Hope Cove South West Coast Path Walk, Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon
The South West Coast Path at Hope Cove
Head north of Hope Cove and you are on a relatively gentle stretch of coastline lined with top beaches. Head south and east and you're walking wild, high cliffs way above the sea on your way to the mouth of the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary. The two routes have a very different feel to them. We'd recommend completing both if you're on holiday in the Hope Cove area.
Walking south and east of Hope Cove
Start by Hope Cove Mouthwell Beach Hope by the Hope and Anchor Inn and The Cove Cafe Bar.
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.
You can take a shorter version of this route by walking up to Bolberry Down and then following the country lane to Bolberry and then North Bolberry. You connect with the path that takes you back to Hope Cove. Again, consult the Ordnance Survey Explorer map or use Ordnance Survey's digital mapping service for detail.
Walking north of Hope Cove
Start by Hope Cove Mouthwell Beach Hope by the Hope and Anchor Inn and The Cove Cafe Bar.
Head north, up the side of the cliff, and walk along the cliff top to South Milton Sands/Thurlestone Sand (Beach). There's a superb beach cafe and bar called the beachhouse at which to stop for a drink and food.
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.
Return on the same route.
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