Thurlestone walks
Explore the stunning coastline of south Devon and fill your boots on our Thurlestone walks. Relax and enjoy the undulating countryside, quiet country lanes and the headlands and beaches, all within easy reach of your luxury holiday cottage. Thurlestone is a picturesque village between Bantham and Hope Cove with the Southwest Coast path easily accessible.
We recommend the OS Explorer map OL20 (South Devon) which then gives you access to the OS app with a mobile download. Just for starters, we’ve selected a few of our favourite Thurlestone walks and point out some lunchtime stopovers. So it’s time to pack your boots (and perhaps some sun cream and a waterproof) and enjoy some fresh sea air.
What to spot… Depending on the time of year, look out for migratory birds, waders, beautiful flora and fauna along the way. The sea life is pretty good too with basking seals on the rocks and pods of dolphins frequent visitors. Don’t forget to pack your swim stuff for a well earned dip!
Thurlestone to Bantham
- 3.2 miles (5.2 km) – moderate
- circular walk starting and finishing in Thurlestone or Bantham
Discover the beautiful South West Coast path at its best as it peaks and dips along the undulating coastline. Discover Bantham Ham which was the site of a prehistoric settlement, the dunes and surf of Bantham Beach and the quieter sheltered Leasfoot Sand at the edge of the Thurlestone golf course. One of our favourite spots for an evening swim as the sun sets.
Full details and elevation here Starting at the memorial outside the church in Thurlestone, pick up the directions from point 4 on the route.
If you’re not staying in Thurlestone or South Milton we recommend driving down through the village, past The Village Inn on your left (excellent food) and the well stocked community stores on your right (great for picnic provisions). You’ll pass the tennis courts and come to the Thurlestone Golf Club which has parking in the field through the club carpark. If you drive on another few hundred yards, you’ll approach a car park on the right hand side which overlooks the sea. (Pay for parking by card at the machine, mobile signal can be patchy.)
Thurlestone to Bantham & the River Avon
- 5.1 miles (8.1 km) – moderate
- circular walk starting and finishing in Thurlestone or Bantham
One of our favourite Thurlestone Walks, this trail 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 for a swim and fabulous views of the iconic Burgh Island. Continue along the coast heading back to Thurlestone.
Full details and elevation here. Starting from Thurlestone, use point 6 on the route directions to begin your walk. If you’re starting the walk from Bantham follow from point 1 on the route.
Thurlestone to Hope Cove, Bolt Tail & Bolberry Down
- 10 miles (16 km) – moderate
- circular walk starting and finishing in Thurlestone
A fabulous hike with stunning views. Starting in Thurlestone, walk past the golf course and head down to the coastal path, continue in an easterly direction with the sea on your right. The path takes you over a wooden bridge and the South Milton Ley nature reserve on your left. Continuing past the Beach House Cafe (perfect for a coffee) and along the coastline and down into 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
More great walks near Thurlestone
Kingsbridge to Bowcombe Creek
- 2.5 miles – moderate
- circular walk on surfaced roads and paths; tracks and green lanes (rocky and uneven in places, can be slippery when wet)
Idyllic Bowcombe Creek is just a short drive from Thurlestone and well worth a visit. Head to Kingsbridge and park in the Quay car park. Look out for a narrow bridge with its distinctive four arches. This is ‘New Bridge’ and dates back to 1826. Explore the most northerly creek of the Kingsbridge estuary with its lime kilns and excellent birdlife. If you are a keen bird watcher, Bowcombe Creek is also a great place to spot the elusive kingfisher and nesting swans. The nearby creeks are home to mallards, shelducks, cormorants, little egrets, teal and wigeon. Full route and elevation here.
Escape to our luxury holiday home on Bowcombe Creek
Mothecombe to Noss Mayo (and back)
- 5.75 miles 9.21 km – easy to moderate
- return 11.5 miles (18.42 km)
From Thurlestone, drive along the A379 towards Plymouth. This takes you through the tidal village of Aveton Gifford and the charming market town of Modbury (home of the Stetson hat!). Continue past Flete Castle on the left and towards Yealmpton until you reach the turning for Holbeton on the left. Follow signs to Holbeton and on to Mothecombe Beach. Park in the car park on the left. 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 so 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.
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.
