Walk - Bigbury on Sea to Salcombe

to strenuous.

Much of this stretch of the South West Coast Path is owned by The National Trust. There are spectacular views as the Path passes through fields above beautiful sandy coves, all part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Your journey begins on a boat across the Avon to Bantham and from here the Path offers fairly easy walking past Thurlestone (watch out for golf balls!), until it begins to dip up and down to the sea on its way to the beautifully sheltered Hope Cove.

The following section from Hope to Salcombe is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful sections of the entire 630 miles of the South West Coast Path. Look out for kestrels and peregrine falcons around Bolt Tail and take a rest to look at the extraordinary mica schist rock formations around Soar Mill Cove. The Path is quite rugged and difficult in places, but becomes easier as you join the Courtney Walk and look down on the steep rocky slopes which lead down to the sea along the final stretch into Salcombe.

The nearest train stations are Plymouth and Totnes. From both of these you can catch a bus to Salcombe via Kingsbridge.  It is difficult to get to the Bigbury or Bantham on either bank of the River Avon at the start of the walk by bus - the nearest place is Thurlestone, about 2½ miles from the start. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

For details of the seasonal passenger ferry across the Avon from Cockleridge to Bantham, and the ferry across the Salcombe Estuary at the beginning of the section, please look on our estuaries and ferries page.

Bigbury-on-Sea, Bantham, Thurlestone, Thurlestone Sands, Hope Cove, West Cliff, above Soar Mill Cove, Overbecks and Salcombe.

Bigbury-on-Sea, Bantham, Thurlestone, Thurlestone Sands, Hope Cove, above South Sands and Salcombe.

There is are selection of pubs, restaurants and cafes spread along the route at Thurlestone, Hope Cove, Bolberry Down, and Salcombe.