GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands Walk

2 miles (3.5 km)

This walk follows a nice section of the South West Coast Path from Croyde Bay to Saunton Sands. It's about a 2 mile walk with a small climb on the way.
The walk starts from the public car park at Croyde Bay. From here you can follow the coastal path south past the extensive Croyde Burrows Dunes. There's some nice paths around the dunes if you'd like to explore them further. Here you can also pick up a country lane and follow it east into Croyde if you'd like to explore the village. This route continues south past Chesil Cliff House before coming to Saunton Down. From the elevated position of the Down there's fine views down to Saunton Sands and Braunton Burrows below. After crossing Saunton Down the route finishes on the expansive beach at Saunton Sands. If you wanted to turn it into a circular walk you could follow a public footpath north behind the Saunton Hotel which would take you into Croyde village.
If you continue south you can explore the beautiful Braunton Burrows nature reserve. The reserve covers nearly 900 hectares making it the second largest dune system in England. At the southern end of the reserve you will find the estuaries of the Rivers Taw and Torridge at the scenic Crow Point. There's some lovely riverside paths to try here as well. If you head north from Croyde you can visit Baggy Point. The dramatic headland provides great views back down to Croyde Bay. You can visit the point and the pretty village of Woolacombe on our Woolacombe to Croyde Walk.

Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Croyde Bay there's the delightful Sandleigh Tea Room to try. The tea room is run by the National Trust and includes a lovely outdoor seating area in the walled garden. It's the perfect place to relax outside on warmer days and enjoy a cream tea. The cafe is also dog friendly if you want to bring your pooch. You can find the tea rooms on Moor Lane, Croyde with a postcode of EX33 1PA.
At the other end of the route try the Beachside Grill at Saunton Sands. This laid back grill is part of the Saunton Sands Hall. It sits in an ideal position, right next to the beach with fine views of the sands from the lovely outdoor balcony or the attractive interior. It's easy to find right next to the beach with a postcode of EX33 1LQ.

Dog Walking

Saunton Sands is North Devon’s only all-year dog-friendly beach so it's a great place to let your pooch stretch its legs and go for a swim in the sea. The Beachside Grill mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Photos

Croyde Bay - geograph.org.uk - 1038354

 Mudstone rock layers, of the Pilton Mudstone Formation of late Devonian/early Carboniferous age at Croyde Bay in Devon, England, UK.

Surfers at Croyde Bay - geograph.org.uk - 355415

Surfers at Croyde Bay. View of the surfers at Croyde. Looking south from the rocks at the northern end of the beach.

Looking across Croyde Bay - geograph.org.uk - 819601

Looking across Croyde Bay. From the S W Coast Path to Baggy Point looking across the rocky shoreline to Croyde Bay

Georgeham, Croyde Bay - geograph.org.uk - 514167

Georgeham: Croyde Bay. The garden cafe at Polly’s Seafront Tea Room. Overlooking Croyde Sand

Saunton sands - geograph.org.uk - 19492

Saunton sands. On the edge of the extensive Braunton Burrows. Looking towards the Saunton Sands hotel.

Braunton Burrows and Saunton Sands - geograph.org.uk - 820279

Braunton Burrows and Saunton Sands

Croyde Burrows - geograph.org.uk - 1325482

Croyde Burrows. A view of the dunes which lie at the eastern edge of Croyde Bay. In the distance is Middleborough Hill.

Saunton Sands and Braunton Burrows - geograph.org.uk - 302249

Saunton Sands and Braunton Burrows. Taken from the coast path on Saunton Down.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Share>Save to Files')

Memory Map Route

Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>'Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Share>Save to Files)