Woolacombe to Croyde coastal walk
Route, Baggy Point and return — about 6 miles on the South West Coast Path, with tide notes, terrain advice and return options.
Quick answer
About 6 miles, 2.5 to 3.5 hours one way
The Woolacombe to Croyde walk is a classic North Devon coast path day out: beach, open headland, big Atlantic views and a proper finish in Croyde rather than a short stroll back to the car. The usual route follows the South West Coast Path south from Woolacombe, passes Putsborough at the end of Woolacombe Bay, crosses National Trust land around Baggy Point, then drops towards Croyde Bay and Croyde village.
The South West Coast Path Association lists this as 6 miles / 9.5 km, so treat it as a half-day one-way walk. For most visitors, the best plan is to walk one way and return by bus, taxi or a pre-arranged lift. Check tide times and current weather before you set off.
The route
Woolacombe, Putsborough, Baggy Point, Croyde
- Distance: about 6 miles / 9.5 km one way.
- Time: about 2.5 to 3.5 hours walking, or a full half-day with stops.
- Direction: Woolacombe to Putsborough to Baggy Point to Croyde.
- Difficulty: moderate, with uneven and exposed coast path sections.
- Best for: walkers who are happy with a point-to-point route and have a return plan.
- Return: bus, taxi or pre-arranged lift from Croyde.
This is a good route for active visitors staying in Woolacombe who want a proper South West Coast Path walk without committing to a long-distance hiking day. Think twice with young children, buggies, tired dogs or anyone who dislikes exposed paths. Baggy Point has dramatic cliff scenery, but that also means wind, drops and little shelter. In poor visibility or strong wind, choose a shorter Woolacombe walk and save this for a calmer day.
The walk
Starting in Woolacombe
Head south from Woolacombe towards Putsborough. At lower tide, the broad sand of Woolacombe Beach can make the first stretch straightforward and scenic. At higher tide, or if the beach feels awkward underfoot, use the coast path and dune-side options instead of trying to force a beach line. The safe version of this walk is the signed South West Coast Path, adjusted for the tide and local signs on the day.
If you are driving to the start, use the parking guide before you choose where to leave the car. A one-way walk only works smoothly if you have already planned how to get back before you set off.
First pause
Putsborough
Putsborough sits at the southern end of Woolacombe Bay, looking back along the huge sweep of sand towards Woolacombe and Morte Point. This is a good point to check your group: if anyone is already tired, turning back to Woolacombe from here is much easier than pressing on to Baggy Point.
The route beyond Putsborough starts to feel more like a coast path walk than a beach wander. Expect open ground, changing surfaces and more exposure to wind. The views also widen, with Woolacombe behind you and Saunton Sands beginning to appear across the coast as you work towards the headland.
The headland
Baggy Point
Baggy Point is the main event of the walk. The headland sits between Woolacombe Bay and Croyde Bay and is managed by the National Trust. It is central to the Saunton to Baggy Point Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest, where biological and geological features come together. The National Trust describes it as an impressive headland with dramatic cliffs, coast path walks and far-reaching views.
Grey seals are often visible in the waters around Baggy Point, especially in summer, but wildlife is never guaranteed. You may also see seabirds around the cliffs, so keep dogs close and give wildlife space. Take your time here if the weather is good — look back over Putsborough and Woolacombe, then round the corner for views across Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands.
The finish
Down to Croyde
After Baggy Point, the route gradually turns towards Croyde. The feel changes again: Woolacombe Bay is behind you and Croyde Bay opens below. Do not rush the final section. Legs can be tired by this point, and descents are where slips happen. Stay on the signed path, keep away from cliff edges and save the beach wandering for after you have reached Croyde safely.
Croyde village is a little inland from the beach, so allow extra time if your return transport is meeting you away from the sand.
Getting back
Return to Woolacombe
Plan the return before you start walking. Bus and taxi are the common options, but do not assume a turn-up-and-go service. Devon County Council's Travel Devon guidance says bus timetables are kept online and recommends checking operators before travel. Traveline also provides journey planning and departure information. If you are using buses, check current schedules on the day and build in a fallback. A taxi or lift is often the simplest option for groups, especially outside the busiest summer daytime periods.
Walking back is possible for fit walkers, but it turns a 6-mile route into a much bigger day. For most visitors, the best version is one way with a planned return.
Before you go
Tides, weather and safety
Check tide times before setting out if you intend to use the beach between Woolacombe and Putsborough. Check weather too. Baggy Point is exposed, and a pleasant village forecast can still mean strong wind on the headland. Take a layer, water, snacks and footwear with grip — trail shoes are a sensible minimum in dry settled weather, walking shoes better after rain.
Stay on the waymarked route, avoid cliff edges, supervise children closely and keep dogs under close control around livestock, wildlife and drops. If the headland looks rough or visibility is poor, choose a shorter walk from walks in Woolacombe and come back another day.
Alternatives
Shorter options
- Woolacombe to Putsborough and back: the easiest way to get a taste of the route without needing return transport.
- Croyde to Baggy Point and back: a good alternative if you are based in Croyde or want the headland views without the full walk.
- Baggy Point easy-access path: the National Trust notes an easy access path from the Croyde side with coastal views, useful for mixed-ability groups.