North Devon - Saunton Sands, Braunton Burrows & Crow Point

Saunton Sands - SS 444 375 Braunton Burrows - SS 454 352 Crow Point - SS 464 318

The 3 miles of Sandy beach at Saunton Sands is backed almost a 1000 hectares of amazing dunes known as Braunton Burrows. In the north of the dunes is Saunton Sands Golf Course an excellent championship course. At the most southerly tip is Crow Point on the estuary where Taw and Torridge meet. This is an area frequently visited by both fisherman and bird watchers.

Crow point on a misty morning   The Beach at Saunton Sands This is a most impressive beach with a huge expanse of flat sand stretching for 3 miles. The sand dunes behind are much enjoyed by children and provide sheltered spots for sun bathers. It is also an excellent surfing beach and ideal for all water sports. During the main holiday season the beach is patrolled by life guards and then there are areas designated for bathing. The facilities are all near the car park end but to get away from the crowds just walk further down the beach. These quiet areas are quite often used by naturists but there is plenty of room for everyone! It is wheelchair accessible but access is difficult. Dogs are allowed on certain parts of the beach. Arrive early on busy days as the car park although large can fill to capacity. Braunton Burrows This is one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK and is considered so important that it has been declared Britain 's first Unesco biosphere reserve. It ranks alongside Mount Vesuvius in Italy and the Danube Delta in eastern Europe It has over 400 species of wild flowers living in its various niche habitats and the best time to visit is probably early July when most of the turf plants are flowering. There are many very rare species to be found such as Sea Stock, Sand Toadflax and Water Germander. The plants in turn support invertebrate species and there are 33 species of butterflies to be found. While walking through the dunes you will still see evidence of use by American troops who practiced here for the Normandy landings. The Ministry of Defence still use a part of the dunes as a training area and if there is to be any live firing it will be indicated with red flags Crow Point. At the most southerly tip of Braunton Burrows you will find Crow Point – a lovely place for a wander and also popular with bird watchers and fisherman. Looking across the Torridge/Taw estuary you can see the enchanting village of Appledore and in the distance Instow. At low tide you can see Pulley Bank – a mile long shingle and mussel bed which is marked by three buoys. Many rare species of birds can be found in the area and the estuary is of major importance for its over-wintering and migratory populations of wading birds. At high tide seals can often be seen as well. During the winter fisherman catch codling, bass, flounder, dabs and whiting. It is best to fish in the sandy area past the rocks. Low water is considered to be the best time to fish. In the summer months anglers can enjoy fine sport with the sea bass as they move into the shallow rocky gullies. Many anglers use fly fishing techniques here. The rocky outcrops are also a good place for collecting peeler crabs in summer. Saunton Golf Course A superb course in the dunes at the northern end of Braunton Burrows.(SS 459 368) Established in 1897 Saunton has a long history, voted 25th in the top 100 courses in the British Isles, the East course should not be missed when visiting the Southwest. West Links Course - 18 hole 6708yds Par 71. East Links Course - 18 hole par 73 Visitors are accepted weekdays and weekends by prior arrangement. The normal terms are the payment of a deposit within 7 days of making the booking with the balance payable one calendar month before the date of play. Visiting players are normally only accepted after 9.30am daily. Late bookings will be accepted subject to availability but a telephone call to the Secretary's Office before coming to Saunton is strongly advised to avoid disappointment Tel 01271 812436 Directions Beach and Golf Course - From Barnstaple take the A361 into Braunton and then turn left at the traffic lights on the B3231. Both the Golf Courses and the beach car park will on your left. Braunton Burrows and Crow Point – From Barnstaple take A361 towards Braunton. Just before you reach the village you will see a left hand turning to Crow Point sign posted. Take this lane and you can then go straight to Sandy Lane Car park in the centre of the dunes or turn left down the toll road to Broad Sands Car Park which is near Crow point.

 

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North Devon
Mortehoe, Morte Point and Rockham Bay ,
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Fremington Quay, Heritage Centre, Tarka Trail & Home Farm Marsh
Lundy Island
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

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