South West Coast Path – Plymouth to Exmouth

Make your way to the maritime city of Plymouth, which is steeped in history, and spend the evening at your first night’s accommodation.

Your journey on the South West Coast Path begins along the Waterfront Walkway through the historic streets of the largest city on the trail.

From the end of the walkway, the trail offers easy walking close to the sea, past the old naval gunnery school of HMS Cambridge and onto Wembury.

This section is a mixture of easy, open walking. Some strenuous climbs up and down the coastal slopes are always rewarded with spectacular coastal views.

You will largely follow the Erme Estuary and enjoy views over to Burgh Island as you approach Bigbury-on-Sea.

Today’s walk begins with a ferry crossing (*) across the River Avon to Bantham. From here, the trail offers fairly easy walking past Thurlestone Golf Course until it begins to dip up and down on the way to Hope Cove. 

The following section from Hope Cove to Salcombe is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful sections of the entire 630 miles of the South West Coast Path.

* Please note that the ferry operates from Easter to September. Taxi transfers are included in your package outwith this period.

Your walk today begins with another ferry crossing from Salcombe to East Portlemouth. Once over the water, this section of the South West Coast Path is fairly tough.

The trail crosses high cliffs to Prawle Point, Devon’s southernmost headland, before following the cliff edge to Peartree Cove and on towards Start Point Lighthouse. 

Today’s section takes you through a varied and striking landscape. The Path traverses through woodland and then, in contrast, passes along steep, grassy slopes leading down to the sea before reaching the beautiful coastal town of Dartmouth.

Another ferry trip awaits you today, as you cross the River Dart. From Kingswear Castle, the trail ventures through a series of valleys, making this section rather challenging but equally rewarding with lovely views throughout.

Today, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Berry Head National Nature Reserve, where you can explore an Iron Age fort, two Napoleonic forts, and a lighthouse.

Your day starts with easy walking along the seafront, past Paignton pier and onto Torquay. Unfortunately, the route today includes long sections of road walking, but there is little alternative for this section.

The trail then follows the headland around past Thatcher Point and onto Hope’s Nose. It then winds its way through densely wooded areas with many steep ascents and descents, before reaching clifftop paths all the way down to Shaldon, where another ferry trip awaits across to the town of Teignmouth.

On your final day, you will enjoy easy walking along the promenade at Teignmouth, leading to a limestone sea wall which you follow round to Dawlish. From Dawlish Warren, the trail then follows the National Trail Cycleway along the main road through Easton, Cockwood and into Starcross.

You will then make your final ferry crossing (*) over the Exe Estuary to Exmouth, where a well-deserved rest and celebratory meal awaits you.

* Please note that the ferry operates from April to October. Taxi transfers are included in your package outwith this period.

After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on the South West Coast Path.