Walk - Dittisham

4.7 miles (7.5 km)

Dartmouth - TQ6 9PS Dartmouth

Challenging - There is some steep ascent and descent and some of the paths may be muddy after rain so good footwear is advisable.

A breathtaking walk following the River Dart Trail along the western bank of the river, with spectacular views over the water and across to Tor Bay. In spring the hedges are full of tumbling blossom, and wildflowers line them in the summer. Listen out for blackbirds, robins and pheasants too. Take the ferry to Dittisham via Greenway and walk to back to Dartmouth over Fire Beacon Hill and along Old Mill Creek. A good walk in autumn, when late bees and butterflies browse in the hedges and the woods are full of small creatures rummaging in the fallen leaves for winter stores.

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.

Dittisham Hideaway

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

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

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.

Dartside Holidays

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

Beverley Holidays

Award-winning holiday parks offering unforgettable camping, lodge and caravan holidays in Paignton at the heart of the English Riviera.

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.

Brixham Holiday Park

Nestled just 150 yards from the nearest beach, Brixham Holiday Park boasts an idyllic setting in the breathtaking landscape of South Devon

Fairholme B&B

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

Roadtrip Tavern

I have a loft space that is divided into 4 separate pods and is open plan like a dormitory and is specifically for SWCP Walkers.

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.

Gull's Cry

2 bedroom self-contained holiday chalet, wonderful sea views

Whiteladies Self Catering

2 bedroom self catering accommodation overlooking the sea

Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat

Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat offers lodge holidays and lodge ownership in a fabulous location, adjacent to the South West Coast Path, just 1.5 miles from the coast and Brixham harbourzstunning

Devon House Guest House

A lovely period Guesthouse with victorian features. 5 minutes walk to the Coast Path. Single night stays welcome.

Sea Tang Guest House

Friendly, family run guest house located a few steps form the sea with beautiful views across Torbay.

Mercure Paignton

Experience the true English Riviera at Mercure Paignton Hotel, a seaside haven on Paignton seafront, your gateway to Devon's stunning coast and countryside. Enjoy sea-view rooms and unforgettable experiences.

The Miggi

Vegan, LGBTQ+ friendly, book-themed guesthouse, just 100m from Coast Path. Dogs very welcome. Cruelty-free, plastic-free toiletries. Big beautiful breakfasts included!

Berry Head Hotel Ltd

AA 4 star Hotel & Apartments with stunning sea views at the waters edge. Bistro & Restaurant, Indoor Pool on the Coastal Path.
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.

Bespoke Coffee Shop

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

Kings Arms at Strete

Community pub on South West Coast Path with stunning views

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Old Market House

Overlooking Brixham harbour and operating across two floors, our restaurant serves a delicious menu that showcases fresh, locally sourced food.

Harbour Light

Light-filled, rustic tavern with a terrace offering bay views, plus a menu of pub classics.

Blackpool Sands Cafe

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

The Guardhouse Cafe

Home-made seasonal food, cream teas and delicious coffee, all served with a smile and stunning views from our cliff-top Napoleonic Fortress. Open all year.
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.

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.

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

Shoalstone Seawater Pool

Shoalstone Seawater Pool is a great place to swim and paddle, and picnic on the green looking across the Bay. Shoals Café serves breakfasts, lunches and evening meals.

Interactive Elevation

Route Description

  1. Starting in Dartmouth, take the ferry to Dittisham, either directly or via Greenway, disembark on Dittisham Quay. For further information see  www.greenwayferry.co.uk or www.dartmouthdittishamferry.co.uk . Make your way up Manor Street, climbing steeply through the village to Rectory Lane, on your left towards the top of the hill.

People have been crossing the River Dart from Greenway Quay to Dittisham since the Bronze Age, 4000 years ago, and in the days before motor transport cattle as well as horses and pedestrians were transported across the river by means of the horse ferry, a float propelled by two extra-long oars. Even as late as the start of the twentieth-century cattle were driven down Manor Street and held in a pen in what is still known as the Pound House, before being ferried across to Greenway to be taken to market in Galmpton.

In time the oarsmen were replaced by a launch and the ferry could carry two cars across the river. This was succeeded by a 'water jet', capable of conveying six cars at a time; but since 1974 the ferry service has been confined to carrying passengers. It is still summoned by ringing the ship's bell mounted on the quay at Greenway.

  1. Turn left onto the footpath along the lane and follow the Dart Valley Trail towards Dartmouth. Follow the fingerposts to the right and then the left to travel high around the edge of the fields as it continues to climb to the road at Fire Beacon Hill. Turn left on the road.

The footpath travels high above the fields it borders, giving great views down to the river. Midstream is Anchor Stone, sometimes known as the 'Scold Stone'. According to tradition, unfaithful wives were tied to the rock as punishment.

Onshore, just a little downstream of the rock is Hamblyn's Coombe, where Elizabethan explorer Sir Walter Raleigh is said to have experimented with growing potatoes after bringing them back from the New World. At the time Hamblyn Coombe was a hunting lodge belonging to the part of Raleigh's family living at Greenway, including his half-brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert. Gilbert, too, was an explorer, and he founded the colony at Newfoundland, leading to strong trade and fishing links with the territory. A third adventurer of the period operating from the River Dart was John Davis, who discovered the Falkland Islands and gave his name to the Davis Strait between Greenland and Canada.

Fire Beacon Hill was one of many hills throughout the South West where fires were lit in 1588 to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada, a system designed by Raleigh, enabling the alarm to reach London in less than four hours. The present brazier was used for the 400th-anniversary celebrations.

  1. Turn left onto the permissive footpath a moment later and follow it through the fields and then downhill, turning left on the lane with the footpath a little way below and then leaving it along the path to the right a few minutes later. The path continues to descend, veering to the right and then left above Rough Hole Point to skirt the top of the small inlet, before heading through the conifers above the waters of Old Mill Creek. Turn left on the lane at the end of the forest and follow it downhill to the creek.

The area around Fire Beacon Hill is known as Bozomzeal, a medieval manor which in the fifteenth century belonged to John Bozum, whose daughter married the Sheriff of Devon, Sir Baldwin Fulford-Knight. Parts of the present Bozomzeal Farmhouse date back to the sixteenth century.

  1. Cross the bridge and carry on up Old Mill Lane, climbing steeply around the double bend and carrying on past the path to Hermitage Castle, taking the footpath to the right at Old Mill Crescent to come out on Archway Drive.

Old Mill Creek marks the parish boundary between Dartmouth and Dittisham, and the picturesque bridge crossing it is thought to date from the eighteenth or early nineteenth century, as does the tumbledown limekiln beside it, once used to burn limestone to make fertiliser. Further down the creek, on the Dartmouth side, is a circular tower known as Hermitage Castle. From stonework bearing a fragment of a date, this folly is thought to date from either 1790 or 1890, although the lower levels may have been from an earlier building on the site.

The abandoned hulks of a number of boats lie in the mud in the creek, including the timber skeletons of a ketch, a trawler and a barge.

  1. Carry on ahead along Townstal Crescent and onto the head of Old Mill Lane to the main road. Turn left here to walk down College Way, forking left at the bottom of the hill to follow Coombe Road back down to the riverfront and the Higher Ferry. Turning right along North Embankment will lead you to the centre of Dartmouth.

Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) is the Royal Navy's initial officer training establishment. Although the buildings which stand on the hillside today were built in 1905, officer training has been taking place in Dartmouth since 1863, with earlier students living in two wooden hulks moored on the river below. The first of these was HMS Britannia, moved here from Portland and joined shortly afterwards by HMS Hindustan. In 1953 the name Britannia was given to the newly-built HM Yacht Britannia, and the ship name of the Royal Naval College was changed to HMS Dartmouth.

Royal naval cadets who have trained here include Georges V and VI, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of York and Prince William.

The Dart lifeboat station in Coronation Park was re-established in 2007. There was a Lifeboat Station at Dartmouth from 1878 until 1896. In 18 years they only launched 3 times and only assisted 1 vessel. In 1896 the boat was withdrawn. The inshore lifeboat station was completed in October 2007 at a cost of £175,000. The D Class inshore lifeboat serves the Dart river as far as Totnes and the surrounding coastline from Start Point to Berry Head.

Public transport

For details about the ferry from Dartmouth to Greenway and Dittisham visit www.greenwayferry.co.uk or www.dartmouthdittishamferry.co.uk

Parking

Dartmouth Park and Ride – The service runs from the car park just outside Dartmouth on the A3122, where it joins with the A379 by Lidls supermarket, to Dartmouth town centre. Tickets can be obtained from the pay and display machines in the car parks. This charge is per vehicle and includes travelling on the Park and Ride bus. It is a seasonal service operating between Easter and the end of October.

Parking is available at Mayor's Avenue (TQ6 9NF). In winter parking is available all day but in summer there is a maximum of 4 hours parking.

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