Description:
This walk goes around the Braunton Burrows, one of the largest network of sand dunes in the British Isles and follows the coastline to reach Saunton Sands. Most of the walk follows the route of the South West Coast Path.
Walk Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
11.6 miles / 18.7 km
Total Ascent:
443 feet / 135 metres
Time:
4 / 5 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from Velator Quay Car Park (EX33 2DX) (Grid Ref: SS484354).
Walk Route:
Start by joining the South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail along the river bank besides the car park and turn right to head south away from Braunton. After 1.2km fork right leaving the coastal path to follow a path besides a tarmac lane (Grid Ref: SS480344).
After 1.9km at Crow Beach House this lane rejoins the South West Coast Path, turn right and stay with the lane to pass a parking area and continue heading west on the path to reach the beach. Now turn right along the beach, note at high tide a path may need to be taken inside the sand dunes, in which case please heed the warning signs in the Military Training Area.
After 4km on the beach turn right to enter the sand dunes (Grid Ref: SS444359), after 550 metres turn left (Grid Ref: SS449357) and head north through the dunes on a clear path. In 1.8km turn left (Grid Ref: SS450374) and go through the dunes to return to the beach.
On the beach turn right and continue on the sand to reach the slipway turn right, leaving the beach to pass a car park. Continue along the lane for 150 metres to a footpath on the right (Grid Ref: SS449377). Follow this path for 500 metres to the B3231, turn right and follow the road for 400 metres, (take care there is no pavement). Once past the entrance to Saunton Golf Course, then turn right onto a footpath along a lane.
As the lane bends to the left take a footpath in front going through a gate into a field (Grid Ref: SS458376) again on the South West Coast Path. Follow the way-markers across Saunton Golf Course and continue south to reach a junction of paths (Grid Ref: SS461351). Turn left and follow a track to reach a parking area and then join Sandy Lane and head north for 500 metres to reach a junction. Turn right and keep with this narrow lane for 2.6km to return to the starting point.
Toilets:
There are public toilets in Saunton Sands Car Park.
Toilets are available in the pub on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
Saunton Sands: Beachside Grill, Saunton Break café.
To download GPX and print a map click “Learn More” below:
To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer 139 – Bideford, Ilfracombe & Barnstaple
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.