South West Coast Path – South

There are some great walks in the area. The most popular being the South West Coast Path. To pick up the South West Coast Path heading out to Stoke Fleming, make your way out to Dartmouth Castle towards the mouth of the river.

As well as the linear coast path, from here there are several circular routes around Little Dartmouth. Some of these can be quite challenging with uneven terrain, but most are not too long. Our favourite is the woodland trail from here called Gallants Bower with breathtaking views over the mouth of the river towards Kingswear.  In April it becomes an amazing sea of bluebells.

South West Coast Path – North

If you hop on Dartmouth’s Higher or Lower Ferries, you arrive on the northbound coast path towards Brixham. Turn right after you disembark and follow the signs to the coast path out to the mouth of the river. The full walk to Brixham is 10 miles and is not for the fainthearted. However, the scenery is amazing. as well as secluded beaches, you’ll pass the Brownstone Battery – a rare remaining Second World War defence site hewn into the rugged coastline – 1930s art-deco gem Coleton Fishacre house and gardens, and The Daymark – an imposing 80ft, grade II-listed, navigational landmark. (We also recommend checking the bus times to bring you back to Kingswear).

There are a few shorter circular walks which take an hour or two, diverting back to Kingswear from The Daymark and Coleton Fishacre.

South West Coast Path – Further South…

From Little Dartmouth and Stoke Fleming, the coast path continues – taking in the beaches of Blackpool Sands, Slapton Sands, Beesands, as well as the headlands in between.

The stretch from Beesands to Start Point Lighthouse takes in the lost village of Hallsands which was washed into the sea, leaving the remains of a few buildings clinging to the cliffs. After the lighthouse, it’s possible to continue to the village of East Prawle and the most-southernly point of Devon, Prawle Point.

There is parking at each of the beaches and villages along the route to break it down into more manageable circular walks.

The Dart Valley Trail

The Dart Valley Trail follows the River Dart from Dartmouth to Totnes and back via Kingswear. In total it is 16.5 miles long. This can be broken up into sections or circular elements.

Dartmouth to Dittisham is 3.5 miles each way.  It is possible to park at Sandquay Woods on Old Mill Lane to cut out the walk from town to Old Mill Creek. This section is mainly woodland and fields on the banks of the river. Stop for lunch at The Anchorstone Café or Ferry Boat Inn in Dittisham then either walk back, hop on a ferry back to Dartmouth or head to Kingswear!

Greenway to Kingswear to is 4.5 miles. Tracks and woodland paths back along the far side of the river then following the steam train line into Kingswear, this side is a bit more challenging with some quite steep ascents and descents.  

Dittisham to Totnes is 8.5 miles and takes you through the Sharpham Estate where they produce award winning cheese and wine. There are also ferries back from Totnes to Dartmouth.