Northam Burrows Country Park

Northam Burrows, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is an extraordinary and unexpected feature on the more usually rugged north Devon coast: 625 acres (253ha) of level, windswept, grassy coastal plain jutting out into the Taw–Torridge Estuary, fringed by sand dunes, tidal mudflats and saltmarsh, the haunt of sheep, horses and wading birds. It is also used by walkers, and is home to the Royal North Devon Golf Club. The route here follows the Coast Path round the rim of the country park, and returns across the neck of the peninsula, weaving around the golf club greens (fenced off to protect them from livestock).

The Burrows are made up of a number of varied habitats, each supporting different flora and fauna. The dunes behind the pebble ridge run along the northwestern side of the Burrows, and separate the Atlantic from the coastal grassland. On the fixed dunes (behind the mobile windblown ones nearer the shore) you may see signs of badgers and rabbits, and ground-nesting birds such as wheatears and skylarks. The grassland areas are grazed by sheep and horses, and criss-crossed by 15 miles (24km) of drainage ditches. Skern, passed at Point 3, is an area of mudflat colonised by saltmarsh, and serves as a feeding ground for waders and wintering birds such as Brent geese.

The village of Westward Ho! (from where the Pebbleridge car park is accessed) is a strange mix of large Victorian houses, static caravan parks and contemporary apartment blocks. The settlement developed post-1855, following the publication of Westward Ho!, a novel by Charles Kingsley (1819–75). Kingsley spent his childhood at Clovelly, a few miles west along the coast.

From the car park there’s a choice of two routes. At low tide cross the walkway over the pebble ridge by the information board, and turn right along the 2-mile (3.2km) long Westward Ho! beach, passing low dunes, with views towards Lundy (left). Past low sandy cliffs the ridge bears right; look for a gap in the dunes, beyond which you may spot a Coast Path post by the 6th hole on the Royal North Devon golf course. Alternatively, follow Coast Path signs along the track past Sandymere (a seasonal pool), then between the dunes and Burrows Centre, to reach the post. (The centre is open from Easter weekend to the end of October.)

Pass through the dunes to reach the post, and turn left along the edge of the golf course, following yellow arrows past the 7th and 8th holes of the golf course and along the Taw–Torridge estuary, with views to Braunton Burrows. Cross a level grassy area, with views ahead to Appledore and Instow on the opposite bank of the Torridge.

At a Coast Path signpost turn right towards a line of seats overlooking Skern tidal marsh. At the edge of the marsh bear right across level grassland, aiming for a parking area.

From the parking area follow the access lane along the edge of Skern, a magnet for birdlife on account of its rich food supply. The best time to spot waders is one to two hours before high tide.

At the third ‘sleeping policeman’ road bump turn right down the grassy bank, keeping to the left of a broad, grassy sward. Initially head for the cliffs to the west of Westward Ho!, then keep ahead along the edge of the golf course, aiming for the car park which will be seen in the distance. You’ll cross a fairway as you return to the car park, so watch out for golf balls.