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Salcombe to Thurlestone

Devon Walk

County/Area - Devon

Author - Andy Smith & Tony Maries

Length - 11.0 miles / 17.9 km    Ascent - 3000 feet / 909 metres

Time - 8 hours 30 minutes    Grade - mod/hard

Maps Ordnance Survey Logo Anquet Maps Logo

Ordnance Survey Explorer OL20Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL20Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 202Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 202Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Salcombe to Thurlestone
Click image to visit gallery of 3 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 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.

Other walks nearby

Walk 1866 East Prawle & Prawle Pointeasy/mod4.1 miles
Walk 2474 East Prawle Coast Circulareasy/mod5.6 miles
Walk 3431 Beeson to Salcombemod/hard12.0 miles
Walk 1857 Start Point & East Prawlemoderate8.2 miles
Walk 3427 Slapton Sands & Stokenham from Torcross easy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 3346 Start Point from Torcross easy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 2461 Warren Point & Bolt Tail from Banthammoderate9.0 miles
Walk 3041 Thurlestone circulareasy4.0 miles
Walk 3657 Bigbury-on-Sea, Arymer Cove & Burgh Islandeasy/mod5.0 miles
Walk 1975 Erme Mouthmoderate9.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast PathGuidebook to walking the entire South West Coast Path National Trail. The route runs for 630 miles from Minehead to Poole along the north Devon, Cornish, south Devon and Dorset coastline. Divided into 45 stages, this long-distance coastal trek could be completed within 4 weeks, or walked in sections. Guide includes maps and essential information.
More information

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - St Ives to Plymouth

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - St Ives to PlymouthMap 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.
More information

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