Passing through an enchanted landscape of rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles. With inspiring views in all directions, this is a coastal walk guaranteed to lift the spirits.
A
Salcombe walk
posted on 09/06/21 by South Devon AONB. Last update : 06/07/22
Description
(S/E) From South Sands as you disembark from the ferry turn left along the road which curves uphill.
(1) Continue straight on past National Trust hut. Follow sign for Overbecks along winding drive uphill. Right in front of gates to Overbecks, turn right up the footpath, keeping the wall on left. At the next fingerpost turn left up steps signed for Sharp Tor, Starehole and Bolt Head.
(2) Continue along the footpath past Sharp Tor – marked by compass on a plinth. Go straight on at the next fingerpost signed for Starehole and Bolt Head to drop down into the valley.
(3) Cross the stream at the bottom. Turn left here down the valley and left again onto the coast path.
A short diversion will take you to East Soar Farm Experience which has a walker’s hut with self-service cakes, cream teams and drinks. (follow the signs, before returning to this point). Otherwise, continue on the path leaving the sign to the farm on your right.
(Alternatively, for an extended walk taking in Bolt Head itself, go straight on after crossing the stream up the steep path opposite and along the wall. At the fingerpost take the 2nd path left signed ‘Coast Path Salcombe 2½m’. This path drops along the flank of the ridge. Bear round to the left at the tip of the ridge to follow the coast path. At the fork, take the right hand path downhill. You re-join the shorter route at the bottom of the next dip at Starehole Bay.)
(4) Follow the coast path back into the estuary mouth and through the woods.
(1) Bear right where you meet the road to return to South Sands.(S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 12 m - South Sands
- 1 : km 0.38 - alt. 51 m - National Trust hut
- 2 : km 1.55 - alt. 107 m - Overbecks
- 3 : km 2.26 - alt. 84 m - Stream
- 4 : km 2.66 - alt. 37 m - Coast path
- S/E : km 4.33 - alt. 12 m - South Sands
Useful Information
The ferry for South Sands leaves from Whitestrand Pontoon in the centre of Salcombe. To get there from the car park and bus stop at Shadycombe, follow pedestrian signs into the town centre, turn left along Fore Street, and left again after 100m to the waterfront at Whitestrand.
Start : South Sands, Salcombe.
Terrain : Coastal footpath, uneven and rocky in places; surfaced road; field footpath.
Parking : Shadycombe Car Park, Salcombe for ferry to South Sands from Whitestrand Pontoon. Pay and display. (Summer Only).
Public transport : See www.travelinesw.com
Refreshments : At Salcombe and South Sands.
Toilets : Public toilets at South Sands; also at Whitestrand, Salcombe.
To see a complete list of walks and access up to date walk information and difficulty please go to South Devon here.
The Salcombe to Bolt Head walk can be accessed via www.southdevonaonb.org.uk/portfolio_page/salcombe-to-bolt-head/
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
