East Portlemouth walks

East Portlemouth to Start Point and beyond

If you want to avoid the ferry to Salcombe, it's easy to pick up the South West Coast Path nearby to discover some of the area’s most breath-taking scenery. Heading east from Gara Rock takes you along stunning stretches of coastline towards East Prawle, about 3 miles away, Devon's most southerly point and home to the legendary Pig's Nose Inn (the village is about a mile inland from the coastal path). Dotted along the route are some of our favourite secret beaches that, while not for the faint-hearted, are well worth the cliff scramble to reach.

Beyond Prawle Point, a flat stretch of coastal path winds its way to the remote beach at Lannacombe, then Mattiscombe Sands before a dramatic climb to Start Point Lighthouse which juts out at one end of Start Bay. If you've come this far, you're already around 8 miles from Meadow Barn Farm, but for those that want to keep going the coastal path continues it's jaw-dropping route towards Torcross via Hallsands and Beesands with beautiful views across Slapton Ley Nature Reserve towards Blackpool Sands and the entrance to Dartmouth Harbour.

The East Portlemouth to Gara Rock walk

Alternatively, explore the Salcombe Estuary foreshore and its gorgeous sandy beaches as well as a incredible stretch of coastal path with our favourite East Portlemouth walk. A well-trodden loop that takes in Salcombe views, refreshments at Gara Rock and a visit to Sunny Cove beach, this 4-mile route is a must for all visitors to Meadow Barn Farm. The best way to soak in some of the famous local scenery and a great family walk, it’s a circular route that can be adjusted to suit individual abilities, time constraints and the weather.

From the farm, head either to Gara Rock or East Portlemouth village and pick up the coastal path that links the two. Winding its way through an ancient wood, via sheep trodden trails and scrambling over rocks, this fabulous stretch of Salcombe coast path offers some of the best photo opportunities in Devon.

Salcombe walks

Heading west from Salcombe

To explore the Salcombe side of the estuary and what lies beyond, it's best to take the East Portlemouth ferry across the water. Once on dry land, keep the sea on your left as you head out of town towards North Sands, South Sands and eventually the South West Coast Path below Overbecks National Trust gardens. Offering brilliant views both out over the English Channel and back up the estuary towards Salcombe, this enchanting stretch of wooded path opens up in dramatic fashion with some rugged steps that lead to Starehole Bay. Take the higher loop back around towards Salcombe, or continue on the path towards East Soar, Bolberry and eventually Hope Cove.

Snapes Point and the Salcombe Estuary walk

For shorter walks and more immediate access to the footpaths, turn right off the ferry and make your way out of Salcombe town centre towards Whitestrand car park and the pretty cluster of traditional thatched cottages at the head of Batson Creek. Keeping the water (or mud if the tide is low) on your right, you'll pick up the footpath that runs around the lower portion of Snapes Point. A gorgeous countryside walk, Snapes offers fabulous views over the water to both Salcombe and East Portlemouth. Follow the footpath and explore the estuary towards Kingsbridge before turning uphill to the main car park and dropping back down to Batson to finish the loop walk.