Walking Devon's Coastal Highlights

Walking information

The walking is mainly along the South West Coast Path. The trail is well marked, and is a combination of paths and tracks mainly on open ground with hedgerows and some short woodland sections. There are quite frequent ascents and descents as you dip in and out of beaches and bays (these are shown on the Headwater app). Walking around headlands and higher cliffs means wonderful sea views, and the path is nearly always set back from cliff edges. Walking boots essential.

Day 1: Arrive in Plymouth

Arrive at your hotel in Plymouth, set in a lovely waterfront location. Take some time to visit the local sights including the Royal William Yard, Elizabethan House, and the National Marine Aquarium.
Overnight Edgcumbe Guesthouse 3H or Imperial Hotel 4*, Plymouth (breakfast included).

Day 2: Plymouth to Wembury via Plym Estuary (11km/6.8mi)

Take the ferry from Barbican Quay across the River Plym (paid locally - approx. £2pp). On arrival at Mount Batten, you'll follow the coastal path accompanied by panoramic views of Plymouth Sound. Continue through wooded cliff tops up to Staddon Heights, an area of historic Victorian military defences. Enjoy stunning views towards the Breakwater across Plymouth Sound and the Great Mewstone as you near the end of today's walk
Overnight Wembury Bay B&B or Shearwater B&B, Wembury (breakfast included).

Day 3: Wembury to Holbeton via Yealm Estuary (17km/10.6mi)

Take the ferry from Warren Point to Noss Mayo across Yealm Estuary (paid locally - approx. £4.per person). Follow the path through Passage Wood alongside the river and onto Mouthstone Point with lovely views of Wembury Bay and the Mewstone. Walk along the cliff top track towards Stoke Beach where a steady incline takes you to Beacon Hill, then undulating onwards to Meadowsfoot Beach at Mothecombe. There is no ferry across Erme Estuary, so you will need to wade across at or near low tide (80 minutes either side of low tide is recommended). We will arrange overnight at either of the estuary to provide better timings for getting across. Occasionally, we may have to arrange a local taxi to get you around - guide price for this is approx. £35.
Overnight Dolphin Inn, Kingston or Ivy Barn, Holbeton (breakfast included).

Day 4: Erme Estuary to Hope Cove (16km/9.9mi)

Once across the river, today's walk takes you through Wrinkle Wood, skirting around Wonwell Beach and along cliff tops before reaching the unspoilt beaches at Westcombe and Ayrmer. There are a couple of climbs but you'll be rewarded with beautiful views of Burgh Island and the South Hams coastline. You'll take the ferry across the Avon from Cockleridge Ham to Bantham (paid locally - approx. £4pp). Then walk along low cliffs past Thurlestone and South Milton Nature Reserve before arriving at Hope Cove.
Overnight Hope and Anchor or Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove (breakfast included).

Day 5: Depart Hope Cove or spend an extra day to explore

Before leaving we recommend adding in an extra day to explore more of the beautiful coast and countryside. There's a lovely circular walk around Bolt Tail to Bolberry and back to Hope, or you may want to continue around Bolt Head to Salcombe to take in this popular holiday town and stunning estuary (taxi back required).