Holbeton & Mothecombe Beach Circular Walks

This secluded area of south Devon is a wonderful base for a walking holiday and some of our favourite walks in Mothecombe and Holbeton are easily accessible from your Holbeton holiday cottage. The dramatic South West Coastal Path is just a mile or so from Holbeton and follows the coastline through Mothecombe so it’s easy to pick up the path and explore in either direction.  

We recommend the OS Explorer map OL20 (South Devon) which then gives you access to the OS app with a mobile download. Just to get you on the right track we’ve put together some of our top Holbeton and Mothecombe walks. 

Holbeton to Mothecombe Beach

If you’re staying in one of our Holbeton holiday cottages, this gentle walk takes you through quiet country lanes down to Mothecombe beach. A Mothecombe walk which you’ll become very familiar with during your holiday!

Starting in Fore Street, take a left turn onto Church Hill and continue for 0.4 miles. Take a left turn and continue for 0.6 miles, another slight left and walk for 0.9 miles then left again for 0.2 miles. Turn right and head on down to the beach.

Full details and elevation here

Wonwell Beach to Kingston

• 5.5 miles (8.9 km) – strenuous
• starting at St James the Less Church, Kingston, TQ7 4QE

One of our top Holbeton walks, this beautiful trail follows the River Erme and along some of the most dramatic cliff tops in South Devon before dipping down to the isolated Westcombe Beach. Stop off for a picnic lunch and a swim before winding your way back inland to Kingston.

This area is a haven for butterflies: the Orange Tip, Regal, Red Admiral and Peacock love the grassy habitat along the path. Don’t miss the Oystercatchers feeding on Westcombe beach and the acrobatic Ravens overhead. If you’re lucky you may even spot the Peregrine Falcon! 

We love walking in the woods in May when the ground is a sea of bluebells and wild garlic.

Full details and elevation here

Mothecombe to Noss Mayo (and back)

• 5.75 miles  9.21 km – easy to moderate
• return 11.5 miles (18.42 km)

Head to Mothecombe Beach from the car park and turn right (west) and follow the coast path around the headland to Meadowsfoot beach, then take the signposted road down to Noss Mayo. The coastline is beautiful, it’s actually a former carriage drive where the gentry would stop for a picnic in the cliff top summerhouse. This version of the walk breaks away from the coast path at Stoke beach and cuts along the road to Noss Mayo. Stop off at the Swan in Noss Mayo for lunch before heading home.

You can either head back along the same route or continue along the coast path from Noss Mayo along the Revelstoke Drive which takes you along the coast back to the carpark. 

Full details and map here

More great walks near Holbeton and Mothecombe

Thurlestone to Bantham & the River Avon

• 5.1 miles (8.1 km)
• a moderate circular walk starting and finishing in Thurlestone or Bantham 

This beautiful walk winds through totally unspoilt woodlands, fields, quiet country lanes and tracks. The River Avon valley with its productive oyster beds is home to the annual ‘Swoosh’ swim which is held every July. stroll along the unspoilt shoreline at Stiddicombe Creek to the village of Bantham, stop for lunch at The Sloop, a charming 14th Century smugglers’ pub and continue down to Bantham Sands and along the coast heading back to Thurlestone. 

Check out the full route here. If you’re starting the walk from Bantham follow from point 1 on the route. Starting from Thurlestone, use point 6 to begin your walk.

Thurlestone to Bantham

• 3.2 miles (5.2 km) moderate circular walk
• A lovely walk which starts and finishes in Thurlestone

Explore one of the most stunning  stretches of coastline in south Devon from Bantham Ham on the headland, across the dunes and surf of Bantham Beach and along to Leasfoot Sands a quieter beach at the edge of the Thurlestone golf course.    

Check out the route here. Starting at the memorial outside the church in Thurlestone, pick up the directions from point 4 on the route.  

Thurlestone to Hope Cove, Bolt Tail & Bolberry Down

• 10 miles (16 km) Circular walk starting and finishing in Thurlestone

From Thurlestone, walk past the golf course and head down to the coastal path, walk in an easterly direction with the sea on your right. Follow the path over the wooden bridge and the South Milton Ley. Continue past the Beach House Cafe and along the coastline until approach Hope Cove, you’ll reach a cluster of smart apartments on your left. Follow the path downhill towards the beach at Outer Hope and the Hope and Anchor pub on your right (we recommend the lunches!) Pick up the route on to Bolt Tail and Bolberry Down

Plymouth to Mount Edgcumbe – Kingsand – Cawsand – Plymouth

This epic coastal adventure is a day trip from Plymouth – board the Cremyll Foot Ferry to Mount Edgcumbe, walk to Kingsand and catch the Cawsand Ferry back to Plymouth.

Drive to Strand Street car park, Plymouth (PL1 3RL) for the Cremyll Ferry foot ferry. Follow signs for Cremyll Ferry parking. It’s just an 8 minute ferry crossing to Mount Edgcumbe. Explore the beautiful gardens and stop off for coffee and flap jack at the cafe (good sustenance!). 

Head through the deer pack towards the South West Coast Path and follow the river towards the sea. You’ll pass a Napoleonic fort at Picklecombe Point, keep going until you reach the waterside village of Kingsand. Stroll through the narrow streets and stop for lunch in one of the cafes or pubs. Continue walking along the coast to Cawsand and look out for the Old Ship Inn. It’s said that Nelson used to meet with  Lady Hamilton here. Head down to Cawsand Beach to pick up the return ferry (the last ferry is 5pm). Although the boat comes onto the beach you’ll have to walk the gangplank onto the ferry.

It’s just a 30 minute trip back to Mayflower Steps in Plymouth. Follow the road with the water on your left and walk towards Smeaton’s Tower, a 72 foot Eddystone lighthouse. Stay on this road as it curves to the right, take a left at the roundabout to join Millbay Road. Take the second exit at the next roundabout to stay on Millbay Road then turn left at the end of the road. You’re now back on the road to the car park.

For more fabulous walks go to our top 5 coastal walks blog

Where to stay?

Planning a walking holiday in south Devon? Get in touch  with one of our local team who will help you choose the perfect luxury holiday cottage. Whether you’re looking for a romantic hideaway close to the coast or a dog friendly cottage for the family, there’s a property to suit you.