United Kingdom : Devon

Contrasts of Devon Walking

Trip code: W07BK 4.7 (3 reviews)

Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

13.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Walk South Devon's coastal path and the slopes of Southern Dartmoor
  • Explore Plymouth's magnificent waterfront and maritime heritage
  • Admire stunning seascapes and awesome moorland views, linked by a lovely trail along the Erme Valley

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 7 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Car transfers as per itinerary
  • Accommodation upgrades in Ivybridge and South Brent

TRIP DESCRIPTION

South Devon is wonderful walking country - the Coastal Path runs through a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with Dartmoor on its doorstep. Experience breath-taking seascapes, rugged coastlines, river-side paths, country lanes, moorland tracks and picturesque villages as you journey along the walking trails of South Devon.This trip combines coastal and moorland sections with a stretch along the delightful Erme Valley.

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.

Terrain

Walks on this holiday are a combination of coastal and moorland trails with a rural stretch along the Erme Valley linking the two. There are some moderate ascents and descents on both the coastal and moorland sections, with more gentle terrain along the river valley. Both the Coast Path and river valley walks are well-signposted; the moorland section directions are covered by our notes and app. Coast Path surfaces are a mix of paths and tracks; the river trails are a mix of paths, tracks and lanes, and the moorland sections are paths and tracks with some quiet lane walking when coming off the moor. Walking boots essential.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Plymouth

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.

hotel details

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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.

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Imperial Hotel, Plymouth

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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.

Day 2: Plymouth to Wembury via Plym Estuary (11KM / 7 MILES)

Take the ferry from Barbican Quay across the River Plym (paid locally £2.50 per person). 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.

elevation

You stay at Shearwater B&B or Wembury Bay B&B.

hotel details

 equivalent

Shearwater B&B, Wembury

HOTEL WEBSITE      

WiFi
TV
Aircon
Tea/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.

 equivalent

Wembury Bay B&B, Wembury

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

WiFi
TV
Tea/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.

Day 3: Wembury to Holbeton via Yealm Estuary (17KM /10.5 MILES)

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 and on towards Meadowsfoot Beach at Mothecombe. You will be transferred by taxi to your hotel for the evening.

elevation

You stay at Ivy Barn B&B or Rose & Crown.

hotel details

 equivalent

Ivy Barn B&B, Holbeton

HOTEL WEBSITE      

WiFi
TV
Minibar
Tea/coffee


Nestled in the picturesque village of Holbeton, not far from the golden sands of Mothecombe Beach is the charming Ivy Barn B&B. Just opposite is the Mildmay Colours Inn serving locally sourced food and ales/ciders, with both indoor space and alfresco dining.

 equivalent

Rose & Crown, Yealmpton

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Located in the beautiful rural village of Yealmpton, this elegant, welcoming gastropub offers good food, award-winning beers, and a comfortable place to stay. Relax beside a roaring fire or soak up the sun in the walled garden, perfect for dining al fresco.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 4: Holbeton to Ivybridge (9.5KM /6 MILES)

Starting today in Holbeton, head out of the village towards the hamlet of Ford and through the Flete Estate to reach the River Erme at Sequers Bridge. Cross the wooden footbridge to follow the Erme Plym Trail to Ermington - a good spot to take a break. Continue along the river valley to reach your next accommodation in Ivybridge.

elevation

You stay at Sportsmans Inn.

hotel details



Sportsmans Inn, Ivybridge

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


This traditional country hotel and pub lies in the heart of Ivybridge. Enjoy good pub food as the kitchen uses fresh and local ingredients to produce delicious breakfasts, light lunches, and hearty dinners.

Day 5: Ivybridge to South Brent (10.5KM /6.5 MILES)

Head up past Stowford Mill, crossing the railway bridge and following a track to Hartford Moor where you can visit Western Beacon and it's archaeological remains along with stunning views. Follow the 'Puffing Billy' track, the old Redlake Tramway built in 1910 to serve the clay workings on Dartmoor before rising gently around Butterdon and Weatherdon Hills with beautiful moorland views behind you. Cross the River Avon at Lydia Bridge and take the riverside path to arrive in South Brent.If staying at Turtley Corn Mill, you will be transferred by taxi to your hotel for the evening, and onto South Brent tomorrow morning.

elevation

You stay at Station House Hotel or Turtley Corn Mill (upgrade option).

hotel details

 equivalent

Station House Hotel, South Brent

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Located in the centre of the village, this small hotel offers well-appointed guest rooms, a residents lounge area, terrace, café and bar. Enjoy a continental breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, and drinks.

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The Turtley Corn Mill, Avonwick

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Tea/coffee


A mile outside the village, this is a beautifully converted Mill, now a stylish pub with rooms. There is a fabulous restaurant on site, serving hot meals every day and lovely gardens in which to relax after a long day walking. The hotel even has its own lake, bordered by the River Glazebrook. Please note there is a supplement on the price of this holiday for all stays at The Turtley Corn Mill.

Day 6: South Brent to Buckfastleigh (15KM /9.5 MILES)

Today takes you across streams and beside Overbrent Woods with the River Avon in your sights. From Shipley Bridge, follow the riverside path towards Avon Dam Reservoir, then up to Abbot's Way, an ancient moorland path that linked the abbeys of Tavistock in the west and Buckfast in the east. Enjoy spectacular views from Gripper's hill before descending the moor where a quiet lane leads you into the market town of Buckfastleigh.

elevation

You stay at Furzeleigh Mill.

hotel details

 equivalent

Furzeleigh Mill, Buckfastleigh

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
WiFi
TV


This small countryside hotel started life as a spring fed corn mill in 1547 but has run as a hotel for the last 100 years. There are just 10 tastefully furnished rooms alongside a bar and fine dining restaurant which serves locally sourced produce.

Day 7: Buckfastleigh (optional 8KM)

Enjoy a well-deserved rest day in or around Buckfastleigh, where there's plenty to do and see. The nearby Benedictine Buckfast Abbey is well worth a visit, as is the Valiant Soldier, a unique pub museum. Buckfastleigh is the main station for the South Devon Steam Railway which runs down the Dart Valley to Totnes. If you'd like another walk in the area, we recommend taking the bus to Dartington Cider Press for a circular walk around Dartington Estate (approx. 8km).

You stay at Furzeleigh Mill.

hotel details

 equivalent

Furzeleigh Mill, Buckfastleigh

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Shops
WiFi
TV


This small countryside hotel started life as a spring fed corn mill in 1547 but has run as a hotel for the last 100 years. There are just 10 tastefully furnished rooms alongside a bar and fine dining restaurant which serves locally sourced produce.

Day 8: Depart Buckfastleigh

Drive home or take a local taxi to Totnes train station (approx. 15mins) for onward rail connections.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £376.

TRAVEL DETAILS

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

REVIEWS

A very good trip well organised. Local rep Richard very good. Luke did a terrific job in putting the trip together a very short notice.

Thomas Geddes, 26 Jul 2024

 

The holiday gave us a good variety of walks - coastal; river valley and moor. Richard was an excellent walk manager. He kept in touch and had excellent knowledge of the walking routes so he was able to ‘tip us off’ where there were anomalies with the instructions.

Post Covid has affected the availability of choices of places to eat in the more rural areas. Worth checking websites and up to date information.

BROWN, 19 May 2023

 

A really good walking holiday and an excellent way to see South Devon - coast and inland. Accommodation was excellent and the local agent Richard Price could not have looked after us any better.

Mr DUGGLEBY, 10 May 2023

 


Self-guided walking

7 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

13.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

7 nights from £799

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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