Walk - Woolacombe to Braunton

Highlights

• The abundance of flowering plants around Woolacombe due to the work of the numerous rabbits that graze here. Flowers growing here include eyebright, orchids, thyme and broomrape.
• The memorial to Henry Williamson, author of Tarka the Otter, who lived for many years at Georgeham, just inland of Putsborough and Croyde.
• Views from Baggy Point across the waters to Lundy Island and Wales, down to Bideford Bay and Hartland Point and over the fields of Croyde Hoe Farm to the WWII dummy pillboxes which were used for training by the American troops for D-day.
• Watching rock climbers and the many seabirds from Baggy Point, including shags and cormorants.
• SSSI cliffs noted for geological interest by Croyde Bay. This area is very popular with climbers, and is also a good place to watch surfers who favour this spot.
• Enjoying refreshments at Saunton Sands.
• Velator Quay: once Braunton’s busy main quay and now a sleepy mooring enjoyed by river birds.
• The UNESCO biosphere reserve, which includes Braunton Burrows National Nature Reserve, one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain and home to hundreds of flowering plants, birds and butterflies.

Shorter option

Walk to Croyde (6 miles, 9.5 km).

Longer option

Continue to Barnstaple (an additional 5.4 miles, 8.7 km).

Public transport

First Great Western trains run regularly from Exeter to Barnstaple. National Express coach number 502 or First North Devon 3 or 3A will take you from Barnstaple to Ilfracombe, where you can then take the 3B bus to Woolacombe. First North Devon Service 303 runs between Woolacombe and Braunton. For details visit Traveline or phone 0870 6082608.

Parking

Woolacombe (Postcode for Sat Navs: EX34 7HQ), Putsborough Sands, Croyde Bay, Saunton, Braunton Burrows and Braunton.