Devon's Southernmost Headland
Prawle Point sits at latitude 50°12'N — the most southerly point of Devon, and one of the most remote stretches of the South Devon coast. The headland is formed from some of the oldest rocks in the county — ancient metamorphic schists and greenstones that have been folded, tilted and sea-polished over millennia into extraordinary shapes. The cliffs are dramatic and sheer; the sea below is some of the clearest inshore water in Devon.
The location puts Prawle Point in one of the best positions in Devon to observe marine wildlife. Common and bottlenose dolphins feed in the channel year-round and are frequently seen from the headland. Basking sharks — the world's second-largest fish — cruise the surface waters off Prawle in late spring and summer, filtering plankton with their enormous mouths. Grey seals haul out on the lower rocks. In autumn, Prawle is a significant migration bottleneck — tens of thousands of seabirds and raptors funnel past the point on their way south.
🐬 Best for Marine Wildlife
The headland at Prawle Point is one of the best sites in the Southwest for watching marine wildlife from land. Scan the sea systematically in calm conditions — dolphins typically show as a series of dark fins, basking sharks as a single triangular dorsal fin moving slowly across the surface. Early morning on calm summer days offers the best conditions. The Coastwatch lookout on the point is staffed by volunteers who often know what has been seen recently.
The Route
🗺️ Prawle Point Circular from East Prawle (4 miles · 2–2.5 hours)
From the car park in East Prawle village (TQ7 2BY — park considerately on the village green if the small car park is full), follow the lane south toward Prawle Point. The lane narrows to a footpath as it drops toward the coast, passing through typical South Hams farmland with wide views opening south to the sea. Join the South West Coast Path at the bottom and turn right (west) for the point.
The SWCP westward to the point is immediately dramatic — the path runs along the cliff edge above sheer drops to the schist shore below. The rock formations here are extraordinary, with twisted strata visible in the cliff faces. Prawle Point itself is identified by the NCI (National Coastwatch Institution) lookout station — a square white building on the headland. The volunteers inside are usually happy to talk about recent wildlife sightings.
The point itself rewards extended time. Scan the sea from different angles — the western side gives views toward Bolt Head and Salcombe; the eastern face looks toward Start Point and the Skerries Bank. Seals on the lower rocks, dolphins offshore, and in summer possibly basking sharks. The NCI lookout has binoculars trained on the water. On autumn mornings, visible migration can be spectacular — watch for raptors and hirundines heading south.
Continue east along the coast path from the point, passing the small secluded cove of Horseley Cove (accessible at low tide for a swim — one of Devon's more remote beaches). Continue east as far as Gammon Head before the path turns north inland through fields back to East Prawle. Alternatively, retrace steps directly back to the village from the point (shorter option, 1.5 miles).
Wildlife at Prawle Point
Common Dolphins
Common and bottlenose dolphins feed in the English Channel off Prawle throughout the year. Best seen on calm days when fins are visible. Groups of 5–30 animals are typical; larger superpods of hundreds are occasionally seen in autumn.
Basking Sharks
Prawle Point is one of Devon's most reliable basking shark sites. Look for the large triangular dorsal fin and tail fin moving slowly at the surface — the characteristic figure-of-eight movement as they filter feed. Best in flat calm conditions on sunny days.
Grey Seals
Atlantic grey seals haul out on the flat schist rocks below the headland — best seen in morning before walkers arrive. The coves east of the point provide sheltered haul-out spots. Look for the characteristic banana-shaped body posture when resting on rocks.
Autumn Migration
Prawle Point is a significant migration watchpoint — tens of thousands of birds funnel past the headland heading south in autumn. Hirundines, raptors, seabirds and waders. The NCI volunteers often record the day's counts — ask when you visit.
East Prawle Village
East Prawle is one of the most remote villages in Devon — a tiny cluster of cottages around a village green with a pub (the Pigs Nose Inn, one of Devon's most atmospheric traditional pubs) and very little else. The isolation that makes it feel undiscovered is real — it is genuinely miles from anywhere. Plan to arrive with a full tank of petrol and expect no phone signal for most of the walk.
Getting There
East Prawle is reached via narrow lanes from Kingsbridge (8 miles) or Salcombe (7 miles). Follow the A381 from Totnes or Kingsbridge, then minor roads toward East Prawle via Chillington or Torcross. The lanes are single track — take care and use passing places. Postcode TQ7 2BY brings you to the village. No public transport serves East Prawle.
🏖️ Horseley Cove — Remote Beach
Horseley Cove lies between Prawle Point and Gammon Head — a tiny pebble and sand cove only accessible on foot along the coast path. No facilities, no crowds, cold clear water and dramatic cliff scenery. A good wild swimming spot in calm summer conditions. Access requires a short scramble down from the path — wear appropriate footwear and check sea conditions before attempting to swim.