The best walks and hikes around Braunton

Yes, the area offers several options suitable for families. The Tarka Trail, following a former railway line, provides flat and easy walking paths perfect for all ages with great views of the river estuaries. Many of the routes through Braunton Burrows are also relatively flat and offer a unique landscape for children to explore.

Braunton is very dog-friendly. Most trails, including the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail, welcome dogs. The expansive beaches and dunes at Braunton Burrows are particularly popular for dog walking. However, be mindful of seasonal restrictions and areas with livestock or sensitive wildlife, where leads may be required.

There are many excellent circular routes. For a moderately long walk with minimal elevation, the Velator Quay – Crow Point loop from Braunton is a great choice, taking you along the estuary. For a shorter loop, you can explore the various paths crisscrossing the Braunton Burrows.

For those seeking a challenge, the sections of the South West Coast Path near Braunton offer hilly terrain and rewarding coastal views. The Baggy Point – View of Woolacombe Bay loop from Saunton Park is a difficult, long-distance hike that includes significant climbs around the headlands, providing spectacular scenery.

The section of the Tarka Trail accessible from Braunton follows the path of a disused railway line, making it a rail trail. The surface is mostly paved and almost entirely flat, making it ideal for easy walking, cycling, and for those with pushchairs or wheelchairs. It offers lovely views across the Taw and Torridge estuaries.

Many walks are conveniently located near local pubs and cafes. The Velator Quay – Quay Café loop from Braunton is a moderate hike that, as the name suggests, passes near a café, making it a perfect option for a post-hike refreshment.

Braunton Burrows is the largest sand dune system in England and the core of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Hiking here offers a unique experience of navigating a vast, sandy landscape with a rich variety of plant and animal life. The trails range from easy strolls to longer loops like the Crow Point – Velator Quay loop from Braunton Burrows, providing a sense of wilderness close to the coast.

Yes, Braunton is well-served by local bus routes, particularly from nearby towns like Barnstaple and Ilfracombe. These services provide access to the village centre, from where you can easily walk to the start of the Tarka Trail and other local paths. Some bus routes also stop closer to coastal trailheads.

There is a main car park located at the southern end of the Burrows, which provides direct access to the trail network and Crow Point. This is the most convenient starting point for many of the dune and beach walks. Be aware that this is often a pay-and-display car park.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 stars. Hikers frequently praise the incredible variety of scenery, from the unique, wild landscape of the Braunton Burrows sand dunes to the dramatic cliffs and stunning sea views along the South West Coast Path.

The National Trust managed path at Baggy Point offers a well-maintained, relatively flat 'easy access' route. This trail is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs and provides fantastic coastal views out towards Lundy Island without the need for any strenuous climbing, making it a popular choice for a gentle stroll.

You can explore over 70 different hiking routes around Braunton on komoot. The network includes everything from short, easy strolls along the river to challenging all-day coastal treks, offering plenty of options for every fitness level and interest.