21miles

North Devon VMCA

About this route

The North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA) runs for about 21 miles along the coast from Hangman Point in the east to Down End in Croyde in the west. It extends from the cliff base out into coastal waters to a depth of 20 meters. It was created in 1994 to help raise awareness of this beautiful stretch of coast and its wildlife.

The coastline has a wide range of shores and beaches, home to a diversity of coastal wildlife. For example, the area supports the rare and beautiful scarlet and gold star coral and the shy leopard spotted goby. In summer, sunfish and basking sharks may be spotted off the coast.

Getting Around

On foot: The South West Coast Path, a long-distance walking route, runs the entire length of the North Devon VMCA.

Facilities
The Devon Wildlife Trust organises guided rockpool adventures and organised events. There are mini-marine centres at Ilfracombe Museum, Mortehoe Heritage Centre and Braunton Countryside Centre.
Terrain
Coastal Footpath with some cliff edges.
Accessibility

Interesting information

This site is a Voluntary Marine Conservation Area (VMCA).

Photo looking down on sea and beach with rocky cliffs behind
Broadsands and Hangman Point, North Devon Coast Copyright Philip Halling, licenced for reuse - geograph.org.uk

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