seventy yards past the stile.
written by Devdon, June 19, 2007
The stile has been replaced by a gate, so don't be confused looking for a stile.
The undergrowth on the path has been cut back by the National Trust and access is easier now, as long as you don't try to rush in your excitement at getting close to this lovely little cove Water is great and not too cold at the moment (early June) written by Paul, July 27, 2007
The need to get to a beach, any beach, after all the flooding, saw us try Wild Pear Beach for the first time on July 27. The path up from Combe Martin is very muddy. The path down to the beach is slippery (particularly the wooden steps) and all the good work by th NT volunteers is slowly sliding back to Nature. When the got to the beach the weather was far from suitable for skinny dipping so we retraced our steps but took the footpath signposted Combe Martin (by the gate) and it was an easier return. When the weather is dry I am sure this is a great beach, but not in July 2007!
written by Pete Chandler, March 29, 2008
The winter tides, and probably excess drainage from above have once more defeated the NT's hard work regarding the beach steps. I visited the beach 27/3/08 and the scene is one of devastation. The saturated landslip has also helped to dismantle them, leaving a gaping drop of loose slate difficult to climb down in safety. A rope has been secured for anyone who wants to try their luck at lowering themselves down to the beach (or hauling themselves up). Not good news...I have been informed from another naturist source that it's doubtful that NT will consider replacement in a hurry, as this is the third time the steps have had to be re-erected.
written by Devdon, May 02, 2008
I visited the beach yesterday, lovely and warm, but as previously pointed out, the final part of the descent is somewhat more difficult, though not unmanageable, even for an over 60 like myself.
In spite of this, was well worth the effort. written by Livefree, May 25, 2008
me and my partner enjoyed a great day on the beach, not the best of weather.access is much improved since my last visit.we made passionate love on the little sand there is.with some weird looks from tourists.but great scenery and very relaxing.
written by devdon, June 07, 2008
Sorry to report that the rope has disappeared,
and although you can get access to this great little beach, it is somewhat hazardous. Nonetheless, was able to spend 3 1/2 hours there today written by foofoo, July 07, 2008
Hi,
I haven't been to North Devon & therefore Wild Pear Beach in 10 years, I'm planning a week's holiday in August & obviously want to revisit Wild Pear. I'm planning on carrying my 1 yr old in a back pack but wondering if my 4yr old will make it with help from her dad....years ago my son (now 1  managed it when he was just 3...has the rope been replaced? Should we bring another one just in case??? written by Reggie and Paula, August 08, 2008
Hello
We were at Wildpear just last week. The last little bit right next to the beach is slippery. I think you might be ok if you took it steady but take a rope just in case. The footpath is in good order. Vodaphone has a good signal and the beach itself is beautiful. When we were there we saw a mother with a four year old getting to the beach by kayak. Pretty cool. Enjoy  Write comment
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After reading updates on the Net, regarding upgrades to the beach access, I
went to see for myself.
I would like to congratulate the National Trust Volenteers for a superb job
well done.
They have cut back the undergrowth along the length of the path & created a
"rebuild" of the stepped access down to the beach itself.
Although it will still be difficult for some people,
access down to the beach is greatly improved from its previous
overgrown & "Land Slipped" state.