Baggy Point walk

Baggy Point is the National Trust headland at the southern end of Croyde Bay, close enough to Woolacombe for a half-day coastal walk but different from a beach stroll. This is a cliff-path walk: open Atlantic views, uneven ground in places, and a proper headland feel.

The classic route from the National Trust car park on Moor Lane, Croyde, is roughly 2.5-3 miles as an out-and-back or short circular. Allow 1.5-2 hours with stops. The South West Coast Path lists the short route at 2.8 miles / 4.5km. It is not technically difficult, but it is still a coastal path. Expect gently undulating ground, stony sections, narrow places near drops, and mud or slippery patches after wet weather. In autumn, winter and spring, use boots or grippy trail shoes.

From the car park, leave by the kiosk and follow the signed lane towards Baggy Point. National Trust route notes describe the first section as an asphalted lane signed for Baggy Point, then a mostly level graded track past houses and out towards the headland.

Keep following the signs towards the end of the point. The route opens gradually: Croyde Bay falls behind you, the cliffs become more obvious, and the views widen towards the Atlantic. At the headland, stop for the main viewpoint before either retracing your steps or using the signed higher return path where conditions and signage allow.

The simple there-and-back version is easiest for first-time visitors. The short circular return adds variety without turning the walk into a longer day. Stronger walkers can continue into wider Baggy Point and Bloodhills Cliff circuits, but that is a different outing: National Trust and South West Coast Path both list longer Baggy Point options around 4.5 miles / 7.2km. If your main question is the Croyde-side start and current checks before setting off, use the Croyde to Baggy Point walk planner.

Choose a clear day if views matter. Low cloud, sea fog or heavy rain can remove most of the reward from a headland walk. Late afternoon can be especially good for light towards Woolacombe and Morte Point, but keep enough daylight for the return.

After rain, expect mud and slippery patches. In strong wind, keep well back from the cliff edge and shorten the walk if anyone is uneasy. Children and dogs need close supervision near drops; the South West Coast Path specifically warns that the route has steep drops and that children and dogs should be closely supervised. Check the live conditions and tide times before heading out, especially if you plan to pair the walk with a beach stop.

By car, Baggy Point is an easy half-day trip from Woolacombe. It sits roughly 3.5 miles south of Woolacombe as the crow flies, with the practical driving route running via the B3343 and B3231 towards Croyde. Allow about 10-15 minutes in normal traffic, longer on summer changeover days or when Croyde is busy.

Pair it with Croyde beach if you want a walk-plus-beach day, or use it as the quieter afternoon option when Woolacombe's main beach is at its busiest. For more on Croyde, see the Croyde guide. If you want a similar headland walk without driving from Woolacombe, the Morte Point walk starts directly from Mortehoe above Woolacombe.

For more walking ideas, including routes that connect the two headlands via the coast path, see the Woolacombe to Croyde walk and Woolacombe for walkers. For a broader picture of what to do in the area, see North Devon things to do.