Devon's Best Day Walk?
There are strong arguments for several contenders as Devon's finest day walk, but Salcombe to Hope Cove has a unique combination that is hard to beat: the grandeur of Bolt Head, which offers some of the most dramatic cliff scenery on the whole SWCP, the wildflower richness of the South Hams headlands in late spring and early summer, and the reward of Hope Cove at the end — a beautiful, sheltered, utterly charming village that feels like arriving somewhere genuinely special.
The route is 8 miles and involves around 500 metres of cumulative ascent — not a stroll, but well within the range of any reasonably fit adult who walks regularly. The path is well-signed throughout with the SWCP acorn waymarker and clearly defined underfoot. The biggest logistical consideration is the Salcombe estuary ferry crossing, which is required to reach the start of the headland section.
⛵ The Salcombe Ferry — Essential Planning
To reach Bolt Head from Salcombe town, you need to cross the estuary by foot ferry from Salcombe to South Sands (or to East Portlemouth, depending on your approach). The ferry is seasonal — typically Easter to October — and runs on demand rather than to a fixed timetable. Check current operating status on the Salcombe Harbour website before planning. If the ferry isn't running, add a significant road detour or start the walk from East Portlemouth car park instead.
The Route
🗺️ Salcombe to Hope Cove via Bolt Head (8 miles · 4–5 hours · linear)
From Salcombe town centre, either take the ferry across to East Portlemouth and walk south along the estuary shore, or take the South Sands ferry to the beach below the headland and join the coast path there. Either approach joins the main SWCP heading west toward Bolt Head.
The path climbs steeply from sea level to the clifftop — this is the most demanding ascent of the whole walk. Once on the ridge, the views open dramatically: the Salcombe estuary behind you, the English Channel ahead, the jagged schist cliffs of Bolt Head directly below. Sharp Tor is the narrow, rocky arête that must be negotiated carefully — the path is clear but exposed. Bolt Head itself is a dramatic jutting promontory; the view west from the tip is one of Devon's finest.
From Bolt Head the path continues west along spectacular cliff tops, with views far out into the Channel. The stretch between Bolt Head and Soar Mill Cove is the wildflower heartland of the walk — in May and June the clifftops are thick with thrift, sea campion, kidney vetch and spring squill. Soar Mill Cove is a beautiful sand and pebble beach, accessible by a steep descent — good for a swim or picnic break at the midpoint.
Climb out of Soar Mill Cove and continue west to Bolt Tail — the headland at the northwestern corner of this section of coast. Bolt Tail is an Iron Age promontory fort, the earthwork banks still clearly visible across the neck of the headland. The views from the tip take in Hope Cove and the Bigbury Bay beyond, with Burgh Island's distinctive profile visible on a clear day.
Descend from Bolt Tail into Hope Cove — the path drops into the village from the headland above, delivering you to the harbour front. Hope Cove is everything the walk has been building toward: a sheltered double cove with a small harbour, thatched cottages, a beach café and the Hope & Anchor pub. Arrive, sit down, and feel justified.
🚌 Getting Back from Hope Cove
Hope Cove is a dead-end village with limited bus service — the 164 bus to Kingsbridge is infrequent and often seasonal. The most practical return options are: (1) arrange for someone to meet you at Hope Cove, (2) book a taxi from Kingsbridge in advance, or (3) add an extra 2 miles inland to Bolberry, from where bus connections to Kingsbridge are better. Alternatively, park at Hope Cove and take a taxi to Salcombe at the start — the taxi ride takes about 20 minutes. Always sort the return before you start.
Walk Highlights
Bolt Head
The most dramatic point on the walk — a narrow schist arête above sheer cliffs. The views in three directions are among Devon's finest. Allow extra time here.
Wildflower Clifftops
In May and June the cliff tops are extraordinary — thrift, sea campion, kidney vetch, spring squill and wild thyme carpeting the path edge. Peak colour: late May.
Soar Mill Cove
A near-perfect sand beach in a sheltered cove, reached by a steep path. Mid-walk swim stop — cold, clear water and typically quiet even in summer.
Bolt Tail Iron Age Fort
Earthwork banks of an Iron Age promontory fort still clearly visible across the headland. 2,000 years of human presence in this extraordinary landscape.
When to Walk
| Season | Conditions | Wildflowers | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| May–June | Good, usually warm, some rain | ⭐⭐ Peak colour | Best overall |
| July–August | Warmest, busy, ferry reliable | Fading but still good | Good — avoid bank holidays |
| September–October | Often excellent, quieter | Late-season species | Excellent |
| November–April | Wild, exposed, very few people | Early species Mar–Apr | Good if prepared, ferry may not run |
Hope Cove — The Finish
Hope Cove is one of the most charming villages in South Devon — a small, genuinely unspoilt harbour village with two beaches, thatched cottages, and a pub and café that have been receiving wind-burned walkers off the coast path for generations. Inner Hope is the more historic part — the thatched cottages and harbour — while Outer Hope has the larger beach and car park.
The Hope & Anchor pub in Inner Hope is the traditional finish line for this walk — a proper Devon pub with local ales, good food and a fire in winter. The village is connected by the Salcombe estuary to a long tradition of seafaring and fishing; the harbour is still used by fishing boats in season. It is worth arriving in Hope Cove with enough time to sit and absorb the setting before the return journey.
Dogs on This Walk
Dogs are welcome on all sections of the coast path on this route. The main consideration is livestock — the clifftop fields between Bolt Head and Bolt Tail contain grazing sheep in spring and summer; keep dogs on leads when livestock are present. The beach at Soar Mill Cove and the harbour area at Hope Cove are generally fine for dogs. Hope Cove beach has a seasonal dog restriction on the main beach (similar to most Devon beaches, May–September) but the harbour area and cliff path remain accessible.