CROYDE

Like its neighbour, Woolacombe, Croyde is a small resort with a big surfing reputation.  The village of Croyde itself has a different feel to it from Woolacombe, more quaint and ‘thatched cottagey’, yet still offering the usual facilities for the surfing fraternity in the form of surfing gear shops and a good selection of places to eat and drink.  The village is set a short distance back from the beach, while Croyde Bay is the part adjoining the beach.  The beach at Croyde Bay is relatively small compared with its neighbours, but just to the south are the sprawling Saunton Sands, a fabulous spot for surfing, bodyboarding etc., although judging by recent reviews there is an issue with the cost and standard of the parking facilities there.  For walkers there is a lovely walk from the village out to Baggy Point, the headland separating Woolacombe and Croyde beaches.  Alternatively for a shorter walk, there is a National Trust car park closer to the headland.  We did the walk one glorious sunny day on my birthday, stopping off for lunch at a tea room with a lovely lawned area with fabulous views along the coast – highly recommended.  The Croyde Ocean Triathlon takes place in July, back in 2016 for its second year.  The event is based on Putsborough Sands, back towards Woolacombe.

Webcam view of Croyde Bay.

Map of the area.

View of Croyde Bay from Downend - geograph.org.uk - 82311.  Photo by Grant Sherman, via Wikimedia Commons.