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United Kingdom: Devon

Walking Devon’s Coastal Highlights

Trip code: W04DE

Average customer rating 4.0 / 5(1 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Walking
4 nights hotel-to-hotel
Moderate
CO₂ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Walk the highlights of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South Devon, home to stunning cliff top paths, sea-side villages and coastal panoramas.

Stay in charming, waterfront towns and villages full of history and heritage

Cross over estuaries, exploring beautiful beaches and cliff top paths

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Trip details

With hundreds of miles of coastal paths and ancient tracks, South Devon is home to some of the finest walks in Britain. Breath-taking seascapes and peaceful country lanes invite you in at every turn as you discover this recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
South Devon was designated as such for its wild and rugged coastline, network of rivers and estuaries, rolling farmland, rich wildlife, natural tranquillity, unspoilt views, and its ancient network of pathways – perfect for a walking holiday!

What's included

Included

  • 4 nights in 3-star equivalent, 4-star equivalent, 3-star and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfer Day 3 & Day 4

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Plymouth

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.

You stay at Imperial Hotel

Imperial exterior
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Imperial Hotel

Plymouth

  • Hairdryers
  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

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.

Day 2 · 11km/6.8miPlymouth to Wembury via Plym Estuary

Plymouth to Wembury via Plym Estuary

Take the ferry from Barbican Quay across the River Plym (paid locally – approx. £3pp). 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

Elevation

Plymouth to Wembury via Plym Estuary elevation profile

You stay at Shearwater B&B or Wembury Bay B&B

Shearwater B&B Wembury
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Shearwater B&B

Wembury

  • Air conditioning
  • Television
  • Wifi access

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.

Wembury B&B Wembury
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Wembury Bay B&B

Wembury

  • Tea & coffee
  • Television
  • Wifi access

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.

Day 3 · 17km/10.6miWembury to Holbeton via Yealm Estuary

Wembury to Holbeton via Yealm Estuary

Take the ferry from Warren Point to Noss Mayo across Yealm Estuary (paid locally – approx. £5.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. A transfer will take you to your accommodation.

Elevation

Wembury to Holbeton via Yealm Estuary elevation profile

You stay at Ivy Barn B&B

Ivy Barn exterior
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Ivy Barn B&B

Holbeton

  • Minibar
  • Television
  • Wifi access

Nestled in the picturesque village of Holbeton, not far from the golden sands of Mothecombe Beach is the charming Ivy Barn B&B. Just opposite is the Mildmay Colours Inn serving locally sourced food and ales/ciders, with both indoor space and alfresco dining.

Day 4 · 16km/9.9miErme Estuary to Hope Cove

Erme Estuary to Hope Cove

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. £5pp). Then walk along low cliffs past Thurlestone and South Milton Nature Reserve before arriving at Hope Cove.

Elevation

Erme Estuary to Hope Cove elevation profile

You stay at Cottage Hotel or Hope & Anchor

Cottage Hotel Exterior 2
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Cottage Hotel

Hope Cove

  • Hairdryers
  • Shops
  • Television
  • Wifi access

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.

Hope & Anchor exterior
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Hope & Anchor

Hope Cove

  • Shops
  • Television
  • Wifi access

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.

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

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).

What our travellers say

A bit challenging for 70year olds but we had a great time!

J Ron Byler
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

13.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From the journal

From£679per person