Cruising area One of 7 cruising areas in Barnstaple 1 of 7 in Barnstaple

The beach at Saunton Sands lies 7 miles west of the north Devon town of Barnstaple and is a splendid expanse of sand backed by an extensive area of dunes known as Braunton Burrows. Saunton Sands is a three mile long expanse of sandy beach (what else!) facing due west and cut off to the south by the combined estuaries of the rivers Taw and Torridge. Behind the beach is a large area of sand dunes - Braunton Burrows - which are home to a golf course, a nature reserve and Ministry of Defence training areas ( marked "Danger Area" on O.S.maps). The last of these features are unlikely to be a problem at holiday times - but further information my be available from the car park attendant at Saunton. Anyone with a notion to get up to mischief in the dunes should perhaps bear in mind that the nearby former airfield at Chivenor is now home to a large contingent of Royal Marines! The beach is reported to be clean , the sea unpolluted and safe for swimming, except at the southern end near the estuary. When the tide, wind and sea combine in the correct proportion Saunton can produce excellent surfing conditions - at such to times swimmers should exercise proper caution. The exact part of the beach used by naturists may well vary according to the number of textile visitors - arriving early and setting the trend my well encourage others to join you.

Best time

Warm summer days.

Crowd

The crowd is a mix of straight and gay.

Last verified

Not yet · updated 2010

Wheelchair: Not accessible

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