Walking South Devon's Coastal Path

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, 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/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. £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, then towards Meadowsfoot Beach at Mothecombe. Your day ends by wading across the Erme Estuary to arrive at your next hotel.

Please note: There is no ferry across Erme Estuary. You will need to wade across at or near low tide (90 minutes either side of low tide is recommended) or arrange a local taxi for approx. £35 one way.
Overnight Dolphin Inn, Kingston or Ivy Barn, Holbeton (breakfast included).

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

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. You'll be rewarded with beautiful views of Burgh Island and the South Hams coastline. You'll take the ferry from Cockleridge Ham to Bantham across the Avon Estuary (paid locally - approx. £4pp). Walk along low cliffs to Thurlestone and past South Milton Ley Nature Reserve before arriving at Hope Cove.
Overnight Hope & Anchor or Cottage Hotel, Hope Cove, (breakfast included).

Day 5: Hope Cove to Salcombe (14km/8.7mi)

Follow the path to Bolt Tail through a small wood before emerging onto open ground with spectacular views across Bigbury Bay. On a clear day you can see as far as Dodman Point further west on the Cornish Coast. Head towards Bolberry Down and along cliff tops to the secluded Soar Mill Cove. Soon after rounding Bolt Head, you'll enter woodland and pass Overbeck's Garden before winding down to Salcombe's South Sands Beach.
Overnight Waverley Guesthouse or Fortescue Inn, Salcombe (breakfast included).

Day 6: Salcombe to Beesands via Salcombe Estuary (20km/12.4mi)

Take the ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth across Salcombe Estuary (paid locally - approx. £2pp). Today takes you through one of the more remote but beautiful sections of the South Devon Coastal Path. Some short inclines and rocky sections take you to Portlemouth Down where you can enjoy fine views across the estuary. The trail continues past Gara Beach, winding along the cliffs known as the 'Swine Trail'; some care is needed close to the cliff edges as you round Prawle Point (Devon's most southerly point) and then further onto Start Point with its iconic lighthouse. Please note: Transfers are included to/from the accommodation when staying in Stokenham.
Overnight Cricket Inn, Beesands or Church House Inn, Stokenham (breakfast included).

Day 7: Beesands to Dartmouth (19km/11.8mi)

Today's walk climbs through woods around the old Beesands Quarry, across Slapton Sands and Slapton Ley Nature Reserve. You'll enjoy lovely views east and west along the coastline, passing through charming villages as you continue to the entrance of the Dart Estuary. Follow the coastal path to Dartmouth Castle where you can learn about this historic building and Dartmouth port.
Overnight The Royal Castle Hotel, Dartmouth (breakfast included).

Day 8: Depart Dartmouth or spend an extra day

Drive home or take a local taxi to Totnes train station (approx. 30mins) for onward rail connections.

We highly recommend extending your trip by adding in an extra day in Salcombe, or in Dartmouth at the end of the trip. Both have numerous attractions, fabulous restaurants and further options for some river and circular walks. Please enquire at time of booking.