Walk - Torcross to Dartmouth

10.3 miles (16.6 km)

Torcross Dartmouth

Easy - Easy to strenuous

The South West Coast Path leads you through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, from the very striking level landscape at Torcross and Slapton, across wide, lush, open fields to rough, dramatic cliff tops. The sea is very present along the first stretch, in fact there was once a settlement near Strete Gate called Undercliffe, but this was lost to the sea in the early 1700s.

From Torcross it is an an easy start along the shingle alongside Slapton Ley, leading to more difficult walking around rugged headlands as you approach Dartmouth. The Path is sheltered at times as it meanders through woodland, contrasting with the enormous sense of space and light when it later passes along steep, grassy slopes which lead down to the sea.

There is a lot to see in the attractive boating town of Dartmouth. As well as the well-known Regatta and Royal Naval College, Dartmouth has much to offer a walker by way of cafes and restaurants offering the catch of the day and galleries and unusual shops in the interesting buildings of Foss Street.

There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Fairholme B&B

Fairholme is a small and friendly B&B just off the coast path famed for its excellent breakfasts.

Stoke Lodge Hotel

Situated in the heart of Stoke Fleming, Stoke Lodge Hotel is a family-run hotel offering coastal stays, delicious food & drink, two swimming pools and stunning sea views.

Leonards Cove Holiday Village

Leonards Cove is a picturesque holiday destination with a stunning clifftop location and amazing sea views offering self-catered, camping and touring accommodation.

Gull's Cry

2 bedroom self-contained holiday chalet, wonderful sea views

5 Pottery Cottage

Warfleet Creek House adjacent to the Coast Path (Gallant's Bower) Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms with off street parking. Available all year.

Eight Bells B&B

Variety of breakfasts with a stunning view. On waterfront, a few minutes from the Coast Path. 1 double, 1 family room. Both ensuite. Sleeps 6 max.

Waterfront House

We have been awarded gld in the best bed and breakfast in Devon and silver in the best bed and breakfast n the south west . Set in a breath taking spot on the harbour

Dartside Holidays

Dartside Holidays offers riverfront apartments with views and parking—a perfect Dartmouth stop for South West Coast Path walkers

Watermill Cottages

We invite you to share the soothing natural energy of our unique and beautiful valley, to relax and revitalise in the heart of mother nature

Dittisham Hideaway

A Luxury Collection of Spacious Treehouses, Luxurious Shepherds Huts and a 1950's Vintage Airstream

You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Blackpool Sands Cafe

Ultimate beach stop-off with stunning views, take-away, restaurant, watersports and beach sauna.

Bayards Cove Inn

Just a stone's throw from Bayard's Cove, this historic 14th century inn offers an all day seasonal menu in its cafe bar and restaurant and seven luxurious rooms. A perfect base from which to explore Dartmouth and the Path.

Dudley's Cafe

Family run cafe. We are conviently located close by to the Lower Ferry and the South West Coast Path. Food and drink served all day from all menu's.

Coastal Trail Cafe

Stop by Coastal Trail for refreshments and quality outdoor gear—ideal for South West Coast Path walkers seeking a quick break or essentials

The Crab

Waterside Bar with superb views, open 7 days a week.. Selling excellent section of beers, wines and hot/cold drinks. Bring your own food invited.

Flapjackery Dartmouth

Stop off and treat yourself or stock up for your trip along the Path with these delicious, award winning, gluten free flapjacks in a variety of flavours.

Salcombe Dairy Shop & Café, Dartmouth

Our ice cream and bean to bar café is set in the beautiful coastal town of Dartmouth. It’s an irresistible spot for walkers in need of sustenance.

Kings Arms at Strete

Community pub on South West Coast Path with stunning views

Bespoke Coffee Shop

Specialist coffee shop serving Voyager coffee, organic teas, single origin hot chocolates, sourdough toasties and locally sourced cakes and treats.

Ebb & Flow

An independently run cafe in Kingswear with a spectacular view! Serving breakfast from 8am and a range of homemade cakes and light lunches

What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Discover Dartmouth at the Flavel Cafe

Lively arts cafe in centre of Dartmouth with information about things to, where to go and places to stay in the area. Or for more information on line please visit www.discoverdartmouth.com

Sea Kayak Devon

Experience Devon's stunning coastline by sea kayak. Let our guides take you on an unforgettable journey. Individuals, groups, families. No experience necessary.

Merlins Taxi

The best Taxi service in the south west ...Check me out at Google reviews and my website !!

Interactive Elevation

Highlights

  • Throwing pebbles in the sea at Torcross. Here you will see two memorials. One is a memorial to all the locals who evacuated their homes to make way for allied troops preparing for the Normandy landings and the American Sherman tank memorial commemorates the US servicemen who died here during Operation Tiger when they were attacked by German boats.
  • Slapton Sands and Slapton Ley: Devon’s largest natural freshwater lake is a National Nature Reserve and home to many rare species of plants and birds.
  • Views from the fields above Forest Cove back to Slapton and Start Point and ahead towards Froward Point.
  • Stopping for refreshments at Blackpool Sands. This is a beautiful sheltered beach surrounded by trees where you will find an excellent cafe (see below for details).
  • Fantastic views from Warren Point. The offshore rocks are rather oddly named the Dancing Beggars.
  • The wonderfully named coves, including Compass Cove, Shinglehill Cove, Ladies Cove and Deadman’s Cove.
  • Watching the shags and cormorants from Blackstone Point.
  • Dartmouth Castle: work on fortifying this area began in the 14th century and it was the first castle to be built specifically for artillery. The castle is now managed by English Heritage and is open to the public.
  • Views across the Dart to Kingswear. Keep a look out for the Dart Valley Steam Train, which follows the line that was opened to use in 1864.
  • Walking on the cobbles of Bayard’s Cove: here you will find the shell of an Elizabethan fort. The cove was one of the last stops for the Pilgrim Fathers setting off for America in 1620, and has 'starred' in numerous tv shows and films including 'The Onedin Line'.
  • Dartmouth: built between steep wooded hillsides, with an attractive harbour and streets filled with interesting shops, galleries and award winning restaurants and cafes, Dartmouth makes a perfect end to your long day of walking. Dartmouth has always been an important port, in fact Richard the Lionheart and his Crusaders set sail from here, as did a number of troops for the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The Britannia Royal Naval College is still based here and there are many interesting buildings to look out for, including the Grade I listed Butterwalk and Agincourt House which dates from around 1380.

Shorter option

Stoke Fleming (5.9 miles, 9.6 km).

Longer option

Take the ferry across Dartmouth harbour to Kingswear.

Public transport

The nearest train station at Totnes, from where there are frequent buses to Dartmouth, Slapton, Strete and Torcross. You can also catch a scenic river cruise down the Dart from Totnes to Dartmouth, or from the mainline train station at Paignton catch a steam train to Kingswear (across the river from Dartmouth).

For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train stations or bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Parking

Torcross, Slapton Sands, Strete Gate, Blackpool Sands, inland at Stoke Fleming, inland from Warren Cove, Dartmouth Castle and Dartmouth.

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