Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe, South Devon
One of the most beautiful places in the Westcountry
Dartmoor is famous for its high moorland and fast-flowing rivers. These cut stunning valleys and gorges and flow into estuaries on the coast. Look at a map of South Devon and you'll see rivers such as the Teign, Dart, Avon and Erme and their estuaries. The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary is different.
According to the National Trust, the 'Salcombe-Kingsbridge 'estuary' is actually a tidal inlet formed as river-cut valleys were flooded by post-glacial rising sea levels. Such flooded river valleys are known as 'rias', or in this instance a 'dendritic ria' as each creek is itself a ria! The original rivers have long gone, leaving all the creeks fed now by small streams.' (Source: National Trust Canoe map: Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary)
A note on the name of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
Local information boards refer to the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. National Trust information leaflets refer to the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary. Others refer to it as Salcombe Harbour - Kingsbridge Estuary. DEFRA use the name Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary when providing information on the SSSI and Local Nature Reserve. Locals speak of the Kingsbridge Estuary. We use the name Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary owing to its use on local information boards.
The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
Four nautical miles in length and running from Kingsbridge to the harbour entrance at Salcombe, the lower section of the estuary is lined with some superb, sandy beaches. On the east side are East Portlemouth Beaches (Small's Cove up to Ditchend Cove), Mill Bay Beach (National Trust) and Sunny Cove (Beach). On the west side are North Sands (Beach) and South Sands (Beach).
The estuary teems with wildlife and is a marine Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and local nature reserve. 'The unusually sheltered and fully marine conditions support a particularly rich variety of habitats and wildlife, and the estuary has been designated as a marine Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve. Its conservation management is co-ordinated by Salcombe Harbour Authority's marine ecologist.' The UK government department DEFRA refer to this as the Salcombe to Kingsbridge Estuary SSSI and Local Nature Reserve.
The estuary at Salcombe and Kingsbridge is within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Things to do around the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
The South West Coast Path running both east and west of The Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary offers superb walking. The views from Sharp Tor (Salcombe) near Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust) are exceptional.
Overbeck's Garden and Museum (National Trust) is a popular visitor attraction. We'd recommend taking the South Sands Sea Tractor/Taxi from the centre of Salcombe to South Sands (Beach) and then wandering up to Overbeck's.
The East Portlemouth side is lined with stunning beaches that connect at low tide to form a single, glorious stretch of sand running down to the mouth of the estuary. These beaches include East Portlemouth Beaches (Small's Cove up to Ditchend Cove), Mill Bay Beach (National Trust) and Sunny Cove (Beach). We'd recommend walking the beaches at low tide to the mouth of the estuary. Return on the South West Coast Path that runs above the beaches and water. If you want a longer walk, follow the South West Coast Path to Gara Rock, Prawle Point and then East Prawle. There's a pub called the Pigs Nose Inn in East Prawle.
We'd also recommend taking to the water. The abovementioned South Sands Sea Tractor/Taxi is fun. Try the Salcombe Kingsbridge Ferry as well.
Best viewpoints of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
On a sunny day, when the light's clean, you can't really go wrong. The area is so beautiful that any view will do. That said, there are some classic viewpoints.
East Portlemouth (viewpoint to Salcombe and the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary) is located by the small car parking area near the village church. It gives huge views of Salcombe, the estuary and Dartmoor beyond.
Snapes Point (viewpoint to Salcombe) is the finger of land jutting out into the estuary north east of Salcombe. It provides sublime views down the estuary to its mouth and the sea.
Sharp Tor (Salcombe) is high above the water close to the mouth of the estuary. Amazing views of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary and the South Devon coastline.
Other things to do in the local area
Visit Start Point and Start Point Lighthouse and explore the area around Beesands, Torcross and Slapton Sands.
The pebble and shingle beaches at Slapton Sands (Beach) and Bee Sands (Beach) are very popular.
Blackpool Sands (Beach) is a great day out.
Also visit Hope Cove, South Milton Sands (Beach), Bantham and Bigbury-on-Sea.
Other beautiful South Devon estuaries
The River Avon and Estuary west of Salcombe is an exceptionally popular holiday destination. Burgh Island and its famous Art Deco hotel guard the estuary mouth. Bigbury-on-Sea Beach is on the west side. Bantham Beach is on the east.
The River Dart and Estuary is north east of Salcombe. It's a must-see UK destination.
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