Braunton Burrows

About this route

Situated at the entrance to the Taw-Torridge Estuary, Braunton Burrows is among Britain’s most significant sand dune systems and forms the heart of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Spanning 5 km in length and up to 1.5 km in width, the site encompasses diverse habitats such as flooded dune slacks, flower-rich grasslands, and scrub. These habitats host an incredible array of wildlife, including over 400 species of flowering plants like the rare sea stock (pictured below) and water germander, the rare petalwort moss, and 33 recorded butterfly species. The Burrows is also notable for its birdlife, featuring wintering waterfowl and breeding species like wheatear, skylark, and meadow pipit.

Photo of sea stock a rare British coastal plant found in Devon

Sea Stock by Peter Wakely, Natural England

The nearby Northam Burrows Country Park (across the estuary at SS445308) hosts a range of coastal habitats including saltmarsh, a cobble ridge and a system of dunes rich in plants.

Getting Around

On foot: The South West Coast Path runs just inland of the dunes and links with the Tarka Trail (and then to Braunton and Barnstaple).

By bus and train: There are bus links to Barnstaple and nearby Braunton. Barnstaple has a train station.

By bike: The Tarka Trail provides a good cycle route from Barnstaple to Braunton along the Taw-Torridge Estuary.

By Car: A number of small roads lead to the Burrows from nearby Braunton. Car parking is available off Sandy Lane.

Facilities
Saunton has car parking, toilets, refreshments and shops. Some areas of Braunton Burrows subject to closure for military training and management.
Terrain
Sand dunes and footpaths.
Accessibility

Interesting information

Braunton Burrows is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a very important part of the Northern Devon Biosphere Reserve.

Photo across a dune slack to sand dunes in the background
Braunton Burrows Copyright Dietmar Rabich via Wikimedia Commons

You can explore more in this area

Photo of the Two Moors Way path across moorland with a granite way marker in the foreground
100miles/
160kms

Two Moors Way (Devon’s Coast to Co..

Running for just over 100 miles/160km between Ivybridge in the south and Lynmouth in the north, this famous path links
Photo of the top of a waymarking post for the Coast Path and Tarka Trail
163miles/
261kms

Tarka Trail walking route

Inspired by Henry Williamson’s much loved novel ‘Tarka the Otter’ which was based on real places, this 163 miles/261kms recreation
Photo of cyclists on the Tarka Trail alongside the estuary at Instow
32miles/
52kms

The Tarka Trail (Braunton – Meeth)

Stretching for over 52km / 32 miles from Braunton to Barnstaple, then to Instow, Bideford, Great Torrington and on to
Photo of the top of a waymarking post for the Coast Path and Tarka Trail
23miles/
37kms

Tarka Trail Easy Walk

Entirely traffic free, this part of the Tarka Trail can be enjoyed in sections to suit your group.  This off-road route stretches for