The best coastal walks from Plymouth

Plymouth is a useful starting point for the South West Coast Path, with the route quickly moving from the city’s waterfront into open cliffs, beaches and quiet coves. The full trail runs for 630 miles from Minehead to Poole, but the stretch east from Plymouth to Brixham gives you plenty to work with, whether you want a short outing or a multi-day walk. It is around 68 miles in total and crosses the Yealm, Erme, Avon, Dart and Kingsbridge estuaries, with small ferries used on some crossings.

For a manageable first section, head from the Barbican and Mayflower Steps towards Mount Batten, Jennycliff and Bovisand Fort. The path then continues towards Wembury, about seven miles from Plymouth. Wembury Beach is known for rockpooling and surfing, while the Mewstone sits offshore as a distinctive triangular island and bird sanctuary. Visitors cannot land there, but it is easy to see from the beach. The route on to Noss Mayo covers about 10.6 miles from Plymouth, with the Yealm crossing forming part of the day. For a post-walk pint, The Ship Inn at Noss Mayo is a natural place to check, although ferry times and opening arrangements are worth confirming before setting out.

The next stretch, from Noss Mayo to Bigbury, is longer at roughly 15.3 miles. It passes the Church of St Peter the Poor Fisherman, Gunrow signal station, Aymer Cove and the mouth of the Erme. Bigbury-on-Sea brings the route to Burgh Island, reached across the sands at low tide or by sea tractor when the tide is in. The island’s Art Deco hotel is closely linked with Agatha Christie, who wrote And Then There Were None and Evil Under the Sun there. For a simpler stop after the walk, The Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island is the obvious local pub option; check access and opening times around the tide.

From Bigbury, the path to Salcombe is about 10.7 miles and includes Bolt Head, Beacon Point, Hope Cove and Bolt Tail. Bolt Head is one of the more rugged sections, with broad views across the coast, while the route near Starehole Bay includes a coastal scramble before Sharp Tor. Salcombe is a good place to finish this day, with The Winking Prawn at North Sands offering a nearby food-and-drink stop. The following section to Torcross covers around 13.8 miles, passing Prawle Point, Start Point lighthouse and the remains of Hallsands, the village lost to the sea in 1903. The Cricket Inn at Beesands is a useful pub to consider near the end of this stretch.

The walk from Torcross to Dartmouth is shorter at about 9.9 miles. It follows Slapton Ley, the largest natural freshwater lake in south-west England, separated from the sea by the shingle beach at Slapton Sands. The reserve supports reedbeds, woodland and open water, and the route also passes the D-Day memorial, Blackpool Sands and Stoke Fleming before reaching Dartmouth. In town, The Cherub Inn provides a historic setting for a drink, while Dartmouth’s harbour and castle add plenty to explore after the walking is done.

The final section to Brixham is around 11.1 miles. After crossing the Dart, the path climbs through Warren Woods towards Froward Point and passes Coleton Fishacre before reaching Sharkham Point, St Mary’s Bay and Berry Head. Berry Head is a National Nature Reserve with steep cliffs, Napoleonic fortifications and a lighthouse. The trail then drops into Brixham, where The Blue Anchor on Fore Street is one option for a pint close to the harbour. The town’s fishing fleet, Golden Hind replica and Shoalstone Pool give you reasons to stay a little longer.

May to September is generally the most practical period for the longer walks, although July and August are also the busiest months. Acorn waymarks identify the trail, but the estuary crossings need planning, and some coastal sections are exposed. Dogs should be kept on leads on most parts of the route. Luggage transfers operate from 1 March to 31 October, which can make the full Plymouth-to-Brixham journey easier to arrange.