Barnstaple to Putsborough

26/7/14 A drive to the light industrial estate just over the large Taw Bridge enabled us to walk straight on to the Tarka Trail/SWCP. The going was flat and straight alongside the river and we soon arrived at Braunton Inn.


Some staff were arranging the garden furniture, so we asked if they we're open. Not until 11:30 came the reply. So we carried on. The old railway line heads inland past the Chivenor military bases until eventually reaching Braunton. Before actually getting into the town, we were diverted off towards the burrows.


The tide was out on the river Caen and, much like the burrows on the other side of the Taw, this area makes for interesting walking. There is an interesting cross-section of wildlife too.


The path goes along the flood defences for a few miles until reaching the sand dunes. We were expecting things to get a bit sandy, but the path follows an old, stony, military track instead. It was a hot day. I was expecting us to have seen a shop by now. Luckily, one of the car parks' attendants was selling bottled water. After crossing the golf course, we were given an option of walking along a busy road or heading inland "avoiding local amenities". We naturally went to see if the amenities included a pub. A soft drink and chocolate bar later, we climbed our first hill of the day.


After another walk along the road, we arrived in Croyde. The beach was busy and we must been quite conspicuous amongst the scantily clad holiday makers. On leaving the beach we could have waited for a bus back to the car. But, we had made good time and decided to go on around Baggy Point.


Coming out above the beach at Putsborough, we decide to head back along the road to Croyde. A refreshing cider and nice pasty later, we caught the bus back to the car. Then we returned to the surprisingly pleasant Braunton Inn for pints of Otter Ale (4.5%) and Tribute (4.2%) for £6.70.

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