Walk - Cawsand to Whitsand Bay

5.2 miles (8.4 km)

Cawsand - PL10 1PQ Bus Stop near Whitsand Bay Battery

Challenging - Fairly level and easy from Cawsand to Rame Head, but with some steep descents and climbs between Rame Head and Whitsand Bay.

A varied walk taking in both sides of the Rame peninsula - from the shelter of Plymouth Sound, around rugged Rame Head to the vast sandy sweep of Whitsand Bay. Children will love the chapel, where the Armade was first spotted, and the Napoleonic fort at Polhawn, as well as the remains of the Iron Age promontory. Rame Head is a good place in spring and autumn, when migrant birds to be spotted include gannets, divers and skuas on the water, with harriers and sometimes even honey buzzards hunting the warblers and swallows gathering ready to leave.

This walk is particularly good for dogs as it passes a beach and pubs where dogs are welcome. Have a look at our Top Dog Walks on the South West Coast Path for more dog friendly beaches and pubs.

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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.

Coombe House B&B

01752 823925

Beautifully renovated farmhouse, stunning sea views, ample carparking, 15 mins from the Path, 5 mins from Kingsand/Cawsand offering 4 pubs for dinner. Highly recommended on Trip Advisor.

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Mount Edgcumbe Cottages and Glamping

01752 822236

short breaks in our historic buildings or shepherds huts nestled amongst coast, woodland and river

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The Rusty Anchor House

01752 663924

Harbourside Victorian townhouse right on the Coast Path, close to all amenities but in a quiet area of Plymouth. Providing a chic, eclectic look. Flexible long term stays, offers, weekend deals etc.

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Mariners Guest House

01752 261778

James & Marie offer a warm welcome. Situated close to Plymouth’s historic Hoe, Barbican and is ideally located for exploring the Coast Path.

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Edgcumbe Guesthouse

01752 660675

Yards from sea front. Fabulous breakfasts using top quality produce.En suite rooms, free wifi,hairdryers,generous beverage trays. Special diets catered for

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The Duke of Cornwall Hotel

01752 275860

A stunning hotel set in the heart of Britain's Ocean City with 72 individually styled bedrooms, a cosy Lounge and fine dining restaurant.

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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.

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park

Explore the historic country park and house set in the beautiful Rame Peninsular, discover trails, gardens, shops and cafes

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Route Description

From Cawsand follow the Coast Path through Penlee Woods.

You may be lucky enough to glimpse fallow deer within the woods or along the rest of the walk. You will certainly see views of the deer park of Mount Edgcumbe and Fort Picklecombe behind you and across Plymouth Sound and Breakwater to the Great Mew Stone and Staddon Heights on the Devon side of the water.

As you leave the woods you find yourself facing the sea at Penlee Point.

The Eddystone Lighthouse some nine miles away can be seen from here on a clear day. Just below you is Queen Adelaide’s Grotto and in front is Rame Head, the half-way point of the walk.

When you reach it, it is worth making the short detour to the headland itself.

The chapel here is where the Spanish Armada were first spotted and you will also find a bank across the neck of the promontory marking the ramparts of an Iron Age Fort.

From the Head continue westward towards Whitsand Bay, which you can see laying ahead of you.

As you continue along the path you will pass Polhawn Fort, which was one of a ring of forts (Palmerston Follies) built to defend Plymouth.

From here, follow the Coast Path for rather more than a mile until it meets a road junction.

Here you are overlooking the artificial reef deliberately created in 2003 by the sinking of the ex-navy frigate HMS Scylla and you will often see dive boats offshore. There are also two cafes here, as well as a post box and bus stop where you can catch the bus back to Cawsand or Cremyll.

This walk can be extended by combining it with the Cremyll to Kingsand and Cawsand short walk.

Whitsand Bay Beach is dog-friendly throughout the year.

Public transport

Bus service from Torpoint to Cawsand or ferry from Admiral's Hard, Stonehouse, Plymouth to Cremyll and then bus from Cremyll to Cawsand. There is also a summer boat service from Plymouth Barbican to Cawsand Beach. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Nearby Events

Rocky Horror Swim Run

Saturday 5th September 2020, South Milton, South Devon

Choose either a long 20 mile swimrun with 4 swim legs and 4 run legs, or a short 8.5 mile swimrun with 3 swim legs and 3 run legs, plus a sprint distance Rocky Ending, which is 3.5 miles in length and includes two swim legs and two run legs. More info.
The Rock Hard Coast (Saturday)

Saturday 5th September 2020, South Milton, South Devon

The Rock Hard Coast weekend includes a spectacular 5k and 10k coastal trail runs for children, following the South West Coast Path, which are chip timed. More info.
The Rock Hard Coast (Sunday)

Sunday 6th September 2020, South Milton, South Devon

The Rock Hard Coast includes a stunning marathon (new event), half marathon and 10k coastal race on Sunday along the SW Coastpath from South Milton to Salcombe and to Bantham and includes kid’s races on the Saturday. More info.
Plymouth Coastal Runners October Challenge

1st-31st October 2020, Plymouth & surrounding area, Devon

The Plymouth Coastal Runners' TT is a ‘virtual’ time trial, based on segments on Strava. You have the whole month (1st-31st October) to run set routes as many times as you want with all results counting towards the leaderboard. More info.