Baggy Point, Croyde, EX33 1PA
Baggy Point, the broad headland that forms the southern boundary of Croyde Bay, is one of the finest sea cliff climbing destinations in the South West, offering a range of routes on clean, grippy rock that attract visiting climbers from all over the country. The headland is composed of hard Devonian sandstone that has been shaped by the sea into a series of walls, aretes and slabs, with route lengths ranging from single-pitch beginners’ lines to more committing multi-pitch adventures that follow the edge of the cliff high above the churning Atlantic below.
The climbing here is characterised by the quality of the rock, which is generally excellent, and by the dramatic setting that makes even the most straightforward route feel like a proper adventure. Climbing at sea level on a fine summer day, with the smell of salt in the air, the sound of the waves below and the extraordinary coastal landscape stretching away in every direction, is one of those experiences that makes climbing in the UK feel genuinely world-class.
Routes are graded from Difficult through to E5 and beyond, covering the full range from comfortable introductory climbs for those just starting out on rock to serious test pieces for experienced and fit climbers. The most accessible area for beginners is the lower-angled section of rock on the eastern side of the headland, where a number of friendly single-pitch routes provide a good introduction to the character of the crag.
Access to Baggy Point is via the South West Coast Path from Croyde, with the walk to the main cliff taking around twenty minutes from the car park at the end of the village. The National Trust owns the headland and access is generally unrestricted, though some seasonal closures may apply to protect nesting birds on certain sections of cliff. A local guide or climbing club contact is strongly recommended for those new to the area.
Baggy Point represents some of the finest coastal climbing available anywhere in the South West.
