Walks from Combas Farm: 5 Walks Exploring Croyde on Foot
One of the best things about staying at Combas Farm Camping is being able to leave the car behind and explore Croyde and the surrounding coast on foot. Whether you're in search of a gentle stroll, a hill climb with a view, or a quiet track back from the pub, there’s a walk for every mood right from the farm gate.
Here are a few of our favourites, tested by us and many happy campers over the years.
1. A Stroll to Croyde Beach
A short, easy walk from the campsite takes you to Croyde Beach, one of North Devon’s best-known surf spots. There are a couple of ways to get there – either by heading through the village centre and picking up the footpath between Billy Budds and Saltrock Surf Shop, or by taking the path across the fields and dunes.
If you're parking nearby, Down End car park is the closest option to the beach. From there, coastal steps cut into the rock lead you down to the bay, with great views of the coastline as you go.
Dog owners take note: Croyde Beach is dog-friendly in the winter and outside of peak season. If you're visiting in summer, dogs are welcome at Saunton, Putsborough, and to the left of the stream at Woolacombe Beach.
2. Baggy Point Circular Walk
Baggy Point is a classic coastal walk and part of the South West Coast Path, just a short distance from Combas Farm. You can do a circular from the farm, to Putborough, where you pick up the footpath to baggy point and round to Croyde, or for a shorter stroll, start at the National Trust car park in Croyde, and follow the path along the headland. The views stretch out to Lundy, Hartland, Saunton, and even South Wales on a clear day.
There are benches along the route for a sit-down and a look out to sea, and it’s a popular spot for spotting climbers and seabirds. 3. Quiet Walk Along Combas Lane
3. Quiet Walk Along Combas Lane
Combas Lane is our peaceful little track that links Croyde village to the hill above Putsborough. It starts near The Manor pub and winds gently uphill, eventually offering views over the coast and back across the fields.
It can get muddy in winter, but it’s usually quiet and is often used as a gentle route home after a walk or a trip to the pub. Though it’s not a loop in itself, it joins up with several other paths and is a good jumping-off point for a longer walk.
4. Down End to Saunton
This short and scenic walk hugs the cliffs from Down End car park to Saunton Sands, with sea views the whole way. Instead of heading down to the beach, take the path left at the top of the steps and follow the trail around the headland to Down End Point. There's a bench here take in the views… perfect for a flask of tea or a quiet moment, before you pass the infamous Grand Designs house of Croyde.
Please note, there is a footpath that takes you above the main road to Saunton. When you get to the steps at the top of Down end, take a left and cross the road - approx 25 metres down the hill you’ll find steps taking you above the main road and away from all the traffic. It deposits you just past Saunton Sands Hotel.
5. Saunton Down and Back
If you're up for a bit more of a climb, head up Saunton Down. Start from Cloutman’s Lane, opposite The Thatch pub. The road soon turns into a path that winds through fields and leads you up onto the hill above Croyde.
From the top, you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views across Croyde Bay and Saunton Sands. Once you’ve had a breather (or maybe a stop at Saunton Café), you can loop back to the campsite via quieter farm tracks.
Make It Your Own
All of these walks can be adjusted depending on how far you want to go and how much time you’ve got. They're perfect for a morning stroll, an afternoon wander, or stretching your legs after a surf. With Combas Farm Camping as your base, the coast is quite literally on your doorstep.