Burgh Island
Visit this beautiful island off the south coast of Devon on this lovely coastal walk. Burgh Island is located just a few hundred metres from the small seaside village of Bigbury on Sea. You can walk to the island at low tide or catch the sea tractor which is run by the island's hotel.
On the island you will find three private houses, a public house, the ruins of the former chapel and the restored 1920s Art Deco-style hotel. The island has a strong assocation with Agatha Christie, serving as the inspirational setting for both And Then There Were None and the Hercule Poirot mystery Evil Under the Sun with the 2002 TV adaptation of the book filmed here.
This walk starts at the car park on the sea front in Bigbury-on-Sea and walks out across the sands to the island. There are lovely walking trails taking you around the island with its beautiful coves, rocky outcrops and beaches. The view of the Devon coast and countryside is also marvellous.
Burgh Island is on the South West Coast Path so you can easily extend your walk by heading along this fantastic trail. Heading west will take you to the beautiful Erme Estuary where there's pretty beaches, coastal views and lots of wildlife to look out for. Just to the east you can pick up the Avon Estuary Walk.
Here you can link up with the Thurlestone and Bantham Walk. On the walk you'll visit the National Trust's lovely South Milton beach, the striking Thurlestone Rock Arch and a great beachside seafood cafe.
Burgh Island Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Burgh Island Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Burgh Island OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Burgh Island Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Pilchard Inn dates all the way back to 1336, serving customers for over 700 years. The historic pub first served the fishermen who lived on the Island and mainland shores; then the smugglers and wreckers who lured ships onto the Western rocks; and now hotel guests and the public. There's a nice outdoor area with views to enjoy with your meal. You can find them at postcode TQ7 4BG for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular Bigbury on Sea Walk starts from the nearby village and visits the island before exploring the Avon Estuary. It also visits the neighbouring villages of Aveton Gifford and Bigbury.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
A view near the summit of the island, with Bigbury Footpath 21 climbing the west side above cliffs which drop towards Burgh Point.
On Burgh Island. This view from the west side of the island shows, beyond the figures on the cliffside path, Challaborough and Bigbury-on-Sea on the mainland.
Island Helipad. The helipad is close to Bigbury Footpath 10. In the background is the sand tombolo connecting the island to the mainland.
Cliff on the island. A group of visitors enjoy the view from the west side of the island, separated from the rock shown in by an enormous chasm.
Burgh Island Hotel. The hotel, with a cedar tree beside it, seen from Bigbury Footpath 21 above. "Built 1929 for Archibald Nettlefold, architect not known. Reinforced concrete, rendered, steel-framed windows, asphalt flat roofs, copper cupola to lift shaft. A complex T-plan". Across Bigbury Bay in SX6544 is Clemeton Hill above Sharpland Point, with the eastern past of Bigbury-on-Sea, and the B3392 (Folly Hill) leading up towards Bigbury. To the right is the mouth of the Avon and Cockleridge.
Buildings on the island. Footpath 10, which leads down to the crossing to the mainland, passes buildings to the west of the hotel (right).
Cliffs on the southeast side of the island, with, across Bigbury Bay, the coast from the mouth of the Avon past Bantham to Thurlestone.
A view of the Hotel and the mainland. In the photo the tombolo connecting the island to Bigbury-on-Sea.