Croyde is a small village in North Devon, popular in the
summer with holiday makers and surfers. The bay is overlooked to the west by
Baggy Point peninsular (owned by the National Trust) The route on the map
starts at Ruda holiday park because we were staying there but there is a
National Trust Car Park in Moor Lane. The NT link above also has the route in reverse.
The route uses some NT paths and some of the South West Coast Path with the first mile being a moderate incline.
1.
If coming from the village or beach walk up Moor
Lane along the footpath on the left hand side. Cross over where the footpath
ends to the stile opposite. If you have parked at the NT car park the go left
out of the car park away from the peninsular, past the NT café until you come
to a stile.
2.
Go over the stile and follow the track up the
hill.
3.
You have two options through the small copse,
either will bring you out at a convenient bench to sit and admire the view and
catch your breath.
 |
| Croyde Beach |
4.
Follow the track diagonally left to the corner
of the next field and then along the stone wall (which should be on your right).
5.
Continue straight on into the next field and
follow the path as it turns left.
6.
Turn right at the next field and again follow the
edge until you reach a stile looking out over the sea.
 |
| The end of the NT pathway |
7.
Go over the stile and down towards the South
West Coast Path. The beach of Putsborough is immediately right sweeping to
Woolacombe sands and Mortehoe peninsular. On a clear day the Welsh coast is
visible.
 |
| Woolacombe Sands and Morthoe Point |
8.
Take the South West Coast Path to the left and
follow this as it goes around the headland.
9.
Go past the coastguard climbing mast and go
right following the path down towards the end of Baggy Point. Lundy Island
should be visible.
 |
| Baggy Point |
10. Return
back from the point and this time take the path to your right.
11. Follow
the SWCP as it hugs the cliffs with Croyde beach ahead of you, continuing until
you reach your start point.
 |
| Croyde Beach |
Our route was 3.2 miles
See route on mapometer
Terrain: Moderate incline. Stiles. Grass tracks. Loose stoned paths.
Habitats: Coastal, farmland, heathland.
Facilities: Toilets at Croyde beach. Cafes and toilets at start/end of route and at Ruda. Further facilities in Croyde village.
