Croyde Bay

Four and a half miles round the windswept headland between Croyde and Putsborough, about two and a half hours with 180 metres of climbing, two gentle pulls and a stony narrow path along the north side. Start at the National Trust car park at the end of Moor Lane in Croyde, free to members and paid otherwise, and the busiest small car park in North Devon by nine on a surf morning. Dogs run free on the old fields along the top and there is a stream at Putsborough, but the drops on the seaward side are severe with no fence, seabirds nest on the cliffs from spring, and the crumbling walls hide sheep in the fields at the Croyde end.

A bracing 4.5 miles of about two and a half hours, weaving up old lanes to the top of Saunton Down for the three-mile view over Saunton Sands, then round the low cliffs at Down End and back across Croyde Beach, with 250 metres of climbing on narrow stony paths and steps. Start at the National Trust car park above Croyde, which is the only large car park in the village and is emptied of spaces early all summer; the number 21 bus from Barnstaple stops on the main street. The sting is in the tail: Croyde beach is closed to dogs from 1 May to 30 September under the North Devon Council order with a GBP 100 fixed penalty, so in season finish along the lane instead, while Saunton Sands at the far end of the walk stays open to dogs with miles of firm sand.

The surf village's landmark pub, thatched and heaving through August. Dogs are allowed inside but only at designated dog-friendly tables, which have to be booked by phone or email rather than walked into, so ring ahead in season. Useful to know when the beach itself is closed to dogs from May.