Croyde and Saunton Down

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.