7 Best Coastal Walks in South Hams

23 August 2026

Table of Contents

• Why South Hams Offers Some of the UK's Best Coastal Walks
• 1. Bolberry Down: Dramatic Cliffs and Panoramic Views
• 2. Salcombe to Sharpitor: Golden Sands and Hidden Coves
• 3. Thurlestone Beach Loop: Family-Friendly Coastal Exploration
• 4. Hope Cove to Outer Hope: Rugged Coastline and Historic Interest
• Understanding South West Coast Path Difficulty Levels
• 5. Prawle Point: Windswept Headland and Wildlife Spotting
• 6. Portlemouth to East Portlemouth: Estuary Views and Quiet Beaches

Last Updated: August 23, 2026

Why South Hams Offers Some of the UK's Best Coastal Walks

The South Hams coastline stretches across one of Devon's most dramatic landscapes, where the 7 best coastal walks in South Hams deliver everything from windswept headlands to hidden coves. This corner of South Devon, centred around Bolberry, Nr Salcombe, offers walkers genuine solitude combined with world-class scenery. The cliffs rise sharply from turquoise waters, paths wind through ancient woodlands, and views extend for miles across the English Channel.

What makes these walks exceptional is the terrain variety: from easy family loops to challenging clifftop routes demanding proper fitness. The South West Coast Path runs through this entire region, and the 7 best coastal walks in South Hams represent its finest sections. Each route tells a different story, passing through National Trust land, revealing hidden beaches accessible only on foot, or crossing working farmland where sheep and coastal birds roam.

Spring Barn at Bolberry Court sits perfectly positioned as a base for exploring these routes. The accommodation is ideal for families or groups. Its fully enclosed garden provides secure space for children between walks, underfloor heating warms you after windswept clifftop routes, and an on-site EV charger removes logistics headaches.

1. Bolberry Down: Dramatic Cliffs and Panoramic Views

Bolberry Down sits on National Trust land and represents the walk that defines the South Hams coastline. The route is roughly two miles of clifftop walking with minimal elevation change, but the drama is relentless. You'll stand on grass that drops 150 metres to the sea, with nothing between you and the horizon except air and seabirds (nationaltrust.org.uk).

The walk starts near Bolberry hamlet, a short distance from Spring Barn at Bolberry Court. The path climbs gently through coastal grassland onto the clifftop proper. On clear days, you can see across to Start Point lighthouse to the east and towards the Lizard in Cornwall to the west. The geology is visible in the cliff face: layers of dark slate and lighter stone create natural striping that changes colour with the light.

The walk is family-friendly in distance and difficulty, but children need to understand cliff safety, there are no barriers and drops are genuine. Grass can be slippery after rain, so proper footwear matters. Allow 90 minutes for a comfortable round trip.

2. Salcombe to Sharpitor: Golden Sands and Hidden Coves

This walk combines beach exploration with clifftop drama, ideal for those wanting variety in a single outing. Starting from Salcombe's bustling harbour front, the route heads east along the beach, then climbs onto the cliffs at Sharpitor.

The beach section is straightforward: golden sand backed by dunes, with rock pools to explore at low tide. Sharpitor is a small headland offering genuine discovery. The cliffs here are lower than Bolberry, but the sense of isolation is stronger. You'll find yourself on paths that feel genuinely remote, despite being just minutes from one of South Devon's most popular towns.

The full route is roughly four miles and takes around two hours at a comfortable pace. Difficulty is moderate; the clifftop section involves steep gradients, particularly on the return to Salcombe. Check tide tables before you go, the beach section becomes impassable at high water.

3. Thurlestone Beach Loop: Family-Friendly Coastal Exploration

Thurlestone Beach is one of South Devon's most popular beaches, and the walk circling it offers genuine coastal walking accessible to families with younger children. The loop is roughly two miles, takes about 90 minutes, and involves minimal elevation gain. Multiple exit points mean you're never far from the beach car park if anyone gets tired.

The walk starts at Thurlestone Beach, a long stretch of golden sand backed by low cliffs. The route heads south along the beach, then climbs onto the cliffs at the eastern end. From here, the path follows the clifftop for a mile, offering views back across the beach and out to sea. The cliffs here are typically 30-50 metres, making them feel less intimidating for families (devon.gov.uk).

The return route drops back to the beach and walks the full length of sand back to the starting point. You get genuine coastal views and clifftop walking with the option to spend time on the beach itself. Children can explore rock pools and search for shells whilst adults enjoy proper walking.

4. Hope Cove to Outer Hope: Rugged Coastline and Historic Interest

Hope Cove is a working fishing village with genuine character, where you'll see boats being repaired and fishermen preparing nets. The walk from Hope Cove to Outer Hope is roughly three miles, takes about two hours, and delivers some of the most rugged coastline in South Hams.

The route starts at the beach in Hope Cove, then climbs onto the cliffs immediately. The path follows the coastline closely, often just metres from the cliff edge. The landscape is wilder here than at Bolberry or Sharpitor, cliffs are steeper, the path narrower, and exposure more pronounced. This is walking for those comfortable with heights and rough terrain.

The walk passes several points of historical interest. The cliffs were significant during the Second World War; you'll see traces of old fortifications and bunkers built to defend against potential invasion. Outer Hope itself is a small settlement perched on a headland, with views stretching for miles in both directions.

Difficulty is moderate-to-high. Terrain is uneven, climbs are steep, and the path can be muddy after rain. Proper footwear is essential.

Understanding South West Coast Path Difficulty Levels

The South West Coast Path runs for 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset, and the South Hams section represents some of its most varied terrain (southwestcoastpath.org.uk). Understanding difficulty levels helps you choose routes matching your fitness and experience.

Easy walks typically involve less than 300 metres of elevation gain, relatively flat terrain, and clear, well-maintained paths. Suitable for families with young children, older adults, and those seeking gentle introduction to coastal walking. Bolberry Down and Thurlestone Beach Loop fall into this category.

Moderate walks involve 300-600 metres of elevation gain, some steep sections, and paths that may be narrower or less obvious. They require reasonable fitness and proper footwear. Salcombe to Sharpitor and Hope Cove to Outer Hope are moderate-difficulty walks.

Difficult walks involve more than 600 metres of elevation gain, sustained steep sections, and exposed or challenging paths. They require good fitness, experience with coastal terrain, and comfort with significant heights.

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Difficulty varies with conditions. A moderate walk becomes difficult in high wind or after heavy rain. Tide timing affects coastal walks significantly, a walk that's straightforward at low tide can become dangerous or impassable at high water.

5. Prawle Point: Windswept Headland and Wildlife Spotting

Prawle Point is the southernmost point of South Devon, a headland that juts dramatically into the English Channel. The walk to Prawle Point is roughly four miles from the nearest car park, takes about two hours, and offers some of the most exposed walking in South Hams.

The landscape here is windswept moorland rather than traditional clifftop. Cliffs are present but set back from the path, creating an open, wild landscape. On clear days, views extend to the Lizard in Cornwall and across the Channel towards France. On stormy days, wind here can be genuinely powerful.

Prawle Point is significant for wildlife. The open moorland supports nesting birds including skylarks and stonechats. Cliffs attract seabirds: razorbills, guillemots, and occasionally peregrine falcons. Offshore waters are rich in marine life, and it's not uncommon to see seals hauled out on rocks below the headland.

The walk itself is straightforward in navigation, simply follow the South West Coast Path, but exposure is significant. There's little shelter, and wind can be relentless. Ground is often wet and boggy, particularly in winter and spring. Waterproof trousers are sensible even on days when rain seems unlikely.

6. Portlemouth to East Portlemouth: Estuary Views and Quiet Beaches

This walk differs fundamentally from the clifftop routes elsewhere in South Hams. Instead of dramatic heights, it offers estuary scenery, quiet beaches, and woodland walking. The route is roughly three miles, takes about 90 minutes, and involves minimal elevation gain.

Portlemouth is a small settlement on the eastern side of the Salcombe estuary. The walk heads south through woodland overlooking the estuary, creating intimacy contrasting sharply with exposed clifftop walks. The path emerges onto quieter beaches, genuinely secluded with few visitors even in summer.

East Portlemouth is a mirror settlement across a small creek. At high tide, the creek is impassable; at low tide, you can ford it. What makes this walk valuable is its difference from standard South Hams experience. You get coastal walking without cliff drama. Woodland sections are beautiful in spring and autumn. Beaches here are genuinely quiet; you might walk the entire route seeing only a handful of people.

Planning Your Coastal Walking Trip from Spring Barn

Choosing which walks to do depends on practical factors. For a week's visit, you can comfortably complete all six walks at a relaxed pace. For a few days, prioritise Bolberry Down (essential), Salcombe to Sharpitor (for variety), and either Thurlestone (if you have young children) or Prawle Point (if you want genuine wildness).

Weather planning is crucial. South Devon weather changes rapidly; a clear morning can turn grey and windy by afternoon. Check the forecast, but don't let poor weather deter you. Many walks are actually more impressive in wind and dramatic light than in perfect sunshine. Waterproof layers are essential year-round.

Footwear matters significantly. Proper walking boots with good ankle support and grip are non-negotiable on clifftop sections. Grass can be slippery, and consequences of a twisted ankle on a remote clifftop are serious. Budget walking shoes work for easier routes like Thurlestone, but challenging walks demand proper equipment.

Spring Barn at Bolberry Court provides an ideal base for exploring these walks. The accommodation is positioned perfectly for accessing Bolberry Down immediately, it's essentially on your doorstep. For other walks, you're typically 15-30 minutes' drive from starting points. The fully enclosed garden gives children space to run around after a day of walking, and the log burner provides genuine warmth after windswept clifftop routes. Underfloor heating means you're never returning to a cold property, and spacious accommodation allows families and groups to spread out properly.

Quick Comparison: The 7 Best Coastal Walks in South Hams

The 7 best coastal walks in South Hams represent the finest coastal walking in South Devon. Each route offers something distinct: dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, quiet estuaries, and genuine wildness. The South Hams coastline around Bolberry, Nr Salcombe, remains genuinely unspoilt; you can walk for hours encountering only a handful of other people.

Spring Barn at Bolberry Court is positioned perfectly as a base for exploring these routes. The accommodation provides the comfort and space that makes a walking holiday genuinely restorative rather than just physically demanding. With underfloor heating, a log burner, and a fully enclosed garden, you have everything needed for a proper retreat between days on the coast.

Book your stay at Spring Barn | springbarn.co.uk/book to secure your dates, or contact the team directly | springbarn.co.uk/contact with questions about group size, accessibility, or specific requirements. The team at Spring Barn at Bolberry Court understand what walking groups need, proper facilities, reliable heating, and genuine comfort, and the accommodation delivers all of it.