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The walk starts from the attractive village of Croyde in North Devon. Although best known as a surfing venue it is also ideally placed to access some superb coastal scenery. This walk features the fine headland of Baggy Point and panoramic views over Woolacombe Sands, Croyde Bay and the sweep of the North Devon coast to Hartland Point. Much of the walk follows the line of the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail. Fact File - Croyde is served by regular buses from Barnstaple and Braunton (service 308). For details contact Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. There is a car park near the Post Office at the village centre, another near the beach and a National Trust car park below Middleborough Hill. Facilities - Croyde (all facilities); Putsborough (toilets and seasonal refreshments); Croyde Bay (refreshments). The Walk - Start at the road junction by Croyde Post Office (grid ref SS444391). Take the side road, Jones's Hill, signposted to Croyde Bay and Putsborough. Use the higher path alongside the road to the next junction and continue along the road ahead, Stentaway Lane, signposted to Putsborough. After a short way the road swings sharply to the right. Continue straight ahead towards Cherry Tree Farm at the no through road sign, then keep on the obvious track ahead. The first views of the walk open out from here to the left, the high point of Middleborough Hill being especially obvious. (Note that this track can be rather wet after a rainy spell). Keep to the track as it rises steadily. Notice the marks of wheels of the carts which would once have used this track, worn into the rock of the surface. As the track approaches the top of the hill it bears left. Take the narrower path to the right which leaves the track here. Attractive views over Croyde open up to the right from here. Cross the stone stile and continue alongside the wall to the right. Bear left to cut off the field corner, then follow along the wall ahead. A superb view over Putsborough and Woolacombe Sands to Morte Point at the far end soon opens up to the left. Continue along the top of the field to a lane. Turn left down the lane, then left again towards Putsborough car park. If you are in need of refreshments continue down the hill to the beach shop (seasonal). There are also toilets here. Otherwise, turn left at the metal kissing gate and go ahead on this permitted path to the cliff top. This continues ahead to join the official line of the South West Coast Path. The Coast Path around here is also the line of the Tarka Trail. This Trail follows the journey through North Devon of Tarka the Otter in the book of that name. The book, which evokes superb descriptions of North Devon in the 1930s, was written by Henry Williamson who lived for many years at Georgeham, just inland of Putsborough and Croyde. Follow the Coast Path along the cliffs, slowly leaving behind the superb views over Putsborough and Woolacombe. Approaching the headland of Baggy Point, views ahead begin to open out. If the weather is clear, the coast around to Clovelly and Hartland Point will be visible with Lundy on the seaward horizon. Rounding a corner by a stone wall, bear right to head for a Coastguard climbing mast then follow the path which forks right to a stile. This leads to Baggy Point. This was a favourite spot of Henry Williamson and it features more than once in Tarka the Otter. An unnamed man who appears in the story at Baggy Point has been said to be a reference to Williamson himself. Cross the stile and go downhill to the gravel path. Follow this down towards the Point. Baggy Point is a favourite location of rock climbers and they are frequently seen on the steeply inclined rock slabs ahead or on the sheer cliffs behind. Continue on the gravel path round to the left and downhill past Baggy Point. Croyde soon comes into view ahead, the backdrop of the long hill of Saunton Down prominent behind. The path descends and passes through a gate - notice the memorial store to Henry Willamson. Continue past the art deco style Baggy House and the remains of the whale bones and on to the surfaced lane. Continue past the National Trust car park. For the direct route back to the village centre, go on past the entrance to the beach car park and along the lane. At the junction at the end cross over and turn right onto the raised path to return to the Post Office. Alternatively, follow the path to the beach at the beach car park, then follow the footpath through the dunes to Croyde village. This walk is reproduced by kind permission of Devon Tourism. Contributors Website or Email - Click for more Information Suggested Maps It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.
Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps. Southcliffe Hall, Lee, North Devon - Devon Pattard, Hartland, North Devon - Devon Crackington Manor, Crackington Haven - Cornwall NorthShoreBude, Bude, Cornwall - Cornwall Self Catering Directory Walks & Peaks Bedsearcher Hostelbookers - Hostels in England, Scotland and Wales
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