10 Beautiful Coastal Walks in South Devon

South Devon has some of the best coastal walking in the country. Routes start directly from harbours, beaches and village car parks, so there's rarely much effort needed before you're out on the path with sea views opening up ahead. Most walks follow sections of the South West Coast Path, Britain's longest National Trail, which winds along the entire South Devon coastline.

Whether you're after a short stroll with the family or an all-day adventure, there's plenty to choose from. Below, we’ve shared 10 routes to get you started.

Highlights of coastal walking in South Devon include:

• Iconic sections of the South West Coast Path, Britain's longest National Trail

• Routes through the South Devon National Landscape, one of England's most protected coastal areas

• Walks connecting beaches, working harbours and historic villages

• Excellent opportunities to spot seabirds, seals and other coastal wildlife

• Trails to suit everyone, from gentle seaside strolls to full-day clifftop challenges

1. Start Point

A short walk from Start Point Car Park out to Start Point Lighthouse – just 1.3 miles each way, but the scenery is dramatic throughout. This is the most southerly tip of Devon, with wide views across Start Bay and the haunting remains of Hallsands village visible along the shoreline. Keep an eye out for seabirds and the occasional seal. The lighthouse dates from 1836 and is open to visitors in summer.

2. Salcombe to Soar Mill Cove

One of the more challenging walks in this list, at around 7.5 miles. The route leaves Salcombe and follows the South West Coast Path along the clifftops past Bolt Head, eventually dropping down to Soar Mill Cove – a sandy beach tucked beneath steep cliffs that you can only reach on foot. The views on the way are hard to beat.

3. Bantham to Thurlestone

Starting from Bantham Beach, this walk follows the clifftops above Bigbury Bay with views out to Burgh Island for much of the route. The path leads to Thurlestone Rock, a natural stone arch sitting just offshore, before returning inland through farmland. A good mix of terrain and one of the most scenic stretches on the South Hams coast.

4.  Bolt Head to Bolt Tail via Bolberry Down

Starting from Bolberry Down, this walk follows the South West Coast Path in both directions along one of the most spectacular stretches of the South Hams coast. Head east towards Bolt Head for dramatic jagged cliffs and views stretching as far as Cornwall on a clear day, or west to Bolt Tail where you can cross the ramparts of an Iron Age fort around 2,500 years old – a type more commonly found in Cornwall. The Bolberry Down car park also gives easy access to the remote sandy beach at Soar Mill Cove, less than a mile away on foot. On a fine day the views from here, out across Bigbury Bay and beyond, are as good as it gets on the South Devon coast.

5. Little Dartmouth and Dartmouth

A good option if you want coast without the crowds. Starting in Dartmouth, the route heads away from the harbour and out towards the National Trust land at Little Dartmouth, passing open farmland and quiet coves. Little Dartmouth beach is a peaceful spot for a break before heading back.

6. Noss Mayo to Wembury

Starting in the pretty estuary village of Noss Mayo, this walk follows the South West Coast Path along the historic Revelstoke Carriage Drive – a Victorian estate road built high above the River Yealm – with sweeping views out across Wembury Bay. The route passes through the South Devon National Landscape before dropping down to Wembury Beach, with its National Trust café. A lovely walk with a real variety of scenery.

7. Beesands to Torcross

A flatter, more relaxed walk along the shingle bar of Slapton Sands, with open sea on one side and the freshwater lake of Slapton Ley on the other. The area has a fascinating wartime history – it was used as a rehearsal ground for the D-Day landings in 1944 – and the nature reserve alongside is excellent for wildlife throughout the year.

8. Brixham to Berry Head

From Brixham harbour, a short climb brings you up to Berry Head Nature Reserve, where limestone cliffs drop sharply into Torbay and views stretch out across the English Channel. The headland has a pair of well-preserved Napoleonic forts and one of the largest guillemot colonies on England's south coast. A short walk with a lot packed in.

9. Teignmouth to Dawlish

A classic seaside walk between two traditional Devon resorts, with the striking red sandstone cliffs that define this stretch of coast as a backdrop throughout. The route mixes seafront promenade with wilder clifftop sections, with views across Lyme Bay and plenty of places to stop for a coffee or an ice cream along the way.

10. Dawlish to Dawlish Warren

Continuing along the coast from Dawlish on the Exe Estuary Trail, this walk leads out to Dawlish Warren — a sand dune nature reserve at the mouth of the Exe Estuary. It's a particularly good walk in winter, when the estuary fills with wading birds and wildfowl. Easy going underfoot, and a great way to finish a couple of days exploring this stretch of coast.

South Devon's coastline is easy to keep coming back to — there's always a different headland to explore, a new season to see it in, or a stretch you haven't walked yet. For maps, route details and more walking inspiration, take a look at our walking page.