"Retreat Yourself"
We love nothing more than a bimble along the quiet footpaths of the North Devon coastline. Try out some of our favourite routes to get you out and about and enjoying nature.
Putsborough to Woolacombe
Distance:4 miles
A lovely easy terrain with stunning views of Morte Bay with Lundy Island in the distance and the rugged headland of Baggy Point. Park either at Marine Drive carpark or Putsborough car park (fees applicable) and follow the footpath along the 2 miles of sandy beach. Enjoy a stop off halfway at The Porthole and enjoy one of their vegan sandwiches or their famous homemade sausage rolls.
Crow Point to Saunton
Distance: 3 miles (circular)
CrowPoint is at the southern end of the Braunton Burrows and takes you through anArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty – part of North Devon’s Biosphere Nature Reserve.Start at Crow Point car park (accessed via a Toll Road) and follow the boardwalk to the beach where you can walk around the sand spit enjoying ocean views and along Saunton’s stunning 3 miles of sandy beach. At the far end of Saunton you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a drink at the hotel. If you don’t fancy a circular walk, you can catch the regular bus service back.
Croyde to Braunton
Distance: 9.5 miles
A longer walk with panoramic seas views across the bay. There are plenty of refreshment stops along the way. Start in the village of Croyde and take the footpath down by Billy Budds pub to the beach. Turn left towards Down End and enjoy a refreshment at Downend Café before following the coastal path to Saunton Beach. Enjoy a bracing walk across the 3 miles of sandy beach to CrowPoint where the walk takes you inland through the Braunton Burrows, one of theUK’s largest sand dune systems and a protected nature reserve. Walk back through Braunton Marshes to Velator Quay.
Morthoeto Lee Bay
Distance: 12.5 miles
Amore difficult terrain but worth the effort for the spectacular views of unspoilt coastline. Start at Morthoe and follow the path to Lee Bay (a favourite haunt for smugglers back in the day!) You may be able to spot the coastline of Wales on a clear day and Bull Point lighthouse from viewpoints along the way and keep an eye out for seals and pods of dolphins in the summer season. Stop for refreshments at The Grampus in Lee Bay before walking back.
Croyde to Saunton (via Baggy Point)
Distance: 9 miles
Starting from Baggy Point National Trust car park, this walk takes you around BaggyPoint and along part of the South West Coast Path before looping back through the village of Croyde.
There are plenty of benches to stop along this route to take a breather or simply enjoy the views. When you reach the headland of Baggy Point, try climbing the old coastguard pole if you don’t mind heights. Follow the footpath all the way round to Putsborough beach – the perfect place to stop off for a picnic.
Walk down to Putsborough Ford where you head down Coombas Lane back into the village of Croyde. Pass the Manor Pub and take the road across from May Cottage TeaRooms before climbing steeply up to the summit of Saunton Downs, a prominent ridge with a backdrop of both Croyde Bay on one side and Saunton Sands on the other.
Descend down to Saunton Sands where you can catch the regular bus service back or just stay and enjoy the views with refreshments at the beach.
If you want to explore more of North Devon and make the most of everything it has to offer, get in touch and make the most of our expert local knowledge for a personalised retreat you won’t forget.Find out more at www.sandseasparetreats.com