Explore South Devon: Five of the best short walks surrounding Salcombe, Brixham and the coast
South Devon’s unspoilt coast and countryside make it the perfect place to relax, unwind, or experience adventure. With over 120km of coastline between Plymouth and Torquay, the area is enormously diverse, and no two beaches are the same. Not only that, but the quaint harbour towns and literary links make this the perfect destination for holidaymakers. Here are five of the short walks in the area that highlight some of the best that the region has to offer...
15 Short Walks in South Devon - Salcombe, Brixham and the coast
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks in South Devon, including Salcombe, Brixham and the coast. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
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The best walk to visit a beautiful beach...
What: Hope Cove and Bolberry Down
Summary: An enjoyable walk with moderate climbs, extensive views and popular beaches.
Start/finish: Mouthwell Sands, Outer Hope
Time: 2hr 15min
Distance: 7.6km (4.7 miles)
Climb: 235m
This route begins in the attractive village of Hope Cove, popular with holidaymakers, before circling Bolt Tail headland and its Iron Age hill fort. Following the coast, the wide path gradually inclines to Bolberry Down, then turns inland down a country lane to reach Bolberry. A gentle climb out of the village takes walkers to a straight footpath with superb views, finally returning to the restaurants and pubs at Inner Hope.
The best walk to explore the peaceful woodland...
What: Mill Bay and Gara Rock
Summary: An easy walk taking in golden beaches, dramatic coastline and woodland.
Start/finish: Mill Bay car park
Time: 1hr 15min
Distance: 4.4km (2.7 miles)
Climb: 175m
This beautiful walk is best enjoyed in the spring and autumn months when the popular Mill Bay has fewer visitors. In peak season, avoid traffic and limited parking by taking the short ferry crossing from Salcombe to East Portlemouth and then walking for 20min along the narrow road (or along the beach if the tide is low) to Mill Bay. The walk itself is straightforward, following the spectacular coastal path to Gara Rock before heading inland through peaceful woodland to return to Mill Bay.
The best walk to experience the coast path...
What: Brixham to Paignton
Summary: Follow the South West Coast Path along the coast, exploring coves, beaches and harbours on this moderately challenging walk.
Start: Brixham harbour Finish: Paignton harbour
Time: 2hr 30min
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 250m
This walk is easy to navigate, yet there are steep and rocky sections that provide challenge. From the bustling fishing town of Brixham, the route explores several remote coves, known for their importance as part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, before ascending to clifftops following the tracks of the Dartmouth Steam Railway into the quaint Paignton harbour.
The best walk to explore the region's links to Agatha Christie...
What: Bigbury-on-Sea
Summary: The longest route in this guide takes in riverside, rolling countryside and coastal footpaths with views of nearby Burgh Island.
Start/finish: Bigbury-on-Sea car park
Time: 3hr
Distance: 9.3km (5.8 miles)
Climb: 280m
A firm favourite in South Devon, Bigbury-on-Sea offers stunning scenery, excellent local food and a curious tidal island famed for its links to Agatha Christie. This lengthy route heads inland from Bigbury-on-Sea, following the River Avon, passing through the villages of Bigbury and Ringmore before heading back to the coast.
The best walk to sea marine wildlife...
What: Start point
Summary: This enjoyable short walk offers expansive views of the bay, opportunities for wildlife spotting and a pristine secluded beach.
Start/finish: Start Point car park
Time: 1hr
Distance: 3.3km (2.1 miles)
Climb: 145m
This popular walk, circling the headland of the Start Point lighthouse, offers plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the area. It is an excellent spot to look out for marine wildlife, including grey seals, dolphins, basking sharks and seabirds. The coast path leads to Great Mattiscombe Sand, a sheltered cove, before crossing farmland back to the car park.
All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks in South Devon - Salcombe, Brixham and the coast. Other highlights include Brixham and Berry Head, Slapton Ley and Dartmouth Castle . Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.
15 Short Walks in South Devon - Salcombe, Brixham and the coast
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks in South Devon, including Salcombe, Brixham and the coast. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
More information
