Hope Cove to Salcombe Walk
A splendid coastal walk from the little village of Hope Cove to Salcombe on the South West Coast Path. It's a lovely section of the path with visits to the headlands of Bolt Head and Bolt Tail. You'll also pass through the National Trust owned Bolberry Down with its pretty gorse, wildflowers and stunning views. The route is about 8 miles with come moderate climbs along the cliffs, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. You could turn it into a longer circular walk by following inland coutry lanes around Malborough.
The walk starts on the sea front at Hope Cove and follows the path round to Bolt Tail. The headland is the site of an Iron Age promontory fort and commands fabulous views down the coast into Cornwall.
The path continues east to Bolberry Down where there are some nice footpaths through some lovely coastal scenery and great views to Burgh Island and Bigbury on Sea.
The next section takes you past the secluded beach at Soar Mill Cove to Bolt Head. This area is great for wildlife with Dartmoor Ponies grazing on the cliffs. You can also see coastal birds including Fulmar, Shag, and Cormorants.
The path then descends from Bolt Head into Salcombe, passing the pretty beaches and Salcombe Castle. You also pass Tor Woods on your left, where you can sometimes see Sika Deer.
To extend your walking in the area you can visit the beautiful Kingsbridge Estuary.
Hope Cove to Salcombe Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Hope Cove to Salcombe Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Hope Cove to Salcombe OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Hope Cove to Salcombe Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
At the end of the walk you can enjoy some well earned refreshments at The Ferry Inn in Salcombe. It's the most famous and oldest pub in the village dating from 1739 when it was called "the commercial inn". They have a wonderful outdoor area where you can enjoy your meal with views over Salcombe Harbour to the surrounding countryside. You can find the inn on Fore Street with a postcode of TQ8 8ET for your sat navs.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Follow the coast path north and you can pick up the circular Bigbury on Sea Walk which visits Burgh Island and the Avon Estuary. Here you can also link up with the Thurlestone and Bantham Walk. On this coastal walk you'll visit the National Trust's lovely South Milton beach, the striking Thurlestone Rock Arch and a great beachside seafood cafe. You can follow the Thurlestone to Hope Cove Walk north to reach the village.
Just a mile south east of the car park is Soar Mill Cove where you will find a picturesque cove, a secluded sandy beach and the wonderfully positioned Soar Mill Cove Hotel.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
View over Hope Cove towards Outer Hope
Footpaths on Bolt Tail. Walking over one of the ramparts of the Iron Age fort.
Cliffs and gorse on Bolberry Down
Bolt Head
Soar Mill Cove
Malborough, near Soar Mill Cove. Looking north-north-west towards Bolberry Down. The cliffs in mid-distance are known as Cathole Point, with Lantern Rock standing proud of the shoreline. All National Trust Property
Malborough: towards The Warren. Looking east-south-east on a coast path – not the South West Coast Path, which runs inland here – on part of the National Trust estate
Salcombe Harbour. Looking east-south-east near the lifeboat station. Kingsbridge Estuary runs north and is hidden by the tree-covered Snapes Point, left