7 Steps to Plan a Multi Day Hike in South Devon
30 October 2026
Last Updated: October 29, 2026
Quick Summary
To plan a multi day hike in South Devon, choose a stretch of the South West Coast Path, match daily mileage to your slowest walker and split the route into stages ending at places with beds, food and a bus stop. Walk in late spring or early autumn, pack for wet weather and steep ground, and sort return transport before you commit.
- Aim for 8-12 km per day with mixed-age groups and 5-8 km with young children.
- May, June and September bring decent weather, quieter paths and softer light.
- Pack a waterproof jacket and trousers every day plus at least 1.5 litres of water per person.
- Check bus timetables and book taxis in advance because many coast path stages are not loops.
- Spring Barn at Bolberry Court sleeps up to 10 and sits close to the South West Coast Path.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Choose Your Multi-Day Hiking Itinerary in South Devon
- Step 2: Break the South West Coast Path South Devon Stages Into Days
- Step 3: Pick the Best Time to Walk the South Devon Coast
- Step 4: Build Your South Devon Hiking Packing List
- Step 5: Sort Transport, Return Journeys and Local Amenities
- Step 6: Prepare for Steep Paths, Tides and Changing Weather
- Step 7: Book a Walking Base at Spring Barn at Bolberry Court
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Choose Your Multi-Day Hiking Itinerary in South Devon
Planning a multi day hike in South Devon starts with one decision: which stretch of coast you want to walk. The South West Coast Path runs through the South Hams and past Bolberry and Salcombe.
A multi day hike is a walk of two or more consecutive days where you carry your kit and stay overnight between stages. In South Devon, that usually means linking coastal villages along the South West Coast Path, with each day ending somewhere you can eat, sleep and dry your boots.
Matching Daily Mileage to Your Group
The biggest mistake we see is copying a route from a guidebook without checking who is coming.
- Mixed-age groups: aim for 8-12 km per day with plenty of stops
- Regular walkers: 12-18 km per day is comfortable on coast path terrain
- Strong, experienced groups: 18-25 km per day, but only on shorter daylight
- Families with young children: 5-8 km per day, with a beach or café as the reward
Coast path kilometres are harder than inland kilometres. Constant ups and downs add up fast, and a route that looks easy on paper can take far longer than expected. Be honest about your slowest walker, not your fastest.
Step 2: Break the South West Coast Path South Devon Stages Into Days
Once you know your daily distance, split the route into stages. The South West Coast Path South Devon stages work best when each day ends at a place with beds, food and a bus stop.
A simple three-day shape for a group based near Bolberry looks like this:
- Day 1: Bolberry Down to Salcombe, then on to East Portlemouth
- Day 2: Salcombe estuary crossing, then a shorter clifftop stretch
- Day 3: A gentler return leg with a beach stop
Plan for shorter days than you think you need. Weather, photos, pub lunches and the odd wrong turn all eat into walking time. For detailed itineraries and difficulty levels, our complete guide to walking the South West Coast Path is the place to start.
Step 3: Pick the Best Time to Walk the South Devon Coast
The best time to walk the South Devon coast is late spring and early autumn. May, June and September bring decent weather, quieter paths and softer light. July and August are busiest, and winter walking is for the well-prepared only.
Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Conditions | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mild, changeable, wildflowers | Quiet | Mixed-age groups |
| Summer | Warm, long daylight | Busy | Families, flexible plans |
| Autumn | Mild, softer light | Moderate | Serious walkers |
| Winter | Wet, muddy, short days | Very quiet | Experienced only |
If you want a full seasonal breakdown of conditions, crowds and trail access, our guide to the best time for coastal hiking covers it month by month.
Step 4: Build Your South Devon Hiking Packing List
A South Devon hiking packing list should cover three things: wet weather, steep ground and warm evenings. Even in summer, coast path weather turns quickly.
What to Wear and What to Carry
Wear layers you can shed, and carry the following:
- Waterproof jacket and trousers, packed every day
- Walking boots with decent grip, broken in before you arrive
- Blister plasters and a small first aid kit
- At least 1.5 litres of water per person
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- Phone, power bank and a paper map as backup
- Snacks, plus a packed lunch on remote stretches
A first aid kit matters more than most people expect on a multi-day route. Our essential items for your family hiking first aid kit gives you a practical checklist to pack before you leave.
Step 5: Sort Transport, Return Journeys and Local Amenities
Transport is where good plans fall apart. Many coast path stages are not loops, so you need a way back to your base each evening.
- Check bus timetables before you commit to a route
- Book taxis in advance for remote start or finish points
- Use the Salcombe ferry in season to link stages
- Check pub and café opening times, especially out of season
- Fuel up and buy supplies in Salcombe or Kingsbridge
Group transport needs proper planning, not guesswork. Our step-by-step guide to organising group transport in South Devon covers minibus hire, public transport and logistics for larger parties.
Step 6: Prepare for Steep Paths, Tides and Changing Weather
Safety on the coast path comes down to three things: steep ground, tide times and weather that changes faster than the forecast.
Watch out: cutting a corner on a cliff edge or crossing a beach without checking the tide is how walkers get into real trouble. Check tide tables before any beach section, and never cross a cove you are unsure about.
Other essentials:
- Tell someone your route and expected finish time each day
- Carry a charged phone, but do not rely on signal in every cove
- Turn back if the weather closes in, even if the plan says otherwise
- Pace yourself on steep climbs and take breaks
The coast path is well marked, but cliff-top fog and fading light catch people out. Start earlier than you think you need to, especially in autumn.
Step 7: Book a Walking Base at Spring Barn at Bolberry Court
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court sits in the peaceful hamlet of Bolberry, close to National Trust Bolberry Down and the South West Coast Path.
The barn sleeps up to 10 people, which suits multi-generational families and groups of friends. It has a fully enclosed garden and modern comforts including underfloor heating and a log burner, and there is an electric vehicle charging station on site.
For walkers, the location is the real draw.
Best for: families and groups of up to 10 wanting a coastal walking base. Skip if: you want a town-centre location with everything on the doorstep.
Check the Spring Barn location and details to see the space and setting for yourself, and get in touch to book directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many miles should you walk each day on a multi day hike?
Most walkers manage 8 to 12 miles (13 to 19 km) a day on coastal terrain, but the South Devon coast is steep and undulating, so plan on the lower end if you are carrying a pack or walking with children. Build in a shorter day of 5 to 7 miles every third day to rest legs and allow time for beach stops. Always check the height gain as well as the distance, because a short day with several climbs can feel harder than a longer flat one.
Can you walk the South West Coast Path in stages near Salcombe?
Yes. The South West Coast Path South Devon stages around Salcombe work well split into day sections, with Bolt Head, Soar Mill Cove and Bolberry Down all linked by well-marked trail. Walking in stages lets you return to a fixed base each night rather than carrying full kit, which suits families and groups. Spring Barn at Bolberry Court is located near the path.
What should you pack for a multi day coastal hike in Devon?
Your South Devon hiking packing list should include waterproof jacket and trousers, breathable layers, sturdy boots with ankle support, a sun hat and sun cream, a refillable water bottle, and a paper map or offline navigation app. Add blister plasters, a small first aid kit, and a torch for late finishes. Coastal weather changes fast, so pack for wind and rain even on a sunny forecast, and keep a dry bag for valuables and phones.
Where can you stay near Bolberry while exploring South Devon on foot?
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court is a converted barn in the hamlet of Bolberry, sleeping up to 10 people with a fully enclosed garden, underfloor heating and an EV charger on site. It is located near the South West Coast Path and National Trust Bolberry Down. You can book direct through the Spring Barn website.
Planning a multi day hike in South Devon is easier when your base does some of the work. At Spring Barn at Bolberry Court, you get space for up to 10 guests, a fully enclosed garden, and direct access to the coast path at Bolberry Down. Get started with Spring Barn at Bolberry Court and book a walking base that makes every day on the cliffs feel easier.
