Begin your adventure in Plymouth, a historic port city renowned for its blend of maritime heritage and modern life. The starting point for the South West Coast Path, Plymouth invites you to explore its charming seafront promenade, delve into the lively Barbican neighbourhood, brimming with independent shops, cosy cafés and art galleries, and pause at the iconic Mayflower Steps, where echoes of ancient voyages still linger by the sea.

Overnight in Plymouth

Plymouth Lockyers Quay

Leaving behind the lively Barbican area, you will embark on a short ferry ride across the calm waters of the River Cattewater, carrying with you the energy of the harbour towards the serenity of Mount Batten Point. From this natural viewpoint begins a section of the South West Coast Path which, with each step, leaves behind the urban hustle and bustle to embrace the silence of the coastal landscape.

This section invites you to walk at a leisurely pace, following the contour of low cliffs that overlook the channel and reveal secluded coves and pebble beaches. As you approach Wembury Point, the surroundings take on a wilder character, with seabirds gliding in the wind and the salty breeze guiding your way along an easy but deeply immersive trail.

Finally, you will reach Wembury Beach, a wide expanse of sand and rocks shaped by the tides, where green headlands blend with the blue of the sea. It is a perfect place to pause, listen to the constant murmur of the waves and let the tranquillity of the surroundings envelop you.

Ascent: 232m (761ft) / Descent: 170m (558ft)

Overnight in Wembury

Shearwater B&B

The day begins with a leisurely walk from Wembury, where the gentle cliffs and open sea views invite you to take a deep breath and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the ocean. The path leads you to Warren Point, where a small seasonal ferry awaits to take you across the River Yealm and disembark at the peaceful settlement of Noss Mayo, a charming corner of white houses and quiet streets that seems frozen in time.

You can find more information about this ferry on the River Yealm Harbour Authority website.

From there, the path gains height and character, entering a more rugged and challenging coastline. The cliffs rise powerfully above the sea, and from the natural viewpoints overlooking Warren Beach, you can spot dolphins, seals and even whales crossing these rich and calm waters.

When you reach the River Erme, bear in mind that it is only possible to wade across the river at low tide. If the weather does not permit this, an alternative inland route guides the way. After returning to the coast, a steep climb leads to viewpoints over Westcombe Beach, where the horizon seems to stretch endlessly.

The descent to Ayrmer Cove marks the start of the final stretch, between sheltered coves and green headlands leading to Bigbury-on-Sea. Ahead lies Burgh Island, a tidal gem that seems to float between the sky and the water.

The day ends with a transfer to Salcombe, where you will spend the night.

Ascent: 499m (1,637ft) / Descent: 484m (1,588ft)

Overnight in Salcombe

The Henley

The day begins with a transfer from Salcombe to Bigbury-on-Sea, where you will pick up where you left off the day before. Once you reach the banks of the River Avon, you will take a seasonal ferry across the calm waters to Bantham, continuing along the path that leads into one of the most serene and captivating landscapes in southern Devon. You can find more information about this ferry on The Bantham Estate website.

This section of the South West Coast Path passes through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where green fields merge with coastal cliffs and the air accompanies every step with its salty breeze.

The path runs gently towards Thurlestone, a pleasant stretch of trail dotted with wildflowers and sweeping sea views, until it reaches the picturesque sanctuary of Hope Cove, a coastal corner of whitewashed houses and relaxed atmosphere that retains the essence of the old Devon fishing villages.

From here, the trail gains character and becomes more spectacular, following the dramatic contours of Bolt Tail and Bolt Head, where the cliffs drop sheer to the sea and the landscapes open up into breathtaking panoramas. This stretch is considered one of the most beautiful of the entire route, a parade of endless horizons and rock formations that seem to have been sculpted by the wind.

The final descent to Salcombe, with its calm waters and sheltered bay, offers a well-deserved rest after a day that alternates between the gentleness of the coastal valleys and the scenic power of the headlands. The boats bobbing in the harbour, the cafés by the water and the leisurely pace of this seaside town bring the day to a close with a warm feeling of arrival.

Ascent: 377m (1,237ft) / Descent: 382m (1,253ft)

Overnight in Salcombe

The Henley

The day begins in Salcombe, where you will take a short ferry ride to East Portlemouth. You can find more information about this ferry on the Salcombe Information website. This marks the start of a challenging but deeply rewarding day. This section of the South West Coast Path immerses you in one of the wildest and most authentic areas of the Devon coast, where human presence seems to fade away in the face of the power of the landscape.

The trail winds its way between rugged headlands and rolling hills, passing places with such peculiar names as Pig's Nose, Ham Stone and Gammon Point, while the sea roars below and the wind blows freely. When you reach Prawle Point, the southernmost point of Devon, the horizon opens up to a majestic view over the English Channel and the solitude of the surroundings invites you to stop and contemplate.

From there, the path winds its way to Start Point, a spit of land jutting out into the sea with its white lighthouse guarding the coast since the 19th century. Here, the views become dramatic, with vertical cliffs and endless skies, in one of the most iconic landscapes of the route. The last stretch of the day gradually levels out before descending to the quiet coastal village of Torcross, where the beach and the sound of the water offer a well-deserved respite.

Dartmouth: in the event that there is no availability in Torcross, we will make the necessary arrangements for you to be transferred to Dartmouth and, the following day, back to Torcross so that you can begin your route.

Ascent: 520m (1,706ft) / Descent: 526m (1,726ft)

Overnight in Torcross

Chillington House

From the tranquil coastline at Torcross, the trail continues along a long, flat pebble beach, where the rhythm of the waves sets the pace against the expansive calm of Slapton Ley, Devon's largest natural freshwater lake.

Gradually, the trail moves away from the coast and climbs inland, through soft pastures and fragments of protected woodland, where wild vegetation frames open views of the sea. After crossing these green, undulating landscapes, the path descends again to hidden coves, where the sound of the water becomes a private whisper between cliffs.

Passing through the peaceful village of Stoke Fleming adds a touch of rural life before embarking on the final stretch to Dartmouth, a seaside town with a character all its own. The trail ends among cobbled streets, charming shops and the imposing silhouette of the castle that guards the entrance to the estuary. Here, the air smells of salt and history, and the coastal journey comes to a vibrant end among boats, cafés and a nautical heritage that is still very much alive.

Ascent: 316m (1,037ft) / Descent: 319m (1,046ft)

Overnight in Dartmouth

Dartmouth Boutique

The day begins by crossing the River Dart on the ferry that connects Dartmouth with Kingswear. You can find more information about this ferry on the South Hams District Council website. On the other side, the trail climbs through wooded slopes where Monterey pines form a fragrant canopy and the sound of the river fades away, replaced by the murmur of the wind in the branches.

The walk intensifies as you reach Froward Point, where you can still see the old defences from the Second World War, silent witnesses to another time. From here, the landscape opens up towards Pudcombe Cove, a rugged cove where the cliffs drop sharply into a sea dotted with white crests, offering one of the most spectacular views of the entire route.

The trail continues to undulate and challenging the slopes that lead to Sharkham Point, one of the most demanding sections of the South West Coast Path in southern Devon. But the effort is rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of isolation in the face of the immensity of the sea.

The last major stage culminates on the Berry Head peninsula, where high limestone cliffs frame paths exposed to the wind and the horizon. After skirting the lighthouse Berry Head that crowns the cape, the path descends gently towards Brixham, a lively and bustling fishing port. Among its narrow streets, bustling docks and arcades steeped in history, you can feel the seafaring pride of entire generations. A meal of fresh seafood by the docks is the perfect way to celebrate your arrival and bring this unforgettable coastal adventure to a close.

Ascent: 663m (2,175ft) / Descent: 668m (2,192ft)

Overnight in Brixham

Quayside Hotel

After a delicious breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and return to your place of origin.

End of our services.