7 Best Group Walking Routes in the South Hams
26 October 2026
Last Updated: 25 October 2026
Quick Summary
The best group walking routes in the South Hams are the Bolberry Down circuit, the South Hams Way and the short walks near Hope Cove, chosen for manageable distances, clear waymarking and a pub or café near the finish. The Bolberry Down circuit covers roughly five to six miles on mostly level ground and can be shortened to two or three miles for mixed-ability groups.
- The South Hams Way suits friends wanting five to eight miles with a one-way pick-up.
- Short walks near Hope Cove are under three miles with a café or pub at one end.
- Families with young children do best on the flat Bolberry Down circuit.
- Carry more water than you think you need and download the route, as signal is patchy.
- Spring Barn at Bolberry Court sleeps up to ten with direct access to the coast path.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Great Group Walking Route in the South Hams
- The Bolberry Down Walk: Coast Path Views for Every Generation
- The South Hams Way Walking Route: Linking Coast and Countryside
- Short Walks in the South Hams for Mixed-Ability Groups
- Walks Near Salcombe: Estuary, Beaches and Woodland
- Matching the Route to Your Group: Families, Friends and Dogs
- What to Carry on a Group Coastal Walk
- Planning Your Walking Break from Spring Barn at Bolberry Court
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes a Great Group Walking Route in the South Hams
The best group walking routes in South Hams share three things: manageable distances, clear waymarking, and a pub or café within reach of the finish. Get those right and a mixed group of eight or ten people will still be speaking to each other at dinner. Get them wrong and the fastest walker spends the day forty metres ahead, waiting.
This guide from Spring Barn at Bolberry Court covers seven routes we know well, from the clifftops at Bolberry Down to the estuaries near Salcombe. Below, we show you exactly which route suits which group, what to carry, and where to base yourselves in Bolberry, Nr Salcombe, South Devon, TQ7 3DY.
A group walking route is a path chosen for its ability to keep several people of differing pace, age and fitness together, not simply the shortest line between two points. The South West Coast Path is England's longest waymarked long-distance trail, and the South Hams section of it offers some of the most accessible group walking in Devon.
For a wider menu of options before you commit, see our round-up of the 7 best coastal walks in South Hams.
The Bolberry Down Walk: Coast Path Views for Every Generation
Bolberry Down is the easiest win in the South Hams for a group of mixed ages, and it is right on our doorstep. The National Trust-managed downland sits above the coast path with gentle gradients and wide tracks.
Route, Distance and Terrain
A circular route from the Bolberry Down car park out to Bolt Head and back covers roughly five to six miles on mostly level, well-drained ground. The terrain is grass and packed earth with a few short climbs. Groups with pushchairs or slower walkers can shorten it to two or three miles and still get the sea views.
Why Groups Choose It
- No stiles or gates that slow a group down
- Sea views within ten minutes of the car park
- Room to spread out without losing each other
- Easy to cut short if the weather turns
The one drawback is exposure. There is little shelter on the down, so a windy day feels colder than the forecast suggests.
The South Hams Way Walking Route: Linking Coast and Countryside
The South Hams Way is a waymarked trail that threads together the coast and the inland valleys, giving groups a longer day out without committing to the full coast path. Distances vary by section, but most groups tackle a five to eight-mile stretch and arrange a pick-up at the other end.
What most guides miss is the logistics. This route rewards a group that plans a one-way walk and a lift back rather than an out-and-back.
The South Hams Way walking route suits friends who want a proper day's distance and a bit of variety: woodland, lanes and estuary views in a single outing. Watch out: some lane sections have no pavement, so keep the group in single file and wear something visible.
Short Walks in the South Hams for Mixed-Ability Groups
Short walks are where group holidays are won or lost. A two-mile stroll that everyone finishes happily beats a six-mile epic that half the party regrets.
Good options cluster around Bolberry, Hope Cove and the lanes above Salcombe. Most are under three miles, with gentle gradients and a café or pub at one end. If you need help choosing flat, accessible paths, our guide to finding easy coastal paths near Salcombe and South Devon breaks down exactly what to look for.
A common mistake is assuming "short" means "flat". Some of the shortest routes near Salcombe include a stiff pull up from the beach, so check the profile before promising an easy day.
Walks Near Salcombe: Estuary, Beaches and Woodland
Walks near Salcombe give groups three distinct flavours in one area: the estuary shoreline, sandy beaches at East Portlemouth, and wooded valleys inland. A favourite group route links the Salcombe waterfront with a short ferry crossing and a beach stop, which breaks the day up nicely for children.
These routes are busier in summer, so start early. Groups of ten move slowly through narrow sections, and the ferry queue can eat into a morning.
For a gentler day, the woodland paths inland offer shade and shelter that the clifftops cannot. That makes them the sensible choice when the forecast is uncertain.
Matching the Route to Your Group: Families, Friends and Dogs
The right route depends on who is walking. Families with young children do best on the Bolberry Down circuit, where a buggy can manage and the car is never far away. Groups of friends planning a milestone weekend tend to prefer the South Hams Way or a longer coast path section with a pub finish.
Dogs are welcome on most of these routes, but leads are needed around livestock and on National Trust land during nesting season. If you are bringing a dog, our guide to dog-friendly cottage breaks in South Hams covers which routes and stays work best.
| Group type | Best route | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Families with young children | Bolberry Down circuit | Flat, short, easy to cut short |
| Mixed-ability groups | Short walks near Hope Cove | Under three miles, café finish |
| Friends wanting distance | South Hams Way | Five to eight miles, one-way option |
| Dog owners | Bolberry Down and inland woods | Wide tracks, shade, livestock signage |
What to Carry on a Group Coastal Walk
Coastal weather in Devon changes fast, and a group moves more slowly than a solo walker. Carry more water than you think you need, layers for wind and rain, and a charged phone with the route downloaded.
- Waterproof jacket and a warm mid-layer, even in summer
- Water for everyone, plus a little spare
- A basic first-aid kit and any personal medication
- Printed or downloaded route map, since signal is patchy on the cliffs
- Sun cream and hats on exposed sections
- Dog leads, poo bags and a towel for wet paws
Watch out: mobile signal on parts of the coast path is unreliable, so never rely on a live map alone. Tell someone your route and expected finish time.
Planning Your Walking Break from Spring Barn at Bolberry Court
The simplest way to walk these routes is to stay within a few minutes of them. Spring Barn at Bolberry Court is a Visit Britain 4 Star Gold barn conversion sleeping up to ten, with a fully enclosed garden and direct access to the coast path at Bolberry Down.
We are set up for exactly the kind of group that walks together: underfloor heating and a log burner for wet boots and cold evenings, an EV charger on site for anyone driving down, and a secure garden for dogs and children. You can explore Spring Barn at Bolberry Court and check the availability calendar to plan your dates.
Get in touch with Spring Barn at Bolberry Court to plan your group walking break and secure your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best group walking routes in the South Hams?
The strongest choices for groups are the Bolberry Down walk, the South Hams Way walking route and the shorter estuary paths near Salcombe. Bolberry Down suits mixed ages because the National Trust paths are wide and mostly level. The South Hams Way links coast and countryside over longer distances, so it works best for fitter friends. For a gentler day, pick one of the short walks in the South Hams and build in a pub stop.
Is Bolberry Down a good walk for a group?
Yes. The paths across National Trust Bolberry Down are broad, well surfaced and largely level, which makes them manageable for pushchairs, older walkers and dogs on leads. You can join the South West Coast Path in either direction for sea views, or keep to the downland loop if you want something shorter. Parking is close by, so groups travelling in several cars can meet easily before setting off.
How long does the Bolberry Down coastal walk take?
A loop around the down itself takes roughly an hour at a relaxed pace. Extending along the coast path towards Hope Cove or towards Salcombe adds time depending on how far you go, and groups usually allow two to three hours with stops for photos and a snack. Terrain includes some uneven sections and stiles once you leave the main downland paths, so allow extra time for slower members.
Are there shorter walks in the South Hams for mixed-ability groups?
Several. The National Trust downland paths, estuary-side stretches near Salcombe and village-to-village footpaths can all be walked in under two hours. Choose routes with a clear turning point so anyone who tires can head back early. Check tide times before choosing estuary or beach sections, and carry water and a charged phone, as signal is patchy in some valleys.
