Nearest train station: Barnstaple
Braunton is a large village situated in North West Devon and has great links to some of the UK’s best beaches, being only a few miles away from Saunton Sands, Woolacombe Beach and Croyde Beach to name a few.
The village itself is a great base to explore North Devon though shouldn’t be overlooked for its own merits in terms of wild swimming opportunities.
Head south out of the village following the River Caen and past the Velator Quay, and you’ll come across a mooring platform that offers a perfect opportunity to jump in at high tide. The short River Caen eventually flows into the River Taw, and has boats moored around the quay on the way up to the estuary.
If you continue walking south you’ll walk through Braunton Marsh and the Horsey Island Wildlife Reserve and eventually to the beach at Crow Point.
How to Get to the River Caen at Braunton
We’ve provided detailed instructions on how to get to this location by various means of transport below, as well as general travel information nearby.
By car
Enter the postcode EX33 2DX into your sat nav, which will take you to the Velator Quay. Continue driving up small road over the bridge and you will come across a car park that faces the River Caen.
The spot lies to the south of the village of Braunton, and if you’re coming via the A361 (either via Barnstaple from the east or through Braunton to the north), take a right at Vellator Way past the roundabout at the Quay Cafe and continue down the road.
By public transport
The nearest train station is Barnstaple, which is over 5 miles away and isn’t really walkable. From Barnstaple Station however, you can take the 21 bus into Braunton and alight at Barton Lane, which is just a 5-minute walk away from the swimming spot.
If you’re coming from the north, the 21 and 21A buses also run from Ilfracombe. The 303 bus from Barnstaple to Woolacombe also stops on Braunton’s Exeter Road, which is about a 15 minute walk away.
By bike
North Devon is a cyclist’s paradise and this particular wild swimming spot is located right by the South West Coast Path which loops around Crow Point just to the south. This forms part of the Tarka Trail, which is a 32-mile traffic-free route that traverses Ilfracombe, Braunton, Barnstaple and all the beautiful countryside in between.
If you’re coming from Barnstaple, the spot is a 30-minute bike ride through a pleasant national bike path that offers some great views along the River Taw. Cycles paths are well signposted.
What else is nearby Braunton?
This particular corner of North Devon has some of the best beaches in the UK (Saunton Sands, Ilfracombe, Woolacombe to name a few) along the North Devon Coast which offer further opportunities for swimming as well as surfing and other watersports.