South Devon Coast Path

South Devon Coast Path

South Devon Coast Path

5 Nights

Average

69 miles / 111km

total

14 miles / 22 km

Average

2408m / 7900ft

elevation

B&Bs, Hotels

accomodation

2408m / 7900ft

elevation

B&Bs, Hotels

accomodation

South Devon Coast Path

South Devon Coast Path

South Devon Coast Path

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

difficulty Grade

Star 1Star 2Star 3

Accomodation Type

Accomodation Type

Accomodation Type

B&Bs, Hotels

B&Bs, Hotels

B&Bs, Hotels

Activity

Activity

Activity

Walking Holiday

Walking Holiday

Walking Holiday

Start/Finish

Start/Finish

Start/Finish

Cornwall/Cornwall

Cornwall/Cornwall

Average Daily cost

COST

COST

Best Months

Best Months

Best Months

May-Sept

costs based on two people sharing

costs based on two people sharing

Overview

Overview

"Wide sea views, magnificent cliff paths and golden beaches are just one part of the story. The Ancient Maritime and Estuaries route gives a week of world class trail walking creating a patchwork of experiences based on our drama and history with the untamed sea. ​ Lost villages, intrepid explorers, smugglers, the founders of the “new world”, you will walk through all beaches their stories and their scenery on the Devon Coast Path to Brixham. ​ You will need to navigate a spectacular run of five untouched tidal fingers, wildlife rich estuaries that make deep cuts through the landscape - The Yealm, The Avon, The Dart, The Kingsbridge and the Erme , the latter simply described as the most beautiful river mouth in the UK. ​ Away from craggy wild headlands and boiling seas, you will wander through surreal pebble and shingle coastal bars, ancient woodlands, rich salt marsh and high level floral pastures. ​ Walk through the history of great seafarers in Plymouth and Dartmouth to the understated hardships of the farmers, fisherman and soldiers that have struggled to survive here. ​ The most isolated part of Devon, this section of the South West Coast Path takes some organising - crossing rivers with tiny foot ferries that link long sections of trail with no habitation or facilities, but Encounter Walking Holidays can assist with whatever arrangements you need to walk the route at your pace and in your way. ​ The rewards of this untouched area should be obvious. The best wildlife and birdlife hides itself here. Lost in time villages and Robinson Crusoe style beach experiences link with trendy yachting retreats, ancient harbours and surreal offshore islands. ​ Ride a 6ft sea tractor high above the waves, explore Napoleonic Cliff Forts, find a Sherman Tank, a 19C juke box and a stack of Gold Bullion and that’s all before we tell you about the walking! Intrigued yet? ​ Read on to find out more about why we should all make the time to walk the Ancient Maritime and Estuaries Trail."

Itinerary

Itinerary

DAY 1×

Section 1 of the South Devon Coast Path runs 15 miles from Plymouth to Noss Mayo (10 miles if using the Barbican Ferry) and is graded easy. This gentle introduction combines Plymouth’s rich maritime history and urban waterfront with the natural beauty of Devon’s South Hams coastline. Starting from the historic Cremyll Ferry, the route explores iconic landmarks like Smeaton’s Tower, the Royal Citadel, and the Barbican’s Mayflower Steps. The option to shorten the walk via ferry is available. Beyond Plymouth, the path winds along low cliffs, gorse-lined trails, and sandy beaches, passing former forts and scenic coves before reaching the marine conservation area near Wembury and the charming Noss Mayo villages for an overnight stop.

DAY 2+
DAY 3+
DAY 4+
DAY 5+
DAY 6+

Gallery

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

Perfect blend of nature and comfort.

Walking Holiday

69 miles / 111km

Peaceful walks and sea breezes made this trip unforgettable.

Megan H.

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

Perfect blend of nature and comfort.

Walking Holiday

69 miles / 111km

Peaceful walks and sea breezes made this trip unforgettable.

Megan H.

TRIP TESTIMONIAL

Perfect blend of nature and comfort.

Walking Holiday

69 miles / 111km

Peaceful walks and sea breezes made this trip unforgettable.

Megan H.

Travel To And From The Route

🚂Train Travel

Fast direct trains run from London, The Midlands and the North to Exeter station where you change for the scenic branch line journey to Barnstaple on the North Devon Coast. Time from London to Barnstaple is 3.5 to 4 hours.

Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know

Everything You Need to Know

What is a self guided walking holiday?

What is a self guided walking holiday?

What is a self guided walking holiday?

How do I choose a route

How do I choose a route

How do I choose a route

How hard are the walks?

How hard are the walks?

How hard are the walks?

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I walk slower or faster than your suggested itineraries

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Can I add in rest days and activity days?

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

Start planning your perfect trip — your trail begins here.

Adventure Emails

Stay Inspired and Informed

Adventure Emails

Stay Inspired and Informed

Adventure Emails

Stay Inspired and Informed