South Devon AONB
Walks & Trails
![Coastal Path Sign [© Clare Pawley Countryside Agency]](images/sub/_aonb_31_large.jpg)
![Couple Sitting on Cliff [© Clare Pawley Countryside Agency]](images/sub/CoupleSittingOnCliff_03-5432_r.jpg)
Dartmouth Town Trail
![Dartmouth Boat Float [© South Devon AONB Unit]](uploads/Dartmouth-Boat-Float.jpg)
A 2 hour walk gentle walk around the town of Dartmouth taking in historic features of interest.
- Start: Duke Street
- Distance: 1 mile. Approximately 1.5-2 hours walk
- Circular walk: Yes
- Grade: Gentle
- Terrain: Level with a steep climb.
- Obstacles and steep gradients: This trail includes a very steep climb up Clarence hill. All of the route is even surfaced pavements or roads.
- Public transport: Public transport available to and from Dartmouth. Public transport available to Kingsbridge. For information on public transport in South Hams please call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 www.traveline.org.uk.
- Refreshment stops: The town has a wide variety of restaurant, cafés and pubs along the route.
- Toilets: Public toilets are situated in the Royal Avenue Gardens or at the Pannier Market.
- Parking: Parking is available along South Embankment and the boat float, additional pay and display parking is availble next to the Royal Avenue Gardens
- Accommodation: Please contact Dartmouth Information Centre on 01803 834224 or www.discoverdartmouth.com
- Other facilities: Carparking, many shops, pubs & restaurants, museum and churches, Tourist Information Centre
- OS map: Explorer OL20
- Grid ref: SX877513
Directions
Seven centuries ago Dartmouth consisted of two tiny hamlets either side of a tidal creek. Most of the town seen today was once underwater. Follow the route starting from the corner of Duke Street near the boat float.
- Notice the Butterwalk opposite, a fine row of houses with columns, built in 1635. The Museum is worth a separate visit for its interesting collection of maritime exhibits.
- Cross the road to the entrance of Royal Avenue Gardens on your right. Turn towards the river with the boatfloat on your right.
- Turn left, leaving Royal Avenue Gardens on the right and in a few yards you will see Dartmouth Tourist Information Centre and the Newcomen Engine House. Walk on to the corner of the car park.
- Turn Right into Mayors Avenue. Turn left into King's Quay and after 50 yards look left along Undercliff - a narrow path. Go up the steps into Clarence Street and turn right.
- At the end of Clarence Street is the Ship In Dock Inn which within living memory overlooked small shipbuilding yards on the edge of Coombe Mud.
- Return along Clarence Steet and fork right up Clarence Hill, then turn left where the road forks uphill and go down Brown's Hill steps to your left. At the bottom, turn right and cross the road into the market square. Leave the market with the Dolphin Inn on your left and go through to Fosse Street. Turn right, crossing Victoria Road into Anzac Street.
- Ahead, on the left, lies St. Saviour's Church, consecrated in 1372, which contains many treasures of great beauty.
- From the church door, look left down Church Close with its 17th century houses. Turn right past the Seven Stars Inn into Smith Street, with Higher Street at right angles to it. Turn right along Higher Street. Go down the steps beside the Cherub and turn right into Lower Street, which was once on the edge of the Dart.
- At the far end of Lower Street look left to see the lower ferry slipway.
- Ahead lies Bayards Cove, with its quay and castle dating from the early 16th century.
- Return past the ferry slipway and turn right along Coles Court which leads to the South Embankment. Walk left along the embankment, past Dartmouth Hospital, to Dartmouth Station, (now a restaurant). Return to the start by turning left and walking along the Quay to Duke Street.
