After the Tarka Trail Railway Marathon: Saunton Sands and Braunton

The Route: Barnstaple → Braunton → Saunton Sands Logistics: A short drive; Saunton Sands is a well-known North Devon beach a short distance from Barnstaple. Duration: Day trip

Barnstaple ──(short drive)──> Braunton ──> Saunton Sands

Saunton Sands offers a genuine coastal contrast to the marathon's own inland estuary-side course, a wide, three-mile beach popular with surfers and walkers alike. This is a strong add-on for runners with an extra day and access to a car.

Braunton and Saunton Sands

Braunton, a village a short drive from Barnstaple, sits just inland of Saunton Sands, one of North Devon's best-known beaches. The beach itself is flat and easy to walk, with dunes behind offering a change of terrain for anyone wanting a bit more of a walk.

Where to eat: Braunton has a small selection of cafés and pubs, a practical stop either before or after time on the beach.

Getting Back

The return drive to Barnstaple retraces the same short route inland.