Dartmouth finds itself on the South West Coast Path. There is a plethora of walks that start right in the heart of the town, or drive and join the path further down the coast. Check out our recommended routes below to enjoy on Your Devon Escape.
DARTMOUTH TO BLACKPOOL SANDS (3.2 miles)
This moderate walk finds itself following the coast path out of Dartmouth towards Stoke Fleming. It starts along the road, where you can admire the view of the River Dart. Head out towards the Castle where you can stop to hydrate, grab an ice cream or something to eat at the tearooms. From there, you head onto paths that take you to Little Dartmouth. Take in the views across Start Bay and watch the many boats out at sea. If you look closely, you might spot a dolphin or seal. Once at Little Dartmouth, take the country lanes down to Stoke Fleming where once again you can stop and hydrate. Pop into Radius 7 or for a drink or a bite to eat. From here it’s the easy road down to the beach. To return, you can either walk back the way you came or catch the bus from the road at the beach.
DARTMOUTH TO DARTMOUTH CASTLE (1 mile)
This walk is a shorter version of the one above. It is perfect if you want a quick stomp or have little legs in your group. It is accessible for everyone, simply following the path and road to the Castle. Once you arrive to the Castle, buy tickets and head in to learn about some of Dartmouth’s history, or stop at the Tearooms for an afternoon tea or ice cream. To return to Dartmouth, either head back the way you set off, or catch the ferry back along the river.
DARTMOUTH TO GREENWAY/DITTISHAM (10 miles)
Head through the Raleigh Estate, owned by Britannia Royal Naval College, out into the fields running along the River Dart. Take in the wildlife and watch the boats heading up and down the river. This route is a combination of paths and country lanes until you find yourself in Dittisham. Stop in Dittisham at the Ferry Boat Inn for a pint or head to the Anchorstone Café for some of the best seafood in the area. To return to Dartmouth, walk back the way you came or hop on the ferry. To extend this day out, you can pop on the ferry across to Greenway and take a tour of Agatha Christie’s house and estate.
DARTMOUTH TO STARTPOINT (13 miles)
This long walk combines many of the traditional walks along this stretch of coast path. It is a 13-mile route if wanting to walk only one way, or 26 miles to return to Dartmouth. There are many places to stop for food on the way, but if you are wanting to stop closer towards Start Point itself, we recommend either Britannia at the Beach or The Cricket Inn, both located in Beesands. This route takes you along many of the beaches within the Bay, so take them in and return to your favourite later during Your Devon Escape. To return to Dartmouth, head back the way you came on foot, call a taxi, or return to the main road at Torcross and catch the bus.
KINGSWEAR TO FROWARD POINT/DAYMARK (4.5 miles)
This moderately graded walk begins by hopping on either the Passenger or Lower Ferry. From Kingswear, join the coast path and follow the river out to sea. Stop to take in the views across to Dartmouth and of Start Bay. Once you reach Froward Point, you can extend this walk by continuing around the coast to Brixham, making it a 13-mile walk one way or head up to the daymark and learn about its use. From the day mark, follow the path to the carpark and back into Kingswear.
This route to Little Dartmouth is a shorter version of the walk to Stoke Fleming. It is a beautiful four-mile circular walk with views out to sea and towards Dartmouth. It is a moderate graded walk that joins the coast path and includes aspects of the town’s history. Take in the views out to sea as well as admiring much of South Devon’s countryside.
These woods find themselves behind Britannia Royal Naval College. If you fancy a slightly more shaded walk on a hot day, this is the place to head. Take a short circular walk around the woods, taking in the views of the creek, or extend it and head to Dittisham following the route above. Stop for a dip in the creek.
STRETE GATE TO TORCROSS (5 miles)
This flat route takes you along the Slapton Sands beach from Strete Gate to Torcross. Walk along the sand or on the path across the road which takes you along Slapton Ley. Start your route by grabbing a coffee, cake or bap from the Lime Coffee Co. hut and take in the breath-taking views of the coast. This part of the coast is like the UK’s version of California’s Highway 1. Once you reach Torcross, stop at the Start Bay Inn for a Devon classic fish and chips, or into the carpark to learn about some of Slapton’s history at the historical tank. The great thing about this route is that you can turn back whenever you wish. So, if you have little ones in your group or just simply fancy a shorter walk, just head back the way you came. There is also a carpark halfway down the beach so you could start your walk there and head in either direction down the beach.