South Hams Walks

🏖️ Bantham → Hope Cove (Section 1)

Starting from Bantham car park, head south along the dunes and out onto the coast path. The path climbs gently above Bantham Beach with views back over the estuary to Bigbury-on-Sea and Burgh Island. After the headland the path descends to Thurlestone Sands — a long strand of sand at low tide with the famous arched Thurlestone Rock offshore. Continue south through South Huish and along the low cliffs to the sheltered twin coves of Hope Cove — a perfect lunch stop with a pub, café and beach.

• Bantham car park
• Bantham Beach
• Yarmer Cove
• Thurlestone Sands
• South Milton Sands
• Bolt Tail
• Hope Cove

⚡ Hope Cove → Salcombe via Bolt Head (Section 2)

The finest section of the South West Coast Path in Devon. From Hope Cove the path climbs to Bolt Tail headland — a dramatic Iron Age promontory fort with views stretching from Plymouth to the Lizard on clear days. The path then follows the cliff edge east, dipping into Soar Mill Cove (a wild, remote beach accessible only on foot — worth a detour) and climbing steeply to Bolt Head. The ridge from Bolt Head to Salcombe is unforgettable: the estuary opens up below, the town of Salcombe glittering on the far bank, with the wooded Courtenay Walk descending into the valley. Finish at the Salcombe Ferry for a pint at the waterfront.

• Hope Cove
• Bolt Tail fort
• Soar Mill Cove
• Bolberry Down
• Bolt Head
• Courtenay Walk
• Salcombe

🔵 Bantham Estuary Circular

Start and finish at Bantham car park. Head out onto the beach, walk south along the sand to the dune system, pick up the coast path to the first headland, then loop back inland through the village lanes and the edge of the Avon estuary. Combine with a surf session, pub lunch at The Sloop, or a swim in the estuary. Perfect for families and well-suited for dogs. The estuary views at low tide — with the sandbars, wading birds and the Bigbury headland beyond — are excellent.

Parking: Bantham National Trust car park (pay and display, busy in summer — arrive before 9am). Pub: The Sloop Inn, Bantham.

🟠 Bigbury-on-Sea & Burgh Island Circular

Start at Bigbury-on-Sea car park above the beach. Walk down to the sand and at low tide, cross the sand causeway to Burgh Island — a tidal island with the legendary 1920s Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel, the ancient 14th-century Pilchard Inn (one of Devon's oldest pubs), and dramatic cliff views. Return across the sand before the tide turns, then extend the walk north along the coast path towards Bantham for longer options. Time your visit around the tides — the island is cut off for 2–3 hours either side of high water (access by sea tractor at high tide, £8 return).

Highlight: The Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island dates to 1336 and was a haunt of smugglers, fishermen and — reputedly — Agatha Christie, who based two novels here. Don't miss it.

🟣 Bolt Head Circular from Salcombe

From Salcombe town, follow the coast path south through Sharpitor (National Trust garden, worth a stop) and along the dramatic cliff edge to Bolt Head — one of the most commanding viewpoints in South Devon, looking west along the coast towards Bigbury and east to the Salcombe estuary mouth. Return via the woodland Courtenay Walk dropping back into the Salcombe valley. A classic South Hams half-day with no car required from Salcombe town.

Start: Salcombe town (walk south from the harbour). Refreshments: Salcombe has excellent cafés, restaurants and pubs — reward yourself well.

🟢 Hope Cove & Thurlestone Circular

Starting from Hope Cove village car park, walk north along the coast path to Thurlestone Sands and the famous arched Thurlestone Rock — one of South Devon's most distinctive natural landmarks. Continue north to South Milton Sands (managed by the National Trust, beautiful dune-backed beach) before looping back inland through the village of Thurlestone and returning to Hope Cove via country lanes. The Cottage Hotel at Hope Cove and the Sun Bay Hotel both serve food and drink.

🔴 Salcombe Estuary Walk — Kingsbridge Circuit

The Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary Walk is one of South Devon's hidden gems — a long-distance circuit of the entire estuary, passing through Salcombe, East Portlemouth, Frogmore, Kingsbridge and back via the west bank. The full circuit is 12 miles but it breaks naturally into shorter sections. The east bank from Salcombe south to East Portlemouth (ferry required) to Prawle Point is outstanding. The upper estuary above Kingsbridge becomes increasingly wild and remote — saltmarsh, herons, egrets, curlew and redshank are common. A proper South Devon day out that few visitors discover.