GOLF

If you enjoy a round or two, there are many golf courses within North Devon to try:

In the immediate vicinity Saunton Golf Club has two 18 hole courses 01271 890898
Willingcott Valley Course (no handicap certificate needed) 01271 870173
Mortehoe and Woolacombe Club (no handicap certificate needed) 01271 870225

Further afield, but recommended, is one of the oldest established clubs, the Royal North Devon Golf Club at Westward Ho! 01237 473817

HORSE RIDING

For experienced or total novice, an afternoon or more of riding can be a wonderful way of viewing the unspoilt countryside and getting some fun exercise as well. Locally, Croyde's own stables Roylands have been in operation for many years, and you can book lessons through 01271 890898. Or, for different scenery for a trek, ring Woolacombe Stables 01271 870260, a few miles from Croyde.

CYCLING

A short bike ride, or a much longer day or two out around the quiet lanes and tracks of North Devon can reveal so many secret places, villages, churches, farms and scenic views that would never be discovered by car. You can hire hikes and helmets, trailers and panniers from the cycle specialists below, and head out with a picnic with the family along the gentle Tarka Trail which runs for many miles from Braunton to Barnstaple, joining up with the Devon Coast to Coast cycle route heading down as far as Plymouth. For local rides, ask Jenny who is a keen cyclist and Sustrans supporter (Sustainable Transport charity). Or contact Mike Harrison - Croyde's own experienced cycling and walking map-maker on 01271 891160 or check his website for local informative maps.

Bike Hire - Tarka Trail Cycle Hire 01271 324202 and Otter Cycle Hire 01271 813339

WALKING

No visit to Croyde would be complete without a ramble along the coastal path to the National Trust's Baggy Point on the edge of Croyde Bay. However, there are so many walks in the area that you would need to make return trips to the village to sample them all. At Croyde Breaks and Breakers B&B we have many local maps and suggestions for walks, and a short drive further afield will also be rewarded with some fine rural trails, river routes and cliff walks, many of them within Exmoor Park or on wild and beautiful National Trust land.

Croyde Breakers B&B is on the South West Way Coastal Path and we often have walkers staying overnight to recuperate after a day's hike. Any wet kit can be dried out overnight, and a packed lunch can be ordered for the next day.

FISHING

Shore anglers can enjoy their sport on Saunton and Putsborough beaches, just a few minutes from Croyde, whilst some fishermen venture out onto Baggy Point's crags to try for a catch there. In season, lucky anglers have landed Bass, Pollack and Mackerel and more, with the occasional `exotic' turning up too.

MARINE CHARTERS

If you are staying for a few days there are other ways to explore the fabulous coastline: a boat trip to Lundy, an afternoon's bird-watching along the cliffs, exploring for secret surf spots, a romantic picnic cruise to a secluded cove The list of ideas goes on - all you need is Tony who runs Jrib, a custom marine charter vessel available for bookings for groups of up to 5 passengers. He and his other skippers are experienced RYA advanced level operators who run a safe, flexible service with lifejackets and waterproof clothing. Ring 0774 774 1932 or email tony@jrib.co.uk.