Walking South Devon’s Coastal Path

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.

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.

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

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

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.

This morning you will take a taxi to Slapton Sands to start today’s walk. The route takes you along Slapton Sands to the Slapton Ley Nature reserve before reaching Strete Gate, a beautiful, clean shingle stretch of beach. 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 will spend the last two nights in this historical town, full of maritime history, wonderful restaurants and lively pubs.

Today is yours to explore Dartmouth at leisure. Strolling through the town centre, you’ll discover charming narrow streets filled with unique shopping spots, galleries, and museums. The Dartmouth Museum, housed in a 17th-century merchant’s house, is well worth a visit as it explains the rich maritime history of the area. A leisurely stroll through the town provide a chance to enjoy its historic architecture, visit local markets, and admire the beautifully preserved timber-framed houses.

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.