Plymouth South West Coast Path Walk, Plymouth, South Devon
The South West Coast Path at Plymouth
Plymouth is arguably the best located city in the UK. Stand on Plymouth Hoe and you'll see the South Devon and East Cornwall coastlines by Plymouth Sound. It's one of the Westcoutry's most famous views. You can follow these coastlines on the South West Coast Path.
Note that you'll have to take several ferries when following the South West Coast Path at Plymouth because you'll cross the River Plym/Cattewater to the east and the River Tamar/Hamoaze to the west which both meet Plymouth Sound in the water south of the city.
Walking the South West Coast Path east of Plymouth
Plymouth Barbican/Sutton Harbour is Plymouth's main visitor destination. Start from here. Walk to Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage which is located in front of the Mayflower Steps by the Mayflower Visitor Centre on Plymouth Barbican. Take the ferry to Mount Batten. Before heading along the South West Coast Path, we'd recommend wanderng to the end of Mount Batten Breakwater and taking in the view from Mount Batten Tower.
Turning your back on Plymouth, follow the South West Coast Path as it climbs past Batten Bay and Rum Bay to the cliffs above Jennycliff Bay. Note that tracks lead down to beaches along these bays. The views from the high ground here are awesome. There's a cafe, large car parking area and plenty of benches from which take in the view.
Continue south below Staddon Fort and you come to Bovisand Fort and Bovisand Pier below. Walk through Bovisand car park and drop down to the back of Bovisand Beach. Note that there are super views west along Plymouth Breakwater here. Pass behind Crownhill Bay and you come to Heybrook Bay. If you fancy a drink, head up to the Eddystone Inn in Heybrook.
Next, continue to Wembury Point with its sensational views across Wembury Bay. The path runs behind Wembury Point Beach and Langdon Beach to the wonderful Wembury Beach. At this point, you can follow the Erme-Plym Trail back to Plymouth. See below for more information.
From Wembury, the South West Coast Path climbs to High Cliff and the Yealm Estuary. The views across the estuary are superb. You then drop down to a seasonal ferry that takes you across the water. The path then loops around a headland and continues to the Erme Estuary and beyond to Bigbury-on-Sea, Burgh Island and Bantham.
Walking the South West Coast Path west of Plymouth
Again, start from Plymouth Barbican/Sutton Harbour. Follow Commercial Road and Madeira Road that run below the walls of The Royal Citadel until you come to Plymouth Hoe. At this point, we'd recommend climbing to the top of Smeaton's Tower to enjoy the huge views of Plymouth Sound. The Sir Francis Drake Statue and Tinside Lido are nearby.
Continue to West Hoe and you leave the touristy area behind as you walk around Millbay Docks, Millbay Marina and Stonehouse to Royal William Yard. Make sure you walk around Devil's Point Park and Royal William Yard as it's an amazing area.
Take the Cremyll/Plymouth Ferry to Cremyll. Stop for a drink at the Edgcumbe Arms. You then walk along the coast in Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. The path climbs but divert to Mount Edgcumbe Country Park Folly for immense views of Plymouth, Plymouth Sound and South Dartmoor.
The path runs around the converted Fort Picklecombe and you'll see Penlee Point beyond Kingsand and Cawsand on the far side of Cawsand Bay. Walk through Kingsand to Cawsand. Stop at The Rising Sun or The Devonport Inn for a drink. At this point you can take the Cawsand/Plymouth Ferry back to Plymouth. There's more information on this below.
The South West Coast Path climbs to Penlee Point before turning west to the super Rame Head with its chapel. Whitsand Bay opens out in front of you. It's one of the Westcountry's most remarkable places. Follow the South West Cost Path behind the beaches in the direction of Seaton and Looe.
Combining the South West Coast Path and ferry trips
We can't recommend highly enough the Cawsand/Plymouth Ferry and South West Coast Path circular walk. Take the Cawsand/Plymouth Ferry from Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage which is located in front of the Mayflower Steps by the Mayflower Visitor Centre on Plymouth Barbican. The ferry drops you off on Cawsand Beach.
Follow the South West Coast Path through Kingsand to the converted Fort Picklecombe before entering Mount Edgcumbe Country Park. Walk the coastline of the country park until you come to Cremyll.
Take the Cremyll/Plymouth Ferry and walk back to the centre of Plymouth or take the Cremyll/Royal William Yard/Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage Ferry.
Combing the South West Coast Path and local walking routes
There's a circular walk following the South West Coast Path from Plymouth to Wembury and the Erme-Plym Trail from Wembury to Plymouth. It's a nice way to enjoy South Devon coastline and countryside.
Start at Plymouth Barbican Landing Stage which is located in front of the Mayflower Steps by the Mayflower Visitor Centre on Plymouth Barbican. Take the ferry to Mount Batten. Either follow the Erme-Plym Trail to Wembury and then the South West Coast Path back to Mount Batten or vice versa. It's a great day out with plenty of places to stop for lunch on the way.
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