Slapton Ley
This walk takes you along Slapton Sands and the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve in Devon. The lagoon at Slapton Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England. It's a beautiful area with the lovely shingle beach and the ocean on one side and the stunning lake on the other. There are a number of walking trails taking you through the reserve, including a family trail which takes about 45 minutes. You can also easily continue to the nearby village of Slapton.
The reserve is fantastic for wildlife with a number of bird hides around the lake. Look out for Cetti's warbler, Swallows, Badgers and Otters as you make your way through the reserve.
For cyclists there is a super coastal road taking you past the lake and Slapton sands.
The South West Coast Path runs past the site so there is scope for continuing your walk along the coast towards Dartmouth or Salcombe.
If you head west you can visit Start Point where you can look out for seals and basking sharks before enjoying an interesting tour of the lighthouse.
See the Torcross to Beesands and Start Point Walk page for more details.
Postcode
TQ7 2TQ - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsPlease click here for more information
Slapton Ley Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Slapton Ley Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Slapton Ley OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Slapton Ley Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Start Bay Inn is conveniently located at the start of the walk, right next to the Torcross car park. The pub has an interesting history dating back to the 14th century when it was used by the local fishermen who worked their fishing boats from the village beach in front of the pub. The inn includes a lovely sea front patio where you can relax outside and enjoy sea views with some delicious sea food.
Dog Walking
The area is great for dog walking with a dog friendly beach for them to enjoy. You'll probably see plenty of other owners with their pets on your visit. The Start Bay Inn mentioned above also welcomes dogs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Torcross, Slapton Ley and Slapton Sands. From a viewpoint on the coast path just to the south of this grid square, this photo looks down on the village of Torcross situated at the southern end of the Slapton Sands sandbar. The view extends well beyond the northern limit of the grid square to the cliffs below the village of Strete.
Looking northwest across the Lower Ley from Torcross Village. Slapton Ley is a freshwater lake separated from the sea by the long sand bar of Slapton Sands.
On Slapton Sands in August
Torcross and Slapton Ley, Stokenham. This is the view from the minor road high up above the village, just before it dives down steeply. The subject NGR is for the church, just to the right of the centre of the picture. Taken in 1992.
From Sands Road, the road connecting the village of Slapton to Slapton Sands. Although there is a large area of open water, there are extensive reedbeds in the embayments.
A view from the farm walk at Stokeley across the marshland.
The southern corner of the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England. Across on the right is Torcross.
Higher Ley. Unlike the Lower Ley, most of Higher Slapton Ley is covered by reeds, but this is one area of open water below The Manor House at Strete Gate. Seen from the woodland walk.