7 Hidden Gem Walks for Your South Hams Holiday
14 November 2026
Last Updated: 12 November 2026
Quick Summary
The best hidden gem walks in the South Hams start from Bolberry and follow the South West Coast Path to quieter coves and headlands. Routes range from short family strolls of under 2 miles to loops of 4 to 5 miles, so there is something for every group.
- Check tide times before you go, as some coves can be cut off when the sea comes in.
- Bolberry Down to Bolt Head out and back is roughly 3 to 4 miles return, taking 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Carry a map, since mobile signal is patchy on the cliffs and in the valleys.
- Spring Barn at Bolberry Court sleeps up to 10 people and is within easy reach of the coast path.
Table of Contents
- Why the South Hams Rewards Walkers Who Look Beyond the Obvious
- Planning Your South Hams Walking Routes from Bolberry
- Hidden Coves and Quiet Beaches Within Easy Reach
- South West Coast Path Walks Near Bolberry
- Circular Walks Near Salcombe and Dartmouth's Historic Landmarks
- Access, Parking, Navigation and Safety on the Trails
- Choosing Spring Barn as Your Base for Walking Holidays in the South Hams
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why the South Hams Rewards Walkers Who Look Beyond the Obvious
Most visitors to the South Hams head straight for the same few beaches and viewpoints. The area rewards anyone willing to walk a little further, and these hidden gem walks around Bolberry are a good place to start. This guide from Spring Barn at Bolberry Court covers seven walks that suit a relaxed family holiday, a group outing or a more active day on the coast.
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court is a practical base for exploring them, with the coast path close enough to reach on foot.
Each walk below includes a rough distance, the time it takes and how demanding the terrain is. Check the latest conditions with the relevant local authority or the National Trust before setting out, as paths can close after storms or during maintenance.
Planning Your South Hams Walking Routes from Bolberry
Rather than picking a route on the morning you set out, it pays to plan around three variables: the tide, the weather forecast and how far your group can comfortably walk.
Start by choosing your starting point. If you are staying at Spring Barn, the coast path is reachable on foot from the property, so you can leave the car behind.
Build the day around the tide rather than the clock.
Pack for a full outing rather than a casual stroll: water, a windproof layer, grippy footwear and a paper map or a downloaded offline map, because mobile signal is patchy on the cliffs and in the valleys. Tell someone at your accommodation where you are heading and when you expect to be back.
Watch out: the coast path between Bolberry Down and Bolt Head includes steep, stepped sections and exposed cliff-top walking, so allow more time than a flat-distance estimate suggests and keep children and dogs close near the edges.
The table below sums up the three planning checks to make before setting out from Bolberry.
| Planning check | What to do | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Start from Spring Barn, walking the coast path from the property | Lets you leave the car behind |
| Tide | Build the day around tide times | Some coves can be cut off by the sea |
| Weather | Check the forecast before you go | Shapes the route you choose |
| Group ability | Pick a route your group can comfortably walk | Keeps the day enjoyable for everyone |
| Kit | Pack water, a windproof layer, grippy footwear and a map | Mobile signal is patchy on the cliffs |
| Safety | Tell someone your route and expected return time | Helps if you run into trouble |
Hidden Coves and Quiet Beaches Within Easy Reach
Check tide times before you go, as some coves can be cut off when the sea comes in.
!A walker in a waterproof jacket standing on a quiet South Devon cove with rocky headlands and turquoise water at low tide
Take any litter home.
Practical details: distance, duration and difficulty
- Short coastal cove walk: around 2 to 3 miles return, roughly 1 to 2 hours, with some steep steps and uneven ground.
- Headland and cove loop: around 4 to 5 miles, roughly 2 to 3 hours, moderately demanding with sustained gradients.
- Family beach stroll: under 2 miles, around an hour, mostly level but with a short steep section to the sand.
Figures are approximate. Measure your own route with a mapping app before you set out.
South West Coast Path Walks Near Bolberry
The South West Coast Path passes right through the Bolberry area, and the stretch between Bolt Head and Hope Cove is one of the quieter, more dramatic sections in the South Hams. Most guides describe the coast path in general terms; this section sets out the specific stretches that work best from a Bolberry base, with the practical detail you need to choose between them.
Bolberry Down to Bolt Head (out and back): roughly 3 to 4 miles return, around 1.5 to 2 hours, moderate. The path follows the cliff top south-west from the National Trust car park, with sustained but manageable gradients and a few stepped sections. Bolt Head itself is a dramatic promontory with views towards Prawle Point on a clear day. The terrain is exposed, so a windproof layer matters even on a sunny morning.
Bolberry Down to Hope Cove (linear): around 2.5 miles one way, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, moderate. This is a good choice if you can arrange a lift or a bus back, because Hope Cove has cafés and a beach for a stop before the return. The descent into the village is steep in places, and the path can be muddy after rain.
Bolt Head to Soar Mill Cove (out and back): around 4 to 5 miles return, 2 to 3 hours, moderately demanding. This stretch takes in some of the most secluded coves in the area, with sustained gradients and uneven ground. It suits walkers with a bit of experience and good footwear.
Bolberry to Malborough and back via inland lanes: around 4 miles, 1.5 to 2 hours, easy to moderate. This is the quieter, less exposed alternative when the wind is up on the cliffs, following lanes and footpaths through farmland to the village of Malborough, where there is a pub for a stop.
Expect exposed sections where the wind can be strong, and keep to the marked path near cliff edges. Wear grippy footwear, as the path can be slippery after rain. Waymarking is generally good on the coast path, but inland lanes and field paths are less consistently signed, so carry a map. If you are walking with children or dogs, keep them close on the cliff tops and under control near livestock.
Circular Walks Near Salcombe and Dartmouth's Historic Landmarks
Circular routes near Salcombe combine estuary views with village streets and quiet lanes. The walk offers a good balance of scenery and gentle gradients, and it is easy to stop for lunch at a pub or café along the way. Several routes also pass near the water's edge, where you can watch boats moving through the estuary.
Access, Parking, Navigation and Safety on the Trails
Parking is limited at many coastal car parks, especially in peak season. Arrive early, or consider a walk that starts and ends in a village with more space. Public transport to rural coastal points is infrequent, so check timetables in advance and allow for delays. You can also find easy coastal paths near Salcombe with flat routes and accessibility tips.
Navigation matters on the coast. Carry an up-to-date map, a compass or a navigation app with offline maps, and a battery pack for your phone. Some paths are waymarked, but others are not, so pay attention to signposts and gates. Avoid walking alone on remote cliff sections, and let someone know your planned route and return time.
Respect farmland, keep gates closed and stay on the path where it is marked (The Countryside Code: advice for countryside visitors). Dogs should be kept under control, particularly near livestock and nesting birds (The Countryside Code: advice for countryside visitors).
Choosing Spring Barn as Your Base for Walking Holidays in the South Hams
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court is a good choice for a walking holiday in the South Hams. It sleeps up to 10 people, which suits multi-generational families and groups of friends planning a shared trip. The converted barn offers a fully enclosed garden, a log burner and underfloor heating.
For walkers, the coast path and the beaches near Bolberry are within easy reach of the property.
Spring Barn also offers an electric vehicle charging station on site, which helps guests who are driving electric cars. If you are planning a stay, use the availability and booking pages on the website to check dates, and get in touch through the contact page with any questions about the property or the area.
!Walkers returning to a converted barn after a coastal walk, carrying backpacks past a stone wall in soft evening light
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best places to walk in the South Hams?
The South Hams rewards walkers with a mix of coastal paths, estuary edges and wooded lanes. Routes along the South West Coast Path near Bolberry offer coastal views, and Spring Barn's position near the path makes it a convenient base. Pick a route that matches your group's fitness and time, check distance and terrain before setting out, and start early in summer to find parking and quieter stretches.
Can you walk the South West Coast Path from Bolberry?
Yes, the South West Coast Path runs close to Bolberry and offers several sections that can be walked as out-and-back routes or linked into longer circular walks. Check the terrain before you go, as conditions can vary along the path.
Are there family-friendly walks in the South Hams?
Several South Hams walks suit families, particularly shorter coastal stretches and routes that reach beaches or viewpoints within a reasonable distance. Choose routes with fewer steep sections, plan for regular breaks and carry water and snacks. Walks that end at a beach or village give children a clear reward, and you can turn back at any point if energy runs low.
What should I pack for a walking holiday in the South Hams?
Pack waterproof outer layers, sturdy walking boots with good grip, and a day sack with water, snacks and a basic first aid kit. Coastal weather changes quickly, so bring a warm layer even in summer. A printed map or offline navigation app is useful, as mobile signal can be patchy on cliff paths and in quieter coves.