North Devon's Best Headland Walk
Baggy Point is the rocky promontory that juts into the Bristol Channel at the south end of Croyde Bay — a broad, exposed headland of ancient slate and mudstone, managed by the National Trust since 1939 and one of the most ecologically important stretches of North Devon coastline. The cliffs here are home to breeding seabirds — fulmar, razorbill, shag — and below the waterline, Atlantic grey seals haul out year-round on the rocky ledges and in the cave systems at the base of the cliffs.
The walk from Croyde village is short enough for most abilities but rewarding enough for seasoned walkers — a circular route that takes in the bay beach, the headland path, the dramatic clifftops above the point itself, and a return either inland across the fields or back along the beach at low tide. The views from the tip of the point are exceptional: Lundy Island lies 12 miles offshore to the northwest (visible on most clear days), Hartland Point extends west, and Saunton Sands stretches away south across the Taw-Torridge estuary.
🦭 Seals at Baggy Point
Atlantic grey seals are resident at Baggy Point throughout the year and are reliably seen from the cliff path above the point. Look down from the cliff edges at the flat shelving rocks and cave entrances — seals haul out here to rest, especially in the morning before the walkers arrive. Binoculars greatly improve the experience. Pupping occurs on more remote beaches in autumn — do not disturb any seals you encounter on beaches.
The Route
🗺️ Baggy Point Circular from Croyde (3.5 miles · 1.5–2 hours)
From the village car park on Moor Lane (EX33 1PA), follow the lane down to Croyde beach. In summer this is a busy surf beach — in winter the beach is often deserted and the walk more atmospheric. Turn right (south) along the beach toward the headland, or follow the path above the dunes on the seaward side.
At the southern end of Croyde beach the sand gives way to rocks and the cliff path begins. A clear National Trust path climbs from the beach onto the lower headland — the gradient is gentle here and the path is well-maintained. The views back north across Croyde Bay open up almost immediately.
The path follows the clifftop southwest along the outer edge of the headland — this is the most dramatic section, with sheer drops to the sea below and the full sweep of the Bristol Channel to the north. The path passes several good viewpoints over the seal rocks. At the tip of the point, a bench marks the furthest viewpoint — on clear days Lundy, Hartland Point and the South Wales coast are all visible simultaneously.
From the tip, the path continues east and south around the inner side of the headland, passing above Putsborough Sands — a beautiful, quieter beach below. The path climbs briefly to Middleborough Hill, the highest point on the headland at about 100m, with 360-degree views: Croyde and Saunton behind, the open Atlantic west, Exmoor east.
Return north either along the inland path across the fields (the shorter, easier option — follow the NT signage) or descend to Putsborough Sands and return along the beach to Croyde at low tide (adds 0.5 miles, requires checking tide times). Both routes return to Croyde village.
🦅 Peregrine Falcons
Baggy Point is one of the most reliable sites in North Devon to see peregrine falcons — a breeding pair nest on the cliffs and can be seen hunting over the headland and the bay year-round. The best time to watch is early morning on a calm day. Look for the characteristic "anchor" silhouette and listen for the loud, rattling alarm call. Scan the cliff edges where they perch between hunting forays.
Walk Highlights
Atlantic Grey Seals
Reliably present on the rocks below the point throughout the year — look from the cliff edges above. Up to 20–30 seals haul out on calm days. Best seen early morning before walkers disturb them.
Lundy Island
On clear days Lundy Island is plainly visible 12 miles offshore — a flat-topped granite island that makes a distinctive horizon feature. The view from the point tip takes in Hartland, the Welsh coast and Exmoor simultaneously.
Cliff-Nesting Colony
Fulmar, razorbill, shag and guillemot nest on the cliff faces spring and summer. The cliff-top path runs directly above the colony and is one of the best accessible seabird-watching sites in North Devon.
Croyde Bay Views
Looking back north from the headland, the entire arc of Croyde Bay is laid out — one of the finest surf beaches in England, with Saunton Sands and Braunton Burrows stretching away south.
Croyde Beach & Surf
Croyde is one of England's premier surf beaches — a hollow beach break that handles Atlantic swell well and draws surfers from across the country. The beach faces northwest, works on all swells, and is at its best in autumn when consistent groundswells arrive from deep Atlantic lows. In summer it can be extremely crowded; spring and autumn offer the best combination of reliable surf and manageable crowds.
The village has several surf hire shops, a good pub (The Thatch, one of Devon's best), and the usual seaside-village facilities. Parking can be severely limited in peak summer — arrive early or use the Braunton park-and-ride if available.
Dogs at Baggy Point
Dogs are welcome on the Baggy Point headland walk all year. The NT path is suitable for dogs on leads — keep them close to the cliff edges as the drops are serious. On Croyde beach, seasonal dog restrictions apply between May and September (dogs excluded from the main beach area). The headland path and Putsborough Sands have no dog restrictions year-round.
Getting There
Croyde is on the North Devon coast, accessed from Barnstaple (8 miles east) via the B3231. The village has pay-and-display parking on Moor Lane. In summer this fills early — arrive before 9am or use alternative parking in Saunton or Braunton. There is no reliable bus service direct to Croyde; a car is the practical option for most visitors.
🌊 Combining with Putsborough Sands
Putsborough Sands is the quieter, southern continuation of Croyde beach, accessible only on foot via the headland path. It's reached about 1 mile into the walk, below Middleborough Hill. The beach is dog-friendly all year, has no facilities, and is significantly less busy than Croyde. At low tide it merges with Croyde beach to form a continuous 2-mile strand — one of the finest beaches in Devon that most visitors never reach.