Walking Britain Devon Walk
Salcombe to Thurlestone
Walk Route Description
Click thumbnails for larger images.
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 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.
Please maintain social distancing - keep at least 2 metres away from other walkers. Travel restrictions for exercise in Wales and Scotland will be lifted in early July.
Maps | |||
| Ordnance Survey Explorer OL20 | Sheet Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Explorer OL20 | Digital Map | 1:25k | BUY |
| Ordnance Survey Landranger 202 | Sheet Map | 1:50k | BUY |
| Anquet OS Landranger 202 | Digital Map | 1:50k | BUY |
It is recommended you take a map. The preferred scale is 1:25k. | |||
GPS files - right click or option-click the button and choose "Save As..." to download this file.
Recommended Books & eBooks
South West Coast Path Map Booklet - St Ives to Plymouth
Map of part of the southern section of the 630 mile (1014km) South West Coast Path National Trail. Covers the trail from St Ives to Plymouth along the west Cornwall and Devon coastline. This convenient and compact booklet of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps shows the route, providing all of the mapping you need to walk the trail in either direction.
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