Burgh Island Hotel extrerior

Salcombe Walks

Salcombe is a small town and civil parish on the South Devon coast, and another of Devon’s gorgeous coastal locations to enjoy walks, swimming and the beaches. Salcombe is situated on the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary, at the mouth of the River Dart and the town is within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perfect for plenty of Salcombe walks enjoying the beauty of the area. 

 

Salcombe has a long history, dating back to at least the 13th century. It was once a major shipbuilding centre, and its clipper fruit schooners were known throughout the world. Today, Salcombe is a popular tourist destination, known for its sailing, fishing, and gorgeous scenery, with people travelling from all across the UK for walks in Salcombe. The town has a picturesque harbour, lined with shops, restaurants, and pubs. There are also several beaches in the area, including South Sands, North Sands, and Church Cove, perfect for sunny picnics and coastal walks.

Here are some examples of walks near Salcombe:

Salcombe to Bolt Head: The Salcombe to Bolt Head walk is a popular 2.75 mile (4.5 km) coastal walk in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It starts at South Sands in Salcombe and follows the South West Coast Path to Bolt Head, a dramatic headland with stunning views of the coastline.

 

The walk is mostly on footpaths, but there is some road walking at the beginning and end. The terrain is varied, with some steep sections, so it is recommended for walkers of moderate fitness and adequate footwear. Along the route, you will pass through Collaton Wood, a beautiful woodland area with a variety of trees and plants. You will also see some interesting rock formations, including The Rags, a group of jagged rocks that jut out into the sea.

The highlight of the walk is the views from Bolt Head. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to the Lizard Point in Cornwall.

 

The walk takes about 2 hours to complete, but you may want to allow more time if you want to stop and take in the views. It is also a good idea to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

 

East Portlemouth to Gara Rock: For another one of the fantastic walks near Salcombe, take a short ferry ride from Salcombe to East Portlemouth and then follow the South West Coast Path to Gara Rock. This walk offers stunning vistas of the Salcombe Estuary and the coastline, covering a distance of 3.75 miles (6.3 km).

 

The walk starts at East Portlemouth Beach and follows the South West Coast Path along the Salcombe Estuary. You will pass by the ruins of Fort Charles, a 17th-century fort that was built to defend the estuary from attack. The path then climbs up to Gara Rock, a dramatic headland with stunning views of the estuary and the sea beyond. You can also see the islands of Burgh Island and Steep Holm from here! A true sight to behold. 

 

The walk is mostly on footpaths, but there is some road walking at the beginning and end. The terrain is varied, with some uneven and rocky sections, so it is recommended for walkers of moderate fitness.

Overbecks to Sharp Tor and Soar Mill to Hope Cove

Overbecks to Sharp Tor: Begin your walk at Overbecks, a National Trust property with beautiful gardens. Follow the footpath to Sharp Tor, where you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Salcombe and the estuary. Overbeck’s Garden is sensational and offers a variety of plants and trees to discover at your leisure. The garden was created by Otto Overbeck, an inventor and entrepreneur, in the early 20th century.

 

The path then climbs up to Sharp Tor, a dramatic granite tor with stunning views of the Salcombe estuary and the sea beyond. You can also see the islands of Burgh Island and Steep Holm from here. The walk is mostly on footpaths, but there is some road walking at the beginning and end. The terrain is varied, with some uneven and rocky sections, so it is recommended for walkers of moderate fitness.

 

Soar Mill Cove to Hope Cove: The Soar Mill Cove to Hope Cove walk is a 3.7 mile (6 km) moderate walk along the South West Coast Path. It takes you from the small cove of Soar Mill Cove to the larger cove of Hope Cove. You’ll pass through some beautiful scenery along the way, such as secluded beaches, dramatic cliff edges and lush countryside. It’s a picturesque walk in Salcombe with plenty of opportunities for beachcombing.

 

The walk is mostly on footpaths, but there is some road walking at the beginning and end. The terrain is varied, with some steep sections. This route is also popular with beach-goers and swimmers, provided the weather is fair. 

Take a look at more walks below

Salcombe to Snapes Point: The Salcombe to Snapes Point walk is a 4.5 mile (7.2 km) moderate walk along the South West Coast Path. It takes you from the town of Salcombe to Snapes Point, a headland with stunning views of the coastline. This relatively easy walk begins in Salcombe and leads you to Snapes Point Nature Reserve. Along this route, you’ll pass through woodlands and open fields, and the viewpoint at Snapes Point offers stunning estuary views.

 

Salcombe to South Sands: A shorter Salcombe walk that is perfect for families. This route takes you from Salcombe to South Sands Beach. It’s a pleasant stroll with lovely beach views, especially on a sunny day. This walk should only take about 30 minutes and is perfect for young families, dog walkers, or even a runner or cyclist looking for sea views. 

 

Salcombe to Mill Bay: The Salcombe to Mill Bay walk is a 1.6 mile (2.6 km) walk that is mostly flat and easy. It takes you from the town of Salcombe to the beach of Mill Bay, passing through some beautiful scenery along the way. You’ll begin at North Sands Beach and follow the South West Coast Path through woodlands to Mill Bay. This walk provides opportunities for birdwatching and offers peaceful, sandy coves along the way, taking a total of around 50 minutes.

Looking for a longer walk?

Start Point Lighthouse: Drive to Start Point and take a circular walk to Start Point Lighthouse. You’ll enjoy impressive coastal scenery, and the lighthouse itself is a highlight. Start Point Lighthouse is a Grade II listed lighthouse and was built in 1836 by Trinity House to guide ships along the English Channel. The lighthouse has a distinctive Gothic design and is one of the most photographed lighthouses in England. Perfect for a walk around Salcombe. 

 

Overbecks to Prawle Point: The Overbecks to Prawle Point walk is a 6.5 mile (10.5 km) moderate walk along the South West Coast Path. It takes you from the National Trust – Overbeck’s Garden to Prawle Point, the most southerly point in Devon. The walk offers stunning views of the coastline and the sea. This is a longer walk that allows you to see the striking sights of the rugged coastline and birdlife of Devon. 

 

Bolberry Down to Hope Cove: The Bolberry Down to Hope Cove walk is a 4.5 mile (7.2 km) moderate walk along the South West Coast Path. It takes you from the National Trust – Bolberry Down to Hope Cove, a small cove with a sandy beach. This coastal walk offers a mix of sea and countryside views and is especially gorgeous in the warmer months of spring and summer when flowers are fully in bloom. Starting at Bolberry Down, follow the South West Coast Path to Hope Cove and here you can relax on the beach with a picnic, or perhaps enjoy a meal in one of the village’s pubs.

 

Before embarking on any walk, be sure to check local maps, tide times, and weather conditions, as coastal walks can be affected by tides and weather changes. Additionally, it’s a good idea to wear appropriate footwear, bring water, and let someone know your plans, especially for longer walks in more remote areas.

Staying near Salcombe

If you’re around Devon, enjoying the walks in Salcombe, you might want to find a place to stay. Burgh Island, as mentioned above, is one of the incredible islands near Salcombe, and this island is home to a truly fantastic hotel.

 

Burgh Island Hotel has been a fixture of the Devon coastline for many years, with a storied and interesting party past. The island hotel is fitted entirely with a gorgeous Art Deco theme and an incredible celebrity history, having housed celebrities such as The Beatles and even Agatha Christie who used to island as a writing retreat. 

 

If you’re visiting Burgh Island now, it is home to 25 striking rooms and suites, each uniquely decorated in the infamous 1920s theme, Each room is home to an abundance of incredible amenities, en suite bathrooms, huge beds, remarkable decor, and striking sea views of the Jurassic coast. 

 

Burgh Island is one of the most unique places to stay in the UK, regularly hosting exceptional events such as grand balls in the Ballroom, artist retreats and murder mystery events! Not to mention lavish weddings if you’re lucky enough to attend one. Burgh Island also offers three delightful restaurants onsite. The Pilchard Inn is hidden in the rugged cliffs and serves fantastic fresh seafood. The Grand Ball Room dining room serves fine dining in an opulent space, and The Nettlefold Restaurant showcases a menu of incredible dishes with fresh ingredients. As well as the 1920s-themed bar where you can sip on something strong and look out to the incredible cliffs.

 

Burgh Island Hotel is a true sight to behold and from the moment you land on the Bigbury-on-Sea beach, you’ll be met with uniqueness. The iconic Burgh Island sea tractor carries you over the waves to the island, and here you will be transported back to the party era of the 20s and 30s and be met with lavish dinners, coastal views, incredible drinks and a ball or two. Book your stay at Burgh Island next time you’re visiting lovely Salcombe and see Devon for its true remarkability.