Walk 3432 - printer friendly version

Salcombe to Thurlestone Walk

Author - Andy Smith & Tony Maries

Length - 11.0 miles / 17.9 km

Ascent - 3000 feet / 909 metres

Grade - mod/hard

Start - OS grid reference SX741388
Lat 50.235756 + Long -3.7667292
Postcode TQ8 8JF (approx. location only)

South Devon offers some of the finest coastline on mainland Britain, ranging from golden sandy beaches to dramatic rocky cliffs plunging into the sea. Although this route is spread over two days, the going is relatively easy as this section of the South West Coast Path is well walked and the way ahead clear. The walk takes in the lovely seaside resort of Salcombe as the half waypoint, with its stunning cliff top approach from the east.

Day One Description

Day Two - Starting from the ferry point on the estuary in Salcombe (Grid ref SX741388), pick up the South West Coast Path signs along the tiny coast road passing the castle remains and south sands beach. Head south to Sharp Tor, which proved to be the main highlight of the entire walk. Once there the views on a good day are totally stunning, to the north you can look right up the estuary and over the whole of Salcombe, whilst to the east at least 5km of pre-walked coastline can be seen. Looking west, Bolt Head springs into view, which is the next step, although very heavy going at this point as you painfully climb up from the very steep Stairhole Bottom. There now follows almost 7km of barren landscape as you head towards Bolt Tail and Outer Hope.

After admiring the fine views from Bolt Tail, drop down into the town where there are a useful number of shops and public toilets etc. The last leg of the journey heads directly north passing Thurlestone Sands, and turning into the village (grid ref. SX 676431) itself where hopefully you remember where you parked the other car! A perfect weekend along Britain's south coast is completed.

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