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.

Overnight Imperial Hotel 4*, Plymouth (breakfast included).

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 3H or Shearwater B&B 4H, Wembury (breakfast included).

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.

Please note: Transfers are included to/from the accommodation when staying in Modbury.

Overnight Dolphin Inn 3H, Kingston or Exeter Inn 3H, Modbury (breakfast included).

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 3H or Cottage Hotel 4H (breakfast included).

Follow the path to Bolt Tail through a small wood before emerging onto open ground with spectacular views across Bigbury Bay coastal villages. 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. Upon reaching Bolt Head, you’ll soon enter woodland and pass Overbeck’s Garden before winding down to Salcombe’s South Sands Beach.

Overnight Waverley Guesthouse 3H or Fortescue Inn 3*, Salcombe (breakfast included).

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 gently 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 4*, Beesands or Church House Inn 3H Stokenham (breakfast included).

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 Townstal Farmhouse B&B 3* or The Royal Castle Hotel 4*, Dartmouth (breakfast included).

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