Torcross South West Coast Path Walk, Torcross, South Devon
The South West Coast Path at Torcross
The South West Coast Path can be broken down into sections that have distinct characteristics. Exmoor, the Hartland Peninsula and North Cornwall are, for example, rugged with very steep ascents and descents. The South West Coast Path at Torcross in Start Bay is much more gentle. It passes behind beautiful beaches and rises and falls in rolling South Devon countryside. The views are huge and there are plenty of places to stop for a drink or some food.
Walking the South West Coast Path south of Torcross
If you only have time for one coastal walk from Torcross, we'd recommend walking south to Beesands, Hallsands and Start Point.
Assuming that you are starting from the car park at Torcross at the southern end of Slapton Sands (Beach), follow the South West Coast Path along the seafront as seen in the main photo to this listing. You pass Start Bay Inn and Sea Breeze cafe. The path climbs to a point that offers sensational views of Slapton Sands (Beach) and Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve.
The South West Coast Path continues south around Beesands Quarry (disused) and then descends to the northern end of Bee Sands (Beach). You walk along the back of the shingle beach to Beesands. You pass Britannia at The Beach and The Cricket Inn.
It's then a short walk along the top of squat cliffs to the northern end of Hall Sands (Beach). Follow the path along the back of the beach until you come to holiday lets and houses where the path climbs and then falls to Hallsands Lost Village/Ruined Village. There's a tarmac path that drops down from the South West Coast Path to a viewing platform where you can see the remains of the lost village. Note that the viewing point is lined with information boards telling the story of Hallsands.
From Hallsands, the path rises and skirts the southern end of Start Bay. You are high above the sea at this point. The South West Coast Path meets the Start Point Lighthouse access road at Start Point car park. Follow the access road to the lighthouse before returning.
Walking the South West Coast Path north of Torcross
If you'd prefer to walk past two of South Devon's best beaches all the way up to Dartmouth Castle at the mouth of the Dart Estuary then head north from Torcross.
Starting in Torcross, first visit the Torcross Sherman Tank and then the bird hide that looks out across Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. Both tank and bird hide are in Torcross car park.
Head north on the path that runs between the Slapton Ley and the A379. At the northern end of Slapton Ley, where a road branches off the A379 to Slapton, cross the road and head to the upper section of Slapton Sands (Beach) where it meets Strete Gate Beach (Slapton Sands) with its distinctive cliffs.
The path climbs steeply and runs along the A379 for a short distance at Strete. You pass The Kings Arms.
Just beyond The Kings Arms, the path leaves the A379 and runs along the top of cliffs before steeply dropping and climbing to the A379. Cross the road and you come to a hill above Blackpool Sands (Beach). It's from here that you get the classic view of one of the UK's favourite beaches.
The South West Coast Path descends to the entrance to Blackpool Sands (Beach). Follow the A379 until you see a country lane on the left taking you into Stoke Fleming. You pass The Green Dragon. Follow Redlap Lane from Stoke Fleming to Little Dartmouth.
At Little Dartmouth car park, head south and you're back on the coast walking along cliffs above pretty coves. The path takes you to Dartmouth Castle (English Heritage). Just before Dartmouth Castle (English Heritage), we'd recommend dropping down to Sugary Cove for a paddle in the water.
Return on foot or by bus from central Dartmouth. If you're doing the latter, either follow the South West Coast Path from Dartmouth Castle (English Heritage) or take Dartmouth Castle Ferry to the centre of town. This runs from the estuary behind the castle and church.
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