Is Hiking in South Hams Worth It? A Honest Review
27 August 2026
Table of Contents
- The Verdict: Is Hiking in South Hams Worth It?
- What Makes South Hams a Hiking Destination
- Exploring the South West Coast Path South Devon Section
- Best Circular Walks Near Salcombe
- Walking Holidays in South Devon: What to Expect
- Practical Considerations: Weather, Fitness, and Timing
- Where to Stay for a Hiking Holiday
- Conclusion
Last Updated: August 27, 2026
The Verdict: Is Hiking in South Hams Worth It?
Hiking in South Hams is genuinely worth it, but not for everyone. The region delivers dramatic coastal scenery, accessible circular walks, and genuine solitude on many routes, but you'll need realistic expectations about weather, fitness demands, and timing. If you want authentic Devon coastline, wild moorland, and routes that feel remote without requiring mountaineering skills, South Hams delivers exactly that.
The South Hams region, centred around Salcombe and Bolberry in South Devon, offers some of England's most striking coastal walking. According to the South West Coast Path Association, the South Devon section stretches 34 miles of some of the most dramatic coastline in the country. What makes this area compelling is the variety: you can walk cliff-edge paths one day and discover hidden woodland valleys the next.
This guide from Spring Barn at Bolberry Court covers the honest reality of hiking in South Hams: which walks genuinely deliver, what the weather actually does, and how to plan a trip that doesn't end in disappointment.
What Makes South Hams a Hiking Destination
South Hams earned its reputation for good reason. The landscape combines dramatic coastal cliffs with sheltered river valleys, working farmland with wild moorland, and enough variety to keep experienced walkers engaged across multiple visits.
What separates South Hams from other UK coastal regions is the scale of the cliffs combined with genuine accessibility. The Devonshire coastline isn't as high as Cornwall's northern cliffs, but it's higher than most of the Sussex coast. More importantly, the terrain varies constantly. You'll walk along open clifftops one moment and drop into deep wooded combes the next, creating visual interest and genuine challenge without requiring technical climbing skills.
The region also benefits from relative quietness. Unlike the Lake District or Snowdonia, where trails can become crowded even in shoulder seasons, many South Hams walks feel genuinely remote. The National Trust manages significant portions of the coastline here, including Bolberry Down near Salcombe. The National Trust's conservation work has preserved the landscape whilst maintaining public access.
That said, South Hams isn't a beginner's destination. The paths are often steep, muddy in winter, and exposed to Atlantic weather. This is precisely why experienced walkers love it. It's also why inexperienced walkers sometimes regret booking a week here.
Exploring the South West Coast Path South Devon Section
The South West Coast Path's South Devon section is the primary draw for most visitors. This 34-mile stretch runs from Dartmouth in the east to Kingsbridge in the west, passing directly through Bolberry and the Salcombe area. It's the most consistently dramatic section of the entire 630-mile path.
The Salcombe to Prawle Point section (approximately 8 miles) is often cited as the finest. It combines open cliff walking with sudden descents into hidden beaches and sheltered coves. The terrain demands proper footwear and reasonable fitness, but it rewards you with views that genuinely justify the effort.
What most guides don't mention: the South West Coast Path here involves significant elevation change. You're not walking along a level clifftop. Instead, you descend to sea level repeatedly, which means climbing back up each time. A "10-mile" section on the map translates to roughly 600 metres of elevation gain across the day. This matters far more than distance when assessing difficulty.
The path is well-marked and maintained, which removes navigation stress. The South West Coast Path official guidance provides detailed maps and route descriptions. However, the path can be muddy, slippery, and occasionally challenging to follow during heavy rain or winter conditions.
Timing matters enormously here. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best conditions: mild temperatures, reasonable daylight hours, and lower rainfall than winter. Summer brings crowds. Winter offers solitude but demands proper waterproofs and careful footing on slippery terrain.
Best Circular Walks Near Salcombe
Not everyone wants to walk the entire South West Coast Path. Circular walks offer the advantage of returning to your starting point without requiring shuttle buses or complicated logistics.
The Salcombe to Sharpitor and back via the coastal path is approximately 6 miles and offers a good introduction to the region's character. You get genuine coastal walking without committing to a full-day expedition. It's manageable for fit families and intermediate walkers but genuinely challenging for beginners.
The Bolberry Down circular walk (approximately 4 miles) stays inland and offers moorland scenery rather than coastal views. The National Trust manages this area, and the walking is straightforward without being boring. This route suits families with younger children or walkers wanting a gentler day.
The Kingsbridge to Salcombe estuary walk (approximately 8 miles) follows river paths rather than coastal cliffs. It's flatter than most South Hams walks and offers a different perspective on the landscape. Birdwatchers particularly value this route.
A common mistake is underestimating time and fitness requirements. These walks take longer than their distance suggests due to terrain and elevation. A 6-mile walk here typically takes 3-4 hours rather than the 2 hours you might allocate based on distance alone.
Walking Holidays in South Devon: What to Expect
A walking holiday in South Hams differs significantly from a typical beach holiday or city break. You're basing yourself in one location and exploring on foot rather than moving accommodation daily. This approach has genuine advantages: you unpack once, develop local knowledge, and can focus on walking rather than logistics.
Most walking holidays here centre on Salcombe or surrounding villages like Bolberry. Salcombe itself is a working fishing port and upmarket seaside town with restaurants, cafés, and shops, but it's not a resort.
Weather dominates the reality of a South Hams walking holiday. This region experiences Atlantic weather systems directly. Rain is common, wind is frequent, and sunshine is never guaranteed. You're not booking guaranteed sunshine, you're booking the chance to walk in authentic Devon weather.
Daily walking typically ranges from 8 to 16 miles depending on fitness and preference. Most people find a pattern: start early, walk 4-6 miles to a café or beach for lunch, rest for an hour, walk another 4-6 miles, and return by late afternoon.
What makes a walking holiday successful here is managing expectations about comfort. You'll be wet, muddy, and tired. Hot showers and good meals become genuinely important. Accommodation quality directly affects your experience. A property with proper drying facilities, comfortable beds, and a working kitchen makes the difference between a memorable trip and an exhausting one.
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court, located in the hamlet of Bolberry near Salcombe, offers accommodation specifically designed for this kind of holiday. The property accommodates up to 10 people, making it ideal for multi-generational family groups or friends hiking together. The fully enclosed garden provides secure space for children and dogs. Underfloor heating and a log burner mean you can genuinely relax after days on wet paths. The location sits moments from the South West Coast Path, eliminating the need for car journeys to reach trails. Direct booking through Spring Barn means you can discuss specific requirements, drying facilities for wet gear, kitchen equipment for meal preparation, or accessible features if needed.
Practical Considerations: Weather, Fitness, and Timing
Hiking in South Hams requires honest assessment of three variables: weather readiness, actual fitness level, and when you can realistically travel.
Weather in South Hams is Atlantic weather. The region receives approximately 1,000-1,200mm of annual rainfall, distributed throughout the year. Winter (December-February) is wetter and colder but often less crowded. Spring (March-May) brings improving conditions and longer days. Summer (June-August) is warmest but also most crowded. Autumn (September-November) offers excellent walking conditions but increasingly unpredictable weather as winter approaches.
What matters most is proper equipment rather than avoiding bad weather. Waterproof jackets and trousers that actually work, proper walking boots with good grip, and layers you can adjust throughout the day make the difference between misery and adventure.
Fitness requirements are real. South Hams walks demand sustained effort over hilly terrain for hours. If you don't regularly walk 10+ miles over varied terrain, a week of daily South Hams walking will be exhausting. Training for 4-6 weeks beforehand, with regular walks of increasing distance, prevents injury and ensures you enjoy the experience.
Timing affects experience dramatically. Easter holidays (March-April) bring families and can feel crowded on popular routes. Summer school holidays (July-August) mean maximum crowds. September-October offers excellent walking conditions with fewer people. November-February is quiet but demands acceptance of rain and shorter daylight.
Where to Stay for a Hiking Holiday
Accommodation choice directly determines whether a walking holiday succeeds or fails. You need proper facilities, convenient location, and enough comfort to genuinely rest between walking days.
Salcombe has hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering properties. Location matters more than you might expect. Staying in central Salcombe means you can walk directly from accommodation onto the South West Coast Path. Staying 5 miles away means driving to trailheads, which defeats the purpose of a walking holiday.
Facilities that matter for walking holidays: proper drying space for wet gear, comfortable beds, a functioning kitchen, reliable heating, and good shower facilities. These aren't luxuries, they're necessities for sustained daily walking. A property with a log burner and underfloor heating becomes genuinely valuable when you return wet from an afternoon on exposed clifftops.
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court sits in the hamlet of Bolberry, approximately 2 miles from Salcombe. This location offers genuine quiet and proximity to trails. The property accommodates up to 10 people across multiple bedrooms, making it ideal for families or groups. The fully enclosed garden provides secure outdoor space. Modern comforts, underfloor heating, log burner, and fully equipped kitchen support proper rest and meal preparation. An electric vehicle charging station addresses the practical reality of the journey from most UK locations.
The property's location near National Trust Bolberry Down and direct access to the South West Coast Path means you can step out the door onto genuine walking routes. No car journeys required to start your day's walk. This convenience, combined with accommodation quality, makes a genuine difference to the overall experience.
For booking and further details about Spring Barn at Bolberry Court, visit the booking page or contact the team directly.
Conclusion
Is hiking in South Hams worth it? Yes, absolutely, if you understand what you're actually getting. You're not booking guaranteed sunshine or easy walks. You're booking access to some of England's most dramatic coastal scenery, genuine solitude, and the satisfaction of walking terrain that genuinely challenges and rewards you.
The South West Coast Path's South Devon section delivers exactly what experienced walkers seek: sustained coastal walking with constant visual reward and manageable technical difficulty. The circular walks near Salcombe offer variety for different fitness levels. The region's relative quietness and authentic character set it apart from more touristy UK hiking destinations.
Success requires honest assessment of fitness, proper equipment, and realistic expectations about weather. It requires accommodation that supports genuine rest and meal preparation. And it requires timing that aligns with your preferences for weather and crowds.
Spring Barn at Bolberry Court provides exactly the foundation a walking holiday needs. Located moments from the South West Coast Path, accommodating up to 10 people with proper facilities for rest and recovery, and offering the comfort and convenience that make daily walking sustainable, it transforms a walking holiday from endurance test into genuine experience. Book your stay or get in touch to discuss how the property can support your walking plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to hike in South Hams?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the ideal balance of mild weather, lower crowds, and excellent visibility. Summer brings longer daylight hours but can be busy on popular routes. Winter is quieter and rewarding for experienced hikers, though coastal paths can be windier and more challenging. Most families prefer late spring or early autumn for hiking in South Hams.
Is the South West Coast Path in South Devon difficult?
The South West Coast Path South Devon section varies in difficulty. Coastal sections near Salcombe feature steep climbs and uneven terrain, making them moderate to challenging. Inland alternatives and circular walks offer gentler options. Most sections are manageable for families with children over 8 years old, though fitness levels and pace matter. Choose routes matching your group's ability.
Can you hike the South Hams with a dog?
Yes, many walking routes in South Hams are dog-friendly, including sections of the South West Coast Path and circular walks near Salcombe. Dogs must be kept under control near livestock and beaches during summer months. A secure base with a fully enclosed garden is essential for dog owners; Spring Barn at Bolberry Court provides this, allowing dogs to roam safely between walks.
Are there circular walks near Bolberry?
Several excellent circular walks begin near Bolberry, ranging from 3 to 10 miles. Routes combine coastal paths, moorland, and woodland, offering varied terrain and views. Many loops connect to the South West Coast Path, allowing flexible combinations. Best circular walks near Salcombe include Bolberry Down trails, which link to broader coastal circuits. Local knowledge helps identify less-crowded alternatives.