- Difficulty
- Moderate
Strenuous
- Start
- Salcombe Main Car Park - TQ8 8DU
- Finish
- Torcross
- Length
- 12.6 miles (20.3 km)
- Summary
This section of the South West Coast Path is particularly tough, but the spectacular views are certainly very rewarding. Passing out of the shelter of the Salcombe Estuary, you emerge onto a rugged, undeveloped section of coast, much of which is managed by the National Trust.
The path crosses high cliffs to Prawle Point, passing beautiful sandy beaches below, which may tempt you down for a swim. From here you pass extraordinary geological formations. This stretch of coast has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and supports a variety of rare flowers and breeding birds, as well as being one of the few sites in the UK used by the very rare cuckoo bee Nomada sexfasciata.
On windy days the sea crashes wildly against the rugged rocks and these cliffs have claimed many wrecks over the centuries, including the Demetrios in 1992 and one near Moor Sands which is believed to date from the Bronze Age. After a fairly rocky, exposed stretch to Start Point, the Path becomes more level on its journey to Torcross, with just one steep climb near the end. At Torcross your efforts are rewarded with some good restaurants and pubs close to the sea.
- Public Transport
The nearest train stations are Totnes and Plymouth. Both both towns you can catch buses to Salcombe (change at Kingsbridge) and Torcross. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.
The ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth runs daily throughout the year - see our Estuaries and Ferries page for more information.
- Nearest car park
Salcombe, East Portlemouth, Mill Bay, Gara Rock, Prawle Point, inland in East Prawle, Lannacombe Beach, above Shoelodge Cove, Hallsands, Beesands and Torcross.
- Nearest toilets
Salcombe, Mill Bay, Gara Rock, inland in East Prawle, Beesands and Torcross.
- Nearest refreshments
At East Portlemouth, beside the ferry landing stage is the Venus Beach Cafe which serves high quality local produce at reasonable prices. Further on, refreshments are available at Gara Rock (seasonal), Hallsands, Beesands and at Torcross, which has a small selection of pubs, restaurants and shops.
