Georgeham, Braunton, EX33 1JW
The circular walk linking the villages of Georgeham and Croyde is one of the most enjoyable and consistently rewarding short walks in North Devon, offering a satisfying combination of quiet country lanes, field paths, hedgerow-lined tracks and the occasional glimpse of the sea as the route winds through the rolling countryside between these two characterful villages. With dogs welcome along the full length of the route, it makes for a brilliant morning or afternoon outing that is manageable for most fitness levels and almost all breeds.
The walk begins in Georgeham, a wonderfully unspoilt village that sits in a sheltered valley a mile or so back from the coast. The church, the pub and the cluster of whitewashed cottages give the village a timeless character, and it is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and linger before heading out onto the paths.
From Georgeham, the route heads out through farmland on good bridleways and footpaths, following field edges and hedgerow tracks with wide views opening up across the surrounding countryside as you climb slightly above the valley floor. The sounds of farm life, the smell of the hedgerows and the general sense of being well off the beaten track combine to make this section of the walk feel genuinely restorative.
The descent into Croyde brings the sea back into view, with the village’s thatched cottages and surf-related paraphernalia providing a welcome contrast to the quieter agricultural landscape of the approach. Croyde has excellent cafes and a very good pub, making it the ideal spot for a halfway stop before heading back across the fields to Georgeham on the return leg.
The whole loop covers around four to five miles and takes most people about two hours, including a stop in Croyde. The paths can be muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
