Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
The walk from Plymouth to Dartmouth runs through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You'll experience a coastline of spectacular contrasts from rugged cliffs, unspoilt estuaries, and sandy beaches, to patchwork countryside and charming villages. Discover the stories of shipwrecks and coastal defences, admire the rich fauna and flora and of course, soak up the incredible seascapes and coastal views.
Start your trip by exploring the maritime history of Plymouth, where you'll enjoy stunning views across Plymouth Sound as you make your way along the cliff tops. Journey through woodland and across beautiful beaches as you round Devon's most southerly headlands.
You'll stay in hand-picked guesthouses, pubs with rooms or small hotels. They are well suited to walkers, located close to the trail and offer comfortable accommodation with a good breakfast to start your day. Most of the accommodations offer parking and are dog-friendly - please enquire for further details.
We highly recommend extending your trip by adding in an extra day in Salcombe, or in Dartmouth at the end of the trip. Both have numerous attractions, fabulous restaurants and further options for some river and circular walks. Please enquire at time of booking.
The walking is mainly along the South West Coast Path. The trail is well marked, and is a combination of paths and tracks mainly on open ground with hedgerows and some short woodland sections. There are quite frequent ascents and descents as you dip in and out of beaches and bays (these are shown on the Headwater app). Walking around headlands and higher cliffs means wonderful sea views, and the path is nearly always set back from cliff edges. Walking boots essential.
Read more about this holiday in our Meet the Expert blog.
Arrive at your hotel in Plymouth, just a few minutes from the waterfront on Plymouth Hoe and approx. 10mins from Plymouth train station. Take some time to visit the local sights including the Hoe, Barbican, Elizabethan House, and the National Marine Aquarium.
You stay at Grosvenor Plymouth or Imperial Hotel.
Grosvenor Plymouth, Plymouth
A beautiful Victorian property, this family-run hotel is less than a 1-minute walk from Plymouth Hoe and the wonderful waterfront views across Plymouth Sound. It's also an easy walk to either the historic Barbican with its harbour-side bars and restaurants, or to the city's shopping centre. The comfortable rooms feature contemporary furnishings, plus free Wi-Fi, TV and ensuite facilities.. Rooms are stair-access only. There's a good choice available at breakfast, and in addition there are two elegant lounges and a licensed bar selling coffees and bar snacks.
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee
This beautiful, family-owned townhouse is award-winning in Plymouth. Located just minutes from the waterfront on Plymouth Hoe, it’s an easy walk to the city centre, Theatre Royal or the historic Barbican. A delicious breakfast is served at the hotel, and you'll enjoy attentive and friendly service during your stay.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Take the ferry from Barbican Quay across the River Plym (paid locally - approx. £2pp). On arrival at Mount Batten, you'll follow the coastal path accompanied by panoramic views of Plymouth Sound. Continue through wooded cliff tops up to Staddon Heights, an area of historic Victorian military defences. Enjoy stunning views towards the Breakwater across Plymouth Sound and the Great Mewstone as you near the end of today's walk.
You stay at Shearwater B&B or Wembury Bay B&B.
WiFiTV
AirconTea/coffee
Just 400m from Wembury Beach, this is a peaceful family-run B&B. Breakfast is served in the sun lounge or dining area with lovely sea views.
WiFiTVTea/coffee
Located in the quiet village of Wembury, this popular B&B offers a friendly welcome and is just a short walk to the beach, local pub and shops. You can enjoy a delicious cooked breakfast before leaving for your days walk.
Take the ferry from Warren Point to Noss Mayo across Yealm Estuary (paid locally - approx. £4pp). Follow the path through Passage Wood alongside the river and onto Mouthstone Point with lovely views of Wembury Bay and the Mewstone. Walk along cliff tops towards Stoke Beach where a steady incline takes you to Beacon Hill, then towards Meadowsfoot Beach at Mothecombe. Your day ends by wading across the Erme Estuary to arrive at your next hotel.
Please note: There is no ferry across Erme Estuary. You will need to wade across at or near low tide (90 minutes either side of low tide is recommended) or arrange a local taxi for approx. £35 one way.
You stay at Dolphin Inn.
WiFiTVTea/coffee
This quaint 16th century country pub is in the quiet village of Kingston. The rooms are opposite the pub where food and drink is served. The bar has a cosy fireplace, and there is also a lovely garden where guests can enjoy the sunshine.
Today's walk takes you through Wrinkle Wood, skirting around Wonwell Beach and along cliff tops before reaching the unspoilt beaches at Westcombe and Ayrmer. You'll be rewarded with beautiful views of Burgh Island and the South Hams coastline. You'll take the ferry from Cockleridge Ham to Bantham across the Avon Estuary (paid locally - approx. £4pp). Walk along low cliffs to Thurlestone and past South Milton Ley Nature Reserve before arriving at Hope Cove.
You stay at Cottage Hotel or Hope & Anchor.
HairdryerWiFiTVTea/coffee
This traditional hotel has been run by the Ireland family since 1973. With lovely views, comfortable lounges, a personal service, and a wide range of food and drink, you'll feel right at home at the Cottage Hotel.
WiFiTVTea/coffee
Set opposite the beach in this picturesque seaside village, this boutique accommodation offers welcoming rooms, most with views overlooking the ocean. Enjoy local food at the pub with plenty of space for both indoor and outdoor dining.
Follow the path to Bolt Tail through a small wood before emerging onto open ground with spectacular views across Bigbury Bay. On a clear day you can see as far as Dodman Point further west on the Cornish Coast. Head towards Bolberry Down and along cliff tops to the secluded Soar Mill Cove. Soon after rounding Bolt Head, you'll enter woodland and pass Overbeck's Garden before winding down to Salcombe's South Sands Beach.
You stay at Fortescue Inn or Waverley Guesthouse.
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SafeTea/coffee
Located in the centre of town, this charming inn provides comfortable accommodation and good food at their restaurant/bar.
WiFiTVTea/coffee
Salcombe boasts unspoilt countryside and a magnificent coastline with beautiful beaches. This well-located lovely guesthouse houses just 6 well-appointed rooms. Off-street parking is available free of charge (subject to availability).
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
This morning you will take a taxi to Torcross to start today's walk. The route takes you along Slapton Sands to the Slapton Ley Nature reserve before reaching Strete Gate, a beautiful, clean shingle stretch of beach. You'll enjoy lovely views east and west along the coastline, passing through charming villages as you continue to the entrance of the Dart Estuary. Follow the coastal path to Dartmouth Castle where you can learn about this historic building and Dartmouth port. You will spend the last two nights in this historical town, full of maritime history, wonderful restaurants and lively pubs.
You stay at Dartmouth Boutique.
Dartmouth Boutique, Dartmouth
Mastercard
VisaHairdryerWiFiTV
The Dartmouth Boutique B&B is just under a mile from the scenic River Dart and a short walk from the town itself, with incredible views. Nestled in this beautiful South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and a cosy restaurant. Start your day with a delicious breakfast, with both Continental and cooked options available, using fresh local ingredients whenever possible. The rooms come with en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, and a work desk. Many of the rooms also treat you to great scenic views.
Today is yours to explore Dartmouth at leisure. Strolling through the town centre, you'll discover charming narrow streets filled with unique shopping spots, galleries, and museums. The Dartmouth Museum, housed in a 17th-century merchant's house, is well worth a visit as it explains the rich maritime history of the area. A leisurely stroll through the town provide a chance to enjoy its historic architecture, visit local markets, and admire the beautifully preserved timber-framed houses.
You stay at Dartmouth Boutique.
Dartmouth Boutique, Dartmouth
MastercardVisaHairdryerWiFiTV
The Dartmouth Boutique B&B is just under a mile from the scenic River Dart and a short walk from the town itself, with incredible views. Nestled in this beautiful South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and a cosy restaurant. Start your day with a delicious breakfast, with both Continental and cooked options available, using fresh local ingredients whenever possible. The rooms come with en suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, and a work desk. Many of the rooms also treat you to great scenic views.
Drive home or take a local taxi to Totnes train station (approx. 30mins) for onward rail connections.
We highly recommend extending your trip by adding in an extra day in Salcombe, or in Dartmouth at the end of the trip. Both have numerous attractions, fabulous restaurants and further options for some river and circular walks. Please enquire at time of booking.
These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £411.
This holiday does not include any flights or rail.
Self-guided walking
7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
15.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
