Thurlestone South West Coast Path Walk, Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon
The South West Coast Path at Thurlestone
Thurlestone is a South Devon village on the east side of the River Avon and Estuary. The coast by Thurlestone is lined with beautiful, accessible beaches and the terrrain is easy to walk. The best beach is South Milton Sands/Thurlestone Sand (Beach). We'd recommend starting a Thurlestone South West Coast Path walk from there.
Walking the South West Coast Path east of Thurlestone
Start from the car park behind South Milton Sands/Thurlestone Sand (Beach) by the beachhouse cafe and bar. Walk south with Thurlestone Rock to your right out at sea.
The South West Coast Path rises and runs along cliffs to Hope Cove. You then drop down to the back of Hope Cove Mouthwell Beach with the Hope and Anchor Inn and The Cove Cafe Bar across the road.
Continue through the village to the back of Hope Cove Harbour Beach. The path climbs from the end of the beach through a patch of woodland towards Bolt Tail. Wander to the end of the headland for huge views across Bigbury Bay. You're now at the north western end of a section of high cliffs.
If you fancy a long walk then continue to Bolberry Down where there are fantastic views back to Hope Cove, Bigbury Bay and Dartmoor's south moor on the horizon. From Bolberry Down, the South West Coast Path drops down to Soar Mill Cove (Beach) and then climbs steeply to The Warren before leading to Bolt Head at the mouth of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary.
Continue around the base of Sharp Tor to South Sands (Beach) and then North Sands (Beach). Paths take you up to Collaton and then walk the skinny lanes to Malborough. Head west out of Malborough on another skinny lane and you'll soon pick up a path on your left that takes you down into Hope Cove. Consult the Ordnance Survey Explorer map or use Ordnance Survey's digital mapping service for detail.
Return to Thurlestone.
Walking the South West Coast Path north and west of Thurlestone
This section of the South West Coast Path between South Milton Sands/Thurlestone Sand (Beach) and Bantham/Bigbury-on-Sea at the mouth of the River Avon and Estuary is one of the best in South Devon for views. We can't recommend it highly enough.
Start from the car park behind South Milton Sands/Thurlestone Sand (Beach) by the beachhouse cafe and bar. Walk to the headland above Thurlestone Leas Foot Sand (Beach). You'll see Thurlestone Golf Course in front of you.
Head west along the side of the golf course to Warren Point. There are great views back to South Milton Sands/Thurlestone Sand (Beach) and Thurlestone Rock out at sea.
Pass around the back of Thurlestone Island Sands/Thurlestone Golf Course Beach and continue up the hill to the high point. The views from here down to Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-Sea and the Bantham area are superb. Drop down to Bantham Beach.
We'd recommend returning on the same route to enjoy the views.
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