Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
The walk from Plymouth to Dartmouth runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll experience a coastline of spectacular contrasts from rugged cliffs, unspoilt estuaries, and sandy beaches, to patchwork countryside and charming villages. Discover the stories of shipwrecks and coastal defences, admire the rich fauna and flora and of course, soak up the incredible seascapes and coastal views.
Start your trip by exploring the maritime history of Plymouth, where you'll enjoy stunning views across Plymouth Sound as you make your way along the cliff tops. Journey through woodland and across beautiful beaches as you round Devon's most southerly headlands.
You'll stay in hand-picked guesthouses, pubs with rooms or small hotels. They are well suited to walkers, located close to the trail and offer comfortable accommodation with a good breakfast to start your day. Most of the accommodations offer parking and are dog-friendly - please enquire for further details.
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.
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.
Read more about this holiday in our Meet the Expert blog.
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.
You stay at Edgcumbe Guesthouse or Imperial Hotel.
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Just a stone’s throw away from Plymouth waterfront, this boutique guesthouse is a multi-award-winning accommodation. A delicious hot or cold breakfast tray is delivered to your room, offering you a relaxing start to the day; packed lunches are also offered on request. Limited roadside parking is available at £5 per day.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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This beautiful, family-owned townhouse is award-winning in Plymouth. Located just minutes from the waterfront on Plymouth Hoe, it’s an easy walk to the city centre, Theatre Royal or the historic Barbican. A delicious breakfast is served at the hotel, and you'll enjoy attentive and friendly service during your stay.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Shearwater B&B or Wembury Bay B&B.
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Just 400m from Wembury Beach, this is a peaceful family-run B&B. Breakfast is served in the sun lounge or dining area with lovely sea views.
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Located in the quiet village of Wembury, this popular B&B offers a friendly welcome and is just a short walk to the beach, local pub and shops. You can enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast before leaving for your days walk.
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.
You stay at Dolphin Inn.
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This quaint 16th century country pub is in the quiet village of Kingston. The rooms are opposite the pub where food and drink is served. The bar has a cosy fireplace, and there is also a lovely garden where guests can enjoy the sunshine.
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.
You stay at Cottage Hotel or Hope & Anchor.
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This traditional hotel has been run by the Ireland family since 1973. With lovely views, comfortable lounges, a personal service, and a wide range of food and drink, you'll feel right at home at the Cottage Hotel.
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Set opposite the beach in this picturesque seaside village, this boutique accommodation offers welcoming rooms, most with views overlooking the ocean. Enjoy local food at the pub with plenty of space for both indoor and outdoor dining.
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.
You stay at Fortescue Inn or Waverley Guesthouse.
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Located in the centre of town, this charming inn provides comfortable accommodation and good food at their restaurant/bar.
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Salcombe boasts unspoilt countryside and a magnificent coastline with beautiful beaches. This well-located lovely guesthouse houses just 6 well-appointed rooms. Off-street parking is available free of charge (subject to availability).
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
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.
You stay at Cricket Inn or Church House Inn.
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This idyllic seaside retreat has an award-winning seafood menu and newly refurbished rooms offering a home away home. Most rooms have beautiful sea views and are designed in a New England boutique style.
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This beautiful vilage pub offers high-quality rooms and modern versions of pub classics for lunch and dinner. A hearty breakfast is served in the dining area.
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.
You stay at The Royal Castle Hotel.
Located in the heart of Dartmouth, the Royal Castle enjoys a landmark location with enviable views over the water. The iconic building dates back to the 17th-century and today boasts a stylish bar and restaurant, comfy hotel-style bedrooms, and a contemporary food and drink menu adorned with fresh local produce and award-winning beers, fine wines, and barista coffee. The Royal Castle is the perfect spot for relaxing in one of South Devon’s most treasured locations.
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.
The above prices do not include any travel.
These prices include our standard travel.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
