A walk by the sea is medicine for the soul. So why not enjoy that medicine on a trip to sunny Devon. Being one of only two counties with two coastlines and two coast paths, there are endless options for finding your perfect walk. Explore the best South Devon coastal walks on Your Devon Escape.
The South Devon section of the Coast Path allows you to take in some of the breathtaking scenery that the area has to offer. Enjoy beach views and rugged clifftops whilst watching boats bob by. Look for birds or keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and seals swimming about. Below we have put together some of our favourite South Devon coastal walks.
Burgh Island (0.8 miles)
This short walk is ideal for a quick stomp. Cross the causeway from the car park at Bigbury-On-Sea Beach and head up the road and track on the other side. Take in the island, featured in an Agatha Christie novel, and head up to the top for views out to sea and across the coastline. Watch out for dolphins and seals swimming about before simply heading back the way you came. Take a picnic to have at the top or stop for a bite to eat at the Pilchard Inn on the island.
Bolt Head & East Soar Circular (3.1 miles)
This walk begins in the lovely Salcombe, a fifteen-minute drive from Bigbury-On-Sea. It is a moderate walk along the coast path and through beautiful countryside. Enjoy both coastal and estuary views on this walk and take the time to admire the wildlife. With this area being a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), appreciate your surroundings to understand why. Stop at Overbeck’s Garden along the way, a National Trust location and hidden paradise. If you want to make this walk more strenuous or fancy a trip down to a cove, take a small detour to the lovely Soar Mill Cove. Pop down and take a dip or simply enjoy the views before making the ascent back up to join the route. The perfect meander through South Devon nature, enjoying much of what it has to offer.
Dartmouth to Brixham (13.1 miles)
This walk can begin in either Brixham or Dartmouth, but is not circular. So, make sure to arrange transport to pick you up the other end or hop on the number 18 bus. Walk along the coast path, along rocky terrain, and countryside. Admire the wildlife, from birds to horses, and take in the delightful sea air. Detour slightly and head up to the Daymark to see the landmark used by sailors for centuries. Enjoy a coffee or afternoon tea at The Guardhouse Café at the beginning or end of the walk. Take a trip on the ferry from Dartmouth to Kingswear, a unique experience in this corner of the world. This walk may be strenuous but allows you to take in views of both Start Bay and Torbay.
East Portlemouth to Gara Rock (3.9 miles)
A circular walk starting at East Portlemouth car park, a short drive from both Bigbury-On-Sea or Dartmouth. This coast path walk is uneven and rocky in places, but also walks along roads and field footpaths. It is a good walk for your furry friends because it passes many dog-friendly beaches to stop and have a swim or paddle. The walk itself consists of a stroll above the western shoreline of Salcombe Harbour. It passes through the Fort Charles ruin, allowing you to take in some of the local history as you explore this stretch of the coastline. Enjoy the colourful wildlife and stunning sea and estuary views on this beautiful South Devon coastal walk.
East Prawle & Prawle Point Walk (4.1 miles)
This walk finds itself in South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walk begins in East Prawle, a short drive from both Bigbury-On-Sea and Dartmouth. It is a lovely circular walk which includes walking along the coast as well as through some of the best of Devon’s countryside. This short but strenuous walk around Devon’s most southerly point is stunning for the autumn. Stop at Prawle Point cliffs and take in the stunning coastal views and watch the boats sail by. If a short but strenuous coastal walk in South Devon is for you, then this one is a must on Your Devon Escape.
Hope Cove to Salcombe (8.5 miles)
With car parks at both ends, you can start this walk from either Salcombe or Hope Cove. It is not a circular walk, however, so you will need to organise transport for the return or be prepared for the hike back. This stretch of the coast path is simply stunning, showing off the crystal-clear water and beautiful views out to sea. Other than a few steep climbs, this is a relatively gentle walk. From hidden coves to lots of wildlife, this is the ideal walk for those wanting to get out and explore the nature and landscape that South Devon has to offer.
Meadfoot & London Bridge (4.0 miles)
This walk is based on Torquay harbour. Enjoy the wonderful views across the whole of Torbay. Begin at the Strand by Torquay Harbour and walk through the town up towards Wellswood, admiring the views out to sea at the top of the hill. Circle back round to admire the coastline and Thatcher’s Rock. Watch the boats sail around the headland as you wander back along the coastline towards Torquay town centre. Torquay is a short drive from both Totnes and Dartmouth and situated in the English Riviera. Exploring the area is a must on Your Devon Escape.
The Riviera Line & Cockington (3.9 miles)
This walk begins in the town of Torquay, a twenty-minute drive from the delightful towns Totnes and Brixham. Walk through the picturesque village of Cockington, stepping back in time to thatched roofs and narrow streets. Begin at Torquay Station, where you can leave the car, and walk the coast path from the station into Cockington village. Walk through the village and stop at the Seven Dials Café or craft centre on the Estate for a bite to eat and a browse or workshop. Amble through the village and countryside on the circular route before heading back out of Cockington and back to the station. Walk along the seafront and take in the views across the whole of Torbay. Pop into Torquay to explore what the town has to offer, from an excellent selection of restaurants to the pretty marina.
For other walk ideas, check out our blog posts on walks in the Dartmouth, Totnes and Bigbury-On-Sea areas.
With a selection of our properties finding themselves on the wonderful coast path, why not book Your Devon Escape today. Simply step out the front door to join a fabulous trail and enjoy the adventure.
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