Highlight • Parking
Putsborough Beach
Hiking
4.9
(56)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
Mountain biking
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
November 10, 2022
Hiking
If you are walking round Baggy Point there is a cafe overlooking the beach and a car park here so it makes a great place to start or finish a hike.
May 29, 2023
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Putsborough Beach
4.8
(42)
482
hikers
17.9km
04:50
240m
240m
Embark on the Baggy Point & Croyde loop from Woolacombe, a moderate hike spanning 11.1 miles (17.9 km) with an elevation gain of 793 feet (242 metres), typically taking around 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete. This route offers a diverse landscape, from long stretches of sandy beach and extensive sand dunes to rugged coastal paths and sections through farmland. You will experience breathtaking coastal views, pass by the two Blue Flag beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde Bay, and encounter spectacular rock formations around Baggy Point where climbers are often seen.
While parts of the path, especially around Baggy Point, are fairly gentle, the overall loop requires a good level of fitness due to varied terrain, including potentially wet and muddy sections after rain. The trail incorporates undulating paths with moderate climbs and descents. On clear days, you can see Lundy Island and even Hartland Point in the distance, with cliff slopes adorned by wildflowers, gorse, and heather, particularly vibrant in late spring and summer.
This trail is notable for following sections of the renowned South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail. Baggy Point itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its impressive geological formations, including Devonian sandstone and wave-cut platforms. You can also find historical remnants of World War II training activities by American troops and preserved whale bones from a 1915 stranding. The area is excellent for birdwatching, and you might spot grey seals along the shoreline or North Devon Ruby Red Cattle in the dunes.
4.6
(45)
333
hikers
8.00km
02:12
120m
130m
Embark on the Croyde & Putsborough loop via Baggy Point for a moderate hike that showcases North Devon's stunning coastline. This 5.0 miles (8.0 km) route, which takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete, offers varied terrain and an elevation gain of 408 feet (124 metres). As you hike, you will experience dramatic cliffs, windswept headlands, and expansive sandy beaches like Croyde Bay and Putsborough Sands. The trail, part of the South West Coast Path, provides spectacular views and, in late spring and summer, you can see slopes adorned with wildflowers, gorse, and heather. You will also enjoy vistas towards Bideford Bay and, on clear days, Lundy Island. This route promises a rewarding experience with diverse natural beauty.
To begin your hike, you can typically access the trail from the National Trust car park, with the initial section towards Baggy Point being gently sloping. However, be aware that the path narrows further along, presenting rugged coastal terrain with undulating sections and several steep inclines. Some parts of the path can be slippery, especially when wet, so make sure you wear suitable footwear for your journey. You will also find portions of the coastal path running close to the cliff edge, with significant drops, so stay alert. Putsborough Beach offers a lovely spot for a break, complete with a cafe and clean public toilets.
This loop is rich in both natural and historical significance, making it a highly regarded hiking destination. Baggy Point itself is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unique geological formations, including Devonian sandstone and wave-cut platforms. Along the path, you can discover preserved whale bones and a well-preserved
4.8
(42)
289
hikers
8.07km
02:13
140m
140m
The Baggy Point loop from Putsborough offers a varied hiking experience along North Devon's rugged coast. You will find coastal footpaths and hiking paths, with some sections of unpaved, asphalt, and gravel tracks. The route features undulating terrain, including steep inclines and descents along the cliffside, rewarding you with panoramic views across Croyde Bay, Woolacombe Bay, and the Bristol Channel. This moderate 5.0-mile (8.1 km) loop involves about 452 feet (138 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes around 2 hours and 13 minutes to complete.
For your visit, you can start from Putsborough Beach, where you will find a cafe and car park. Another option is the National Trust car park near Croyde Bay, which also has facilities like cafes and toilets. Be aware that some sections of the trail can be slippery when wet, and there are narrow paths with steep drop-offs, so careful footing and proper footwear are recommended. While the initial stretch from the National Trust car park is generally accessible, the full loop requires good physical fitness.
This trail is part of both the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail, connecting you to wider networks of popular walking routes. Baggy Point is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unique geological formations, including 300-400 million-year-old Devonian sandstone and slate layers, and glacial erratic boulders. The area also has historical significance, having been used as a training ground for American forces before the Normandy Landings in World War II, and it inspired author Henry Williamson's
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Elevation 50 m
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