Highlight • Viewpoint
Baggy Point
Hiking
4.9
(178)
Running
5.0
(5)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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April 29, 2022
Hiking
December 31, 2018
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September 15, 2023
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Baggy Point
4.7
(39)
469
hikers
17.9km
04:50
240m
240m
Embark on the Baggy Point & Croyde loop from Woolacombe, a moderate hike spanning 11.1 miles (17.9 km) with an elevation gain of 793 feet (242 metres), typically taking around 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete. This route offers a diverse landscape, from long stretches of sandy beach and extensive sand dunes to rugged coastal paths and sections through farmland. You will experience breathtaking coastal views, pass by the two Blue Flag beaches of Woolacombe and Croyde Bay, and encounter spectacular rock formations around Baggy Point where climbers are often seen.
While parts of the path, especially around Baggy Point, are fairly gentle, the overall loop requires a good level of fitness due to varied terrain, including potentially wet and muddy sections after rain. The trail incorporates undulating paths with moderate climbs and descents. On clear days, you can see Lundy Island and even Hartland Point in the distance, with cliff slopes adorned by wildflowers, gorse, and heather, particularly vibrant in late spring and summer.
This trail is notable for following sections of the renowned South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail. Baggy Point itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its impressive geological formations, including Devonian sandstone and wave-cut platforms. You can also find historical remnants of World War II training activities by American troops and preserved whale bones from a 1915 stranding. The area is excellent for birdwatching, and you might spot grey seals along the shoreline or North Devon Ruby Red Cattle in the dunes.
4.6
(45)
332
hikers
8.00km
02:12
120m
130m
Embark on the Croyde & Putsborough loop via Baggy Point for a moderate hike that showcases North Devon's stunning coastline. This 5.0 miles (8.0 km) route, which takes around 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete, offers varied terrain and an elevation gain of 408 feet (124 metres). As you hike, you will experience dramatic cliffs, windswept headlands, and expansive sandy beaches like Croyde Bay and Putsborough Sands. The trail, part of the South West Coast Path, provides spectacular views and, in late spring and summer, you can see slopes adorned with wildflowers, gorse, and heather. You will also enjoy vistas towards Bideford Bay and, on clear days, Lundy Island. This route promises a rewarding experience with diverse natural beauty.
To begin your hike, you can typically access the trail from the National Trust car park, with the initial section towards Baggy Point being gently sloping. However, be aware that the path narrows further along, presenting rugged coastal terrain with undulating sections and several steep inclines. Some parts of the path can be slippery, especially when wet, so make sure you wear suitable footwear for your journey. You will also find portions of the coastal path running close to the cliff edge, with significant drops, so stay alert. Putsborough Beach offers a lovely spot for a break, complete with a cafe and clean public toilets.
This loop is rich in both natural and historical significance, making it a highly regarded hiking destination. Baggy Point itself is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its unique geological formations, including Devonian sandstone and wave-cut platforms. Along the path, you can discover preserved whale bones and a well-preserved
4.8
(12)
400
hikers
3.57km
01:00
70m
70m
Embark on an easy hike along Baggy Point from Moor Lane, a 2.2-mile (3.6 km) route that offers spectacular coastal and sea views. With a gentle elevation gain of 235 feet (72 metres), you can expect to complete this trail in about 1 hour. The path is generally undulating, leading you through bracken and gorse-covered hillsides that burst with wildflowers, gorse, and heather in spring and summer. As you walk, you'll enjoy expansive vistas across to Westward Ho, Clovelly, and Morte Point, and on clear days, you might even spot the hazy outline of Lundy Island in the distance. This trail provides a relaxing stroll, perfect for enjoying the diverse scenery of North Devon.
Your hike begins from the National Trust car park on Moor Lane. The initial section follows an asphalted lane before transitioning to a broad track, then gravelled footpaths or stony tracks. While much of the lower coastal path is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, some sections can be narrow with steep drops to the sea. The path can also be slippery when wet, so appropriate footwear is advised for your comfort and safety. There are benches strategically placed along the route, offering perfect spots to pause and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Baggy Point is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, celebrated for its unique geology and varied plant life. Keep an eye out for the large glacial erratic boulder on the foreshore, a 50-ton rock transported from Western Scotland, though it's only accessible at low tide. The area is also excellent for birdwatching, with seabirds nesting on the cliffs and migrant birds passing through in autumn; you might even spot seals swimming around the point. Historically, the trail features a memorial to author Henry Williamson, a whale bone washed ashore in 1915, and an old concrete arrow used for RAF practice bombing during WWII.
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Elevation 100 m
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