Section: Woolacombe to Braunton

Length: 15 miles (24km)

Distance from Minehead to Woolacombe: 48.8

Distance from Braunton to Poole: 569.3

Grading: Moderate to easy

Height gained (and also lost): 918ft (280 metres)

Summary:

This beautiful section of Coast Path, which is also part of the Tarka Trail, is recognised for its wildlife and geological interest. Much of it is managed by the National Trust and it includes some very easy walking along cliff tops with fine views of the route ahead and out to Lundy Island and the Welsh coast. At the end of your walk you have the opportunity to explore Braunton Burrows National Nature Reserve, a rich habitat for flowering plants, small mammals and butterflies.

Highlights along the path:

• 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.

Worth a look (interesting places close to the path):

• Walking the sandy beaches of Woolacombe Sand, Croyde Bay and Saunton sands.
• Braunton church, dating mainly from the 13th century with its particularly wide nave, 15th century bosses, carved bench-ends and Jacobean woodwork .
• Braunton’s Great Field to the south-west of the village: 350 acres of medieval open-field system, still worked using the traditional strip system method. This is one of the three surviving open-field areas left in England.

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 info:

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.

Refreshments:

You can stock up on supplies in the shops at Woolacombe or use the facilities at Putsborough Sands or Croyde Bay. You can then choose between the restaurant, lounge or bar at The Saunton Sands Hotel, or the Saunton Sands beach café which all serve local produce.

Nearest Car park:

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

Toilets:

Woolacombe, Putsborough Sands, Croyde Bay, Saunton and Braunton

More information:

Woolacombe Tourism.co.uk ,Tel: 01271 870553,
Braunton Tourist Information Centre , Tel:01271 816400.

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