The popular stretch of coastline between Bantham and Hope Cove provides relatively easy walking along low, grassy cliffs and sandy beaches – ideal for any time of year, particularly winter. A one-way route along this coast is awkward to arrange if you’re relying on public transport. But if you have two cars, a second could be left at Salcombe for a splendid day’s walk of c.12 miles from Bantham, with some impressive cliff scenery between Bolt Tail and Bolt Head. However, retracing your steps from Bolt Tail (or however far you walk) is no hardship since this section of coast – although gentler – is highly scenic and the views different in reverse, especially given the constant changes in the tide. If you are thinking of visiting Burgh Island before or after the walk, note that the ferry across the River Avon only operates from the beginning of April to late September, and the river should not be forded.
(A) Situated at the mouth of the river Avon, Bantham Beach is one of South Devon’s best surfing beaches. It’s also shallow and sandy, so good for families. There are splendid views across Bigbury Bay to famous Burgh Island, a tidal island that can be reached on foot at low tide. At high tide, a sea tractor transports passengers back and forth. The island is famous for its Art Deco Hotel, frequented by the likes of Agatha Christie and Noel Coward. Bantham beach and the surrounding area is owned by a private, family-run company, Evans Estates. Though you could omit the walk round Bantham Ham at the start, it’s worth doing to enjoy the fine views across the river.
[1] From the car park (SX665437), walk back up the way you drove a short distance to a fork and signpost, and turn sharp left to follow the drive signed for Bantham Ham (public footpath). Once you have walked around this scenic outcrop into the mouth of the Rvier Avon, you will find yourself on the water side of the car park. The ongoing route from the car park is very straightforward as you simply follow the Coast Path signs, keeping the sea on your right.
There are excellent views back after the initial ascent.
The grassy cliff-top path goes past Thurlestone Golf Course, round Warren Point to Leas Foot Sand.
[2] The Coast Path continues along a small lane crossing a low headland.
From here you have a fine view over Thurlestone Sand, with distinctive Thurlestone Rock in the distance and Bolt Tail beyond. Thurlestone comes from the Anglo-Saxon meaning holed or pierced rock (Durdle Door shares the same origin).
Pass a parking area, then cross a long wooden footbridge at South Milton Ley (pronounced Lee).
(B) A Nature Reserve, this is Devon’s second largest reed bed and very important for marsh-dwelling birds.
Continue past the car park and café at South Milton Sands. The dunes here were re-established a few years ago. Continuing south, you reach Beacon Point (passing a Hope Cove Viewpoint information panel) and descend to Hope Cove, which is divided into two parts: Outer Hope and Inner Hope.
[3] You could turn back here if you’ve had enough, but it’s worth going on to Bolt Tail (if not further). It’s a fair climb up from Hope Cove, rewarded by fine views. The little loop out onto Bolt Tail headland, past the site of a hill fort, is worthwhile. Continue along the Coast Path heading south-east.
[4] Take the next footpath on the left (re-routed in 2012 to run alongside the field edge at the start, rather than across the corner of the field). This leads down to the square in Inner Hope with its pretty thatched cottages. Turn left back to Hope Cove and retrace your steps to the start.