Plymouth Trip Overview
The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s National Trail footpaths, running 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, round the South West tip of England to Bournemouth in Dorset. This itinerary focusses on the South Devon Coastline, running along The English Channel from Plymouth to Exmouth.
What’s included?
Breakfast included, other meals excluded
Luggage Transfers between accommodation providers
Fully comprehensive tour pack with maps, available in English, German, French and Italian as standard. (Other languages available on request)
Access to a smartphone digital app which offers GPS tracking for the routes (downloaded prior to save on data costs)
Access to a 24/7 helpline in case of any emergencies
Exclusions
Entry or admission fee
Landing & facility fees
Individual travel to the UK
Lunch & Dinner
Travel Taxes
Entry fees to attractions
Please note
Passport required
Passport needed if travelling to UK from other countries
Additional Info
Duration: 9 days
Starts: Plymouth, United Kingdom
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
Explore Plymouth Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Plymouth, England, United Kingdom
The South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s National Trail footpaths, running 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, round the South West tip of England to Bournemouth in Dorset. This itinerary focusses on the South Devon Coastline, running along The English Channel from Plymouth to Exmouth.
What’s included?
Breakfast included, other meals excluded
Luggage Transfers between accommodation providers
Fully comprehensive tour pack with maps, available in English, German, French and Italian as standard. (Other languages available on request)
Access to a smartphone digital app which offers GPS tracking for the routes (downloaded prior to save on data costs)
Access to a 24/7 helpline in case of any emergencies
Exclusions
Entry or admission fee
Landing & facility fees
Individual travel to the UK
Lunch & Dinner
Travel Taxes
Entry fees to attractions
Please note
Passport required
Passport needed if travelling to UK from other countries
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Plymouth
Stop At: Plymouth, Plymouth, Devon, England
Plymouth is the biggest City anywhere on the South West Coast Path and there is plenty to see and do. Plymouth is positioned between the dramatic coastline that this area is famous for and the incredible Dartmoor National Park, so it is not uncommon for visitors to spend an extra night here and venture out into the local countryside. The city is famous for its connections to Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada, and it is also the site from which The Mayflower launched in 1620. Much of the city was rebuilt after the Blitz in World War II, but plenty of history remains.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in local B&B
Day 2: Plymouth to Wembury Beach
Stop At: Wembury Beach, Church Road, Wembury PL9 0HP England
For the initial part of the day’s walk, much has been done to create an impressive walk through the City as “Plymouth Waterfront Walkway” which celebrates the city’s heritage, includes some interesting artistic features and passes some impressive landmarks including The Mayflower Steps and The Royal Citadel. Once you have reached Mount Batten (either on foot or by Ferry) walk around the breakwater and look for the monuments for RAF Mount Batten and to Lawrence of Arabia, before heading into a wooded section which leaves the City behind. Pass the small harbour at Staddon Point before heading to Bovisand Bay and then Heybrook Bay. Continuing around Wembury Point you get your first views of the town of Wembury – your stop for the night. If the Wembury Marine Centre is open it is worth a visit and if the timings are right, you can also catch the ferry across the River Yealm.
Daily Distance: 23 km/ 14 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in local B&B
Day 3: Wembury Beach to Bigbury on Sea
Stop At: Bigbury-on-Sea, Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon, England
When you arrive in Wembury the night before, check the tide times to make sure you are able to ford the River Erme later in the day. Leaving Wembury behind, the path follows the coastline a short distance past New Barton to Warren Point where you need to catch a ferry to Noss Mayo. Disembarking at Noss Mayo, climb the steps up the pier and follow the coast path into the woodland, before proceeding around the headland. From there, it is a relatively short distance to reach the River Erme, which you need to ford at low tide. If you’ve got the tide timings wrong, do not try to cross while the River is against you and instead stop at nearby Mothecombe where there is a café for refreshments. On the other side, cross Wonwell Beach and climb to Beacon Point before following the path all the way along the cliffs to Bigbury-on-Sea. At Bigbury, enjoy an extra detour to Burgh Island across the tidal sandspit and return using the very unusual ‘sea tractor’.
Daily Distance: 25 km/15.5 miles.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at local B&B
Day 4: Bigbury on Sea to Salcombe
Stop At: Salcombe, Salcombe, Devon, England
The start of your day will be dictated by the tides and the need to cross The River Avon which is tidal and can only be crossed by ferry. Shortly after leaving Bigbury-on-Sea you will reach Cockleridge where you can obtain a ferry with a hearty shout across to Bantham if there isn’t one already waiting. From here, the path continues easily for the first half of the day before becoming progressively more challenging. Skirting the village of Thurlestone look out for the rock arch just beyond before continuing around the coastline through the village of Outer Hope and on round the headland at Bolt Tail. From here, the route turns towards the river estuary and with a viewpoint at Sharp Tor on the approach to Salcombe – your stop for the night. Salcombe Maritime Museum is enjoyed by many visitors and the town itself is a well-loved beauty.
Daily distance: 21.5 km / 13.5 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in a local B&B
Day 5: Salcombe to Stoke Fleming
Stop At: Stoke Fleming, Stoke Fleming, Dartmouth, Devon, England
Today’s route is particularly long for the leisure walker and starts with quite an arduous set of climbs; many opt to shorten the day with a taxi ride at the beginning which we are happy to organise (payable locally). The day starts with a short ferry ride across the estuary to East Portlemouth which runs every day. Disembarking from the ferry there are a series of short but steep ascents and descents all the way to Prawle Point. From here, an easier walk takes you around Start Point and then a series of gentler ascents and descents link Hallsands, Beesands and Torcross together. At Torcross walk along the Promenade which separates the sea and the Lower Ley which is the largest natural lake in the West Country. Pick up the path at Slapton Sands moving inland at Strete village and continue all the way to Stoke Fleming – your stop for the night.
Daily Distance: 29.5 km/ 18.5 miles.
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at local B&B
Day 6: Stoke Fleming to Brixham
Stop At: Brixham, Brixham, English Riviera, Devon, England
Arguably one of the toughest stretches of the itinerary, the path is mainly rugged and difficult cliff paths with a number of long, steep ascents and descents. This is typical of the landscape in this region. Leaving Stoke Fleming, the route runs inland initially before returning to the cliff edge by Little Dartmouth and proceeding on around Blackstone Point. Entering Dartmouth, the coast path signposts direct you to a ferry port connecting Dartmouth and Kingswear (payable locally) which will take you across the estuary. From here, the landscape and path remain somewhat unchanging although the views are spectacular, following the cliff line around bays and cliffs all the way to Brixham – your stop for the night. Brixham is a fishing village and now a popular tourist destination and it is here you can see a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s vessel The Golden Hind.
Daily distance: 25 km / 15.5 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in local B&B
Day 7: Brixham to Shaldon
Stop At: Shaldon, Shaldon, Devon, England
The first half of the route is very densely populated and urban, although many walkers enjoy the experience, you can shorten the day with a ferry ride, bus or taxi to Torquay. If you do the whole route, the route leaves Brixham behind, travelling a short distance to Paignton and then on to Torbay. Much of this path skirts the very edge of the urban area enjoying plenty of sandy bays and local sights of interest. Torbay soon gives way to Torquay, continuing the urban landscape as a town that was originally developed as a result of the Napoleonic Wars and remodelled as ‘The English Riviera’. Having finally reached the end of the urban populous (or arrived here via transport), the path crosses through a wooded region at the edge of the cliffline and continues to Watcombe Head, around Maidencombe and across Mackeral Cove. Passing Labrador Bay towards the end of the day, the route finally arrives in the small village of Shaldon – your stop for the night.
Daily distance: 31 km / 19 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Stay overnight in a local B&B
Day 8: Shaldon to Budleigh Salterton
Stop At: Budleigh Salterton, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, England
Today’s stretch traditionally runs from Shaldon to Budleigh Salterton, but many walkers opt to stop in Exmouth which is a large town. This route is fairly gentle using coastal paths, tracks and roads through fields and along the coastline. Starting with a ferry journey from Shaldon to Teignmouth or a short walk through the town to Shaldon Bridge if you prefer. From the small village of Holcombe, it is a short stroll to Dawlish where the path continues along the sea wall. You will pass through the village of Cockwood and on to Starcross where a ferry will take you back towards the sand spit near Dawlish and then across to Exmouth. Those opting to continue will follow the signposts to Budleigh Salterton and will soon see the ‘Geoneedle’ obelisk which marks the official start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. From here, the path remains easy with a slight climbing rise, and your journey continues all the way to Budleigh Salterton.
Daily distance: 22 km / 14 miles
Duration: 2 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in local B&B
Day 9: Depart
Stop At: Budleigh Salterton, Budleigh Salterton, Devon, England
Depart Budleigh Salterton for your onward journey.
Duration: 1 hour
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
