Contrasts of Devon Walking

Walking information

Walks on this holiday are a combination of coastal and moorland trails with a rural stretch along the Erme Valley linking the two. There are some moderate ascents and descents on both the coastal and moorland sections, with more gentle terrain along the river valley. Both the Coast Path and river valley walks are well-signposted; the moorland section directions are covered by our notes and app. Coast Path surfaces are a mix of paths and tracks; the river trails are a mix of paths, tracks and lanes, and the moorland sections are paths and tracks with some quiet lane walking when coming off the moor. Walking boots essential.

Day 1: Arrive in Plymouth

Arrive at your hotel in Plymouth, just a few minutes from the waterfront on Plymouth Hoe and approx. 10mins from Plymouth train station. Take some time to visit the local sights including the Hoe, Barbican, Elizabethan House, and the National Marine Aquarium.
Overnight Imperial Hotel or Edgcumbe Guesthouse, Plymouth (breakfast included).

Day 2: Plymouth to Wembury via Plym Estuary (11KM / 7 MILES)

Take the ferry from Barbican Quay across the River Plym (paid locally £2.50 per person). 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 or Shearwater B&B, Wembury (breakfast included).

Day 3: Wembury to Holbeton via Yealm Estuary (17KM /10.5 MILES)

Take the ferry from Warren Point to Noss Mayo across Yealm Estuary (paid locally - approx. £4pp). Follow the path through Passage Wood alongside the river and onto Mouthstone Point with lovely views of Wembury Bay and the Mewstone. Walk along cliff tops towards Stoke Beach where a steady incline takes you to Beacon Hill and on towards Meadowsfoot Beach at Mothecombe. You will be transferred by taxi to your hotel for the evening.
Overnight Ivy Barn B&B, Holbeton or Rose & Crown, Yealmpton (breakfast included).

Day 4: Holbeton to Ivybridge (9.5KM /6 MILES)

Starting today in Holbeton, head out of the village towards the hamlet of Ford and through the Flete Estate to reach the River Erme at Sequers Bridge. Cross the wooden footbridge to follow the Erme Plym Trail to Ermington - a good spot to take a break. Continue along the river valley to reach your next accommodation in Ivybridge.
Overnight The Sportsmans Inn, Ivybridge (breakfast included).

Day 5: Ivybridge to South Brent (10.5KM /6.5 MILES)

Head up past Stowford Mill, crossing the railway bridge and following a track to Hartford Moor where you can visit Western Beacon and it's archaeological remains along with stunning views. Follow the 'Puffing Billy' track, the old Redlake Tramway built in 1910 to serve the clay workings on Dartmoor before rising gently around Butterdon and Weatherdon Hills with beautiful moorland views behind you. Cross the River Avon at Lydia Bridge and take the riverside path to arrive in South Brent.If staying at Turtley Corn Mill, you will be transferred by taxi to your hotel for the evening, and onto South Brent tomorrow morning.
Overnight Station House Hotel or Turtley Corn Mill ( supplements apply) (breakfast included).

Day 6: South Brent to Buckfastleigh (15KM /9.5 MILES)

Today takes you across streams and beside Overbrent Woods with the River Avon in your sights. From Shipley Bridge, follow the riverside path towards Avon Dam Reservoir, then up to Abbot's Way, an ancient moorland path that linked the abbeys of Tavistock in the west and Buckfast in the east. Enjoy spectacular views from Gripper's hill before descending the moor where a quiet lane leads you into the market town of Buckfastleigh.
Overnight The Abbey Inn or Furzeleigh Mill, Buckfastleigh (breakfast included).

Day 7: Buckfastleigh (optional 8KM)

Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in or around Buckfastleigh, where there's plenty to do and see. The nearby Benedictine Buckfast Abbey is well worth a visit, as is the Valiant Soldier, a unique pub museum. Buckfastleigh is the main station for the South Devon Steam Railway which runs down the Dart Valley to Totnes. If you'd like another walk in the area, we recommend taking the bus to Dartington Cider Press for a circular walk around Dartington Estate (approx. 8km).
Overnight The Abbey Inn or Furzeleigh Mill, Buckfastleigh (breakfast included).

Day 8: Depart Buckfastleigh

Drive home or take a local taxi to Totnes train station (approx. 15mins) for onward rail connections.