Holbeton Walks
One of our favourite Holbeton walks is along the South West Coast Path which lies about a mile from the village so it’s easy to join the trail and hike this stunning stretch of coastline. It’s just a 20 minute drive to the iconic Dartmoor National Park with its wide open spaces and dark night skies. Welcome to a landscape of giant granite boulders, towering tors, rivers and reservoirs. Home to the famous Dartmoor pony, rare birds and butterflies, Dartmoor offers an exciting and challenging walking experience for seasoned hikers as well as the more gentle routes for an afternoon stroll.
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 favourite top Holbeton walks, starting with a stroll to the coast.
To the beach
1.8 miles (2.9 km) – easy
Holbeton to Mothecombe PL8 1LB
You’ll get to know this well trodden Holbeton walk like the back of your hand during your stay. Explore Devon’s country lanes in this undiscovered corner as you gently wind your way down to this beautiful and unspoilt beach.
Starting in Fore Street, slide left onto Church Hill and walk 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 favourite 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.
Look out for butterflies: the Orange Tip, Regal, Red Admiral and Peacock love the grassy habitat along the path. Look out for the Oystercatchers feeding on Westcombe beach while the Ravens perform acrobatics along the cliff tops. If you’re lucky you may even spot the Peregrine Falcon!
We love this walk in May when the woods are carpeted with bluebells dotted with wild garlic.
Full details and map showing the route here
Mothecombe to Noss Mayo (and back)
5.75 miles 9.21 km – easy to moderate
(return 11.5 miles/ 18.42 km)
Starting at Mothecombe beach carpark
From the carpark head down towards Mothecombe beach and turn right (west) to follow the coast path which takes you around the headland to Meadowsfoot beach, then take the signposted road down to Noss Mayo. The coastline is beautiful, part of the coastal path is 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 one of the pubs 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 so you’re walking along the coast back to the carpark.
Full details and map here
Avon Dam & Zeal Tor Tramway
7 miles medium difficulty (or 3 miles easy, to the dam and back). Toilets and information board. Car park.
Start the walk at Shipley Bridge near South Brent (TQ10 9EL).
A beautiful walk which follows the River Avon. This dramatic river is lined with giant granite rocks as it opens up onto moorland with sheep grazing. There are two options for this walk; you can either stop at the Dam and retrace your steps back to the car park or continue onto Huntingdon Cross, Petre’s Cross and the Tramway. This is part of the former Zeal Tor tramway which dates back to 1846 and delivered the clay and peat from Redlake to Shipley Bridge.
Pick up trail and details of the walk here.
More info about walking on Dartmoor, including routes, accessibility and advice on dog walking here.
Photo credit: Visit Plymouth
