North Devon Wave 21C - Discover Golden Sands: Take the Stagecoach 21C bus from Barnstaple to Saunton Sands and Croyde.

Journey to Barnstaple, North Devon’s bustling heart, and experience the ease of arrival by rail. The scenic Tarka Line from Exeter delivers you right to the edge of town, a delightful start to your car-free adventure. From the station, a short stroll across the historic Barnstaple Long Bridge, spanning the River Taw, leads you directly into the town centre, offering picturesque views as you go.

Immerse yourself in local life at the iconic Pannier Market, a vibrant hub of stalls and artisan goods housed in a stunning Victorian building. Adjacent Butchers Row, with its independent shops and eateries, invites further exploration. Delve into the region’s past at the Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon, or discover the remnants of Barnstaple Castle’s Norman motte, providing lovely vistas across the Taw Valley.

For those who love to wander, the celebrated Tarka Trail offers miles of flat walking and cycling paths along a disused railway line, revealing tranquil estuary views and connecting to charming villages. Stroll along Queen Anne’s Walk, admiring its historic architecture, once the Merchants Exchange. While Barnstaple provides a wonderful base for reaching North Devon’s stunning coastline and the fringes of Exmoor National Park via local bus services, the town itself is a treasure trove ready to be explored at a leisurely pace.

Braunton, a charming village nestled in North Devon, is a delight for those who prefer to explore at a relaxed pace. Leaving the car behind, you can easily immerse yourself in the natural splendour of the area. Step onto the famous Tarka Trail, a haven for walkers and cyclists, offering miles of flat, traffic-free paths that weave through unspoilt countryside and along the estuary towards coastal vistas. From Braunton, you can also join sections of the iconic South West Coast Path, leading to dramatic headlands like Baggy Point, where breathtaking views await. Explore the unique Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, rich in wildlife and offering invigorating strolls. Back in the village, delve into local history at the Braunton & District Museum or discover the UK’s surfing heritage at the engaging Museum of British Surfing, both easily reached on foot. Braunton truly invites you to connect with its landscape and stories, all at your own unhurried rhythm.

Embrace the rugged charm of North Devon with a refreshing visit to Saunton Sands. This impressive stretch of three miles of golden sand is a haven for those seeking wide open spaces and the invigorating sea air. Backed by the magnificent Braunton Burrows, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, it offers a unique landscape perfect for long, scenic walks amidst the dunes.

For travellers without a car, reaching this stunning coastline is wonderfully straightforward. Regular bus services connect Saunton Sands directly from nearby Braunton, with journeys taking a mere eleven minutes, or from the larger town of Barnstaple, approximately 28 minutes away. Once you arrive at the convenient bus stops by the beach or Saunton Sands Hotel, you are perfectly placed to explore. Whether you fancy trying your hand at longboard surfing, enjoying a leisurely paddle, or simply strolling along the shore, Saunton Sands promises a truly expansive and accessible coastal experience, complete with handy facilities including a café and surf hire.

Nestled within North Devon’s stunning coastline, Croyde Bay offers an idyllic escape where golden sands meet picturesque village life. Renowned for its superb surfing conditions, the expansive beach is also perfect for tranquil strolls or exploring fascinating rock pools.

Leave the car behind and immerse yourself in the village’s ‘olde worlde’ atmosphere, with its charming thatched cottages and inviting traditional pubs. Wander along the dramatic South West Coast Path to Baggy Point, where breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged headland and Lundy Island await. Nearby, the beautiful Saunton Sands is easily accessible for more seaside exploration.