Croyde: Coast, Trails and Village History

Coastal Landscape and Nature

Croyde lies within the North Devon National Landscape. Croyde Beach is bordered by gently curving sand dunes and striking cliffs. Beside the golden sandy beach are rock pools, popular for exploring tidal pools. Dunes, cliffs and rock pools give the coastline a range of features. When choosing Croyde as a destination, you can take both the landscape and your interest in exploring tidal pools into consideration.

Baggy Point and Walking Trails

Baggy Point lies in a central area of the Saunton to Baggy Point Coast SSSI. The easily accessible path at Baggy Point offers far-reaching views towards Lundy Island. The short circular walk at Baggy Point is 2 miles (3.2 km) long. The Croyde and Saunton Down AONB Walk starts and ends at Croyde Village Car Park; check current trail conditions before setting out. The National Trust Baggy Point car park is close to Croyde Beach. The distance of the short circular walk and the start and end point of the AONB Walk are different planning details: one describes the route length, while the other identifies the starting point for the walk.

Surfing on the Coast

Croyde Bay has a faster wave and is therefore more popular with advanced shortboard surfers. Croyde also has several surf schools offering beginner lessons. If you are weighing up different surfing interests, you can consider the wave as an indicator for advanced shortboard surfing and the lessons as an option for beginners. The local wildlife includes a toad colony described as the third-largest in the country.

Village Character and History

Much of present-day Croyde dates from the 17th century. Traditional thatched cottages and winding lanes define the village. Seven of the ten dummy bunkers built for D-Day training remain at Baggy Point. The historical features offer different points of interest: the village’s architectural character and the surviving military structures at Baggy Point.

Getting There and Regional Orientation

For bus travel, route 308 is relevant: it runs from Barnstaple and Braunton to Croyde. Check the current timetable before travelling. National Cycle Network Route 27 runs through the Croyde and Georgeham area between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple; check the route information before your cycle ride. The bus lists Croyde as a destination, while Route 27 runs through the Croyde and Georgeham area. This difference in geographical description can help you use the route information appropriately when planning. Menus in the area around Croyde often feature local produce. This provides a general regional connection if local products are important to your meal planning.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: East Portlemouth, Thorverton, Chittlehamholt, Chulmleigh, Parracombe, Sampford Courtenay, Cullompton, Bampton.

For the main travel overview: Devon.