
Walking & hiking in Salcombe
For all the attractions in Salcombe and the surrounding South Hams area, the star attraction that shapes it all is the landscape, making walking in the local area a never-ending joy as you discover new routes and rediscover favourite footpaths.
Meander across fields, along cliff tops, and down to hidden coves, enjoying gentle loops or challenging hikes, circular walks or spectacular stretches, many of which end in easy reach of popular pubs and inns. The South West Coast Path features as a protagonist amongst the options, and of course four-legged companions are only too pleased to join you on your outings. It’s just as well that lots of the Salcombe holiday cottages are dog-friendly, and many allow you to step straight out to scenic strolls.

Salcombe to North Sands
A relaxed, family-friendly walk along Cliff Road (with views of the estuary), this will take you from the heart of Salcombe down to the sandy beach at North Sands – also home of the famous Winking Prawn restaurant. Largely flat, the route is pushchair-friendly, but if you want to take it a little further you can extend your route to the next beach at South Sands, which will earn you tea and cake at the South Sands Hotel or Harbour Beach Club Hotel and Spa. To go the extra mile, you can head up another incline to the National Trust property at Overbecks, or on even further to Bolt Head by heading onto the cliffpath.
Snapes Point Circular
This peaceful circular route offers some of the best panoramic views over the Salcombe estuary. A quieter walk, away from the busier coastal paths, it’s perfect for those wanting to combine bucolic bliss and seaside beauty. It’s a real treat on balmy afternoons and evenings watching the sunset, or early in the morning so you can watch the town below wake up.


Salcombe to East Portlemouth & Gara Rock
Perhaps one of the most iconic walks in Salcombe is when you take the Salcombe Ferry over to East Portlemouth, and make your way along the coastpath up to Gara Rock. Roughly four miles, once you’re on the East Portlemouth shore, it gives you a different perspective of this picture-perfect town from the other side of the estuary, wiggling past popular beaches all the way to the Gara Rock Hotel. Stop off for lunch, coffee, cake or a tipple, and then take the easy way back to the ferry – mostly downhill through woodland.
Hope Cove to Bolberry Down
For a circular loop with coffee or lunch in the middle, a hike from the beautiful Hope Cove, up along the coastpath, past an Iron Age (700BC to 43AD) promontory fort, and along to Bolberry Down is a joy. Upwards on the way out via Bolt Tail, and largely downhill on the way back, take in the most incredible views that stretch all the way towards Bigbury Bay and out into the deep blue yonder. It’s just under five miles in total. In the summer this loop is brimming with wildflowers blanketing the headland, and if you’re lucky, you may even see kestrels and peregrines.
Bolberry Down to Soar Mill Cove
Another favourite for breathtaking sea views is the loop from Bolberry Down to Soar Mill Cove. In an area of Special Scientific Interest, start at Bolberry Down car park and wander along the coastpath, meandering down to Soar Mill Cove – an enchanting beach that’s tucked down beneath the cliffs and only accessible on foot. After a little time on the beach, maybe a sea swim or a picnic, head inland, past Soar Mill Cove Hotel (excellent for afternoon tea if the fancy takes you), towards Higher Soar, and enjoy countryside views as you make your way back towards Bolberry Down.
Bantham to South Milton
Start in the Bantham car park by the beach, and head out for a bracing stroll along the coast towards South Milton Sands (you can turn back at Thurlestone Sands for a slightly shorter route). Another circular jaunt, you get the most impressive views of the crashing waves and keen surfers as you go along the golf course and past the immaculate waters of Leas Foot Sands in Thurlestone. If you continue to South Milton Sands you can refuel at The Beach House, or continue back to the end of your walk and stop off at The Sloop Inn for some proper pub grub at the end.
Salcombe to Torcross
For those looking for a really lengthy walk, the route to Torcross includes boat rides as well as nearly 13 miles of coastal exploration. It’s challenging and breathtaking at every turn, but make sure you have a ride back as it’s not a circular walk. Hop on the ferry from Salcombe over to East Portlemouth to begin, and take in features such as views from Gammon Head and Prawle Point, or perhaps stray onto the beaches of Lannacombe or Great Mattiscombe for a picnic or swim in the summer.


Prawle Point
Around four miles in length, the route around East Prawle and Prawle Point is perfect for mesmerising views over the English Channel, in a challenging loop that covers a combination of rocky terrain and green lanes. Starting at East Prawle you walk through the village and eventually onto the South West Coast Path, meandering around Prawle Point and above Willow Cove. This coastal walk is especially popular with wildlife lovers – in the summer migrating species of butterflies can be found. If you are lucky and eagle-eyed enough, you may also see seals, dolphins and even basking sharks out at sea.
