Travelled to North Devon for a few days to take in the last of the summer. Down the M5 then up the A361 to Barnstable then the Saunton Road and in around 2 and a half hours we (Luna and I) were in Croyde. Bit of a problem parking (double yellow lines everywhere) and car parks £5 all day, as we were only staying for a few hours parked at the car park as you enter Croyde on the opposite side of road to the beach as you can pay hourly.
We then proceeded across the dunes and into the busy area of Croyde avoiding the beach (no dogs allowed), from there we found the start of the walk up the hill behind the National Trust car park heading to Baggy Point.The well worn path up the steep hill was easy to follow. As the track approaches the top of the hill it bears left. Take the narrower path to the right which leaves the track here. Attractive views of Croyde can be seen as you cross the stone stile and continue alongside the wall to the right. Bear left to cut off the field corner, then follow along the wall ahead. A superb view over Putsborough and Woolacombe Sands to Morte Point at the far end opens up to the left. Continue along the top of the field to a lane. turn left down the lane, then left again towards Putsborough car park. Then left at the metal kissing gate and go ahead on this permitted path to the cliff top. this continues ahead to join the official line of the South west Coastal Path. The coast path around here is also the line of the Tarka Trail. This trail follows the journey through North Devon of Tarka the Otter in the book of that name. This book, which evokes superb descriptions of North Devon in the 1930s, was written by Henry Williamson who lived for many years at Georgeham, just inland of Putsborough and Croyde.
Follow the Coast Path along the cliffs, slowly leaving behind the superb views over Putsborough and Woolacombe. Approaching the headland of Baggy Point, views ahead begin to open out. The weather today was clear so I had views of the coast around to Clovelly and Hartland Point and on the seaward horizon Lundy Island.
Rounding a corner by a stone wall, bear right to head for a Coastguard climbing mast then follow the path which forks right to a stile. this leads to Baggy point. This was the favourite spot of Henry Williamson and it features more than once in Tarka the Otter.
Cross the stile and go downhill to the gravel path. Follow this down towards the Point. Baggy point is a favourite of rock climbers and they are frequently seen on the steeply inclined rock slabs ahead or on the sheer cliffs behind. Continue on the gravel path round to the left and downhill past Baggy Point.
Croyde soon comes into view ahead, the backdrop of the long hill of Saunton Down prominent behind. The path descends and passes through a gate – notice the memorial stone to Henry Williamson. Continue past the art deco style Baggy House and the remains of the whale bones and on to the surfaced road. Continue past the National Trust car park and we then walked toward the beach and back over the sand dunes to the camper in the car park. We drove back to Barnstable and on to Westward Ho for fish ‘n’ chip dinner. After lunch we walked along the sea front before heading to the campsite of Brightlycott Barton at Shirwell EX31 4JJ, which was to be our home base for the next two nights. On arrival Charles Friend our host met us at reception and he showed us our pitch. After a quick brew and a piece of cake I had a nap (must have been the sea air!).
Later after freshening up we headed off to the Pyne Arms EX31 1SE which Charles had recommended. Had an excellent meal and enjoyed a pint of local ale before heading back to get a good night sleep before our planned walk in the morning.