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)
Kingsbridge to Bowcombe Creek
![Looking up the Creek from beneath Bowcombe Bridge [© South Devon AONB Unit]](uploads/Looking up the creek from beneath Bowcombe Bridge.JPG)
![Green lane at Washabrook [© South Devon AONB Unit]](uploads/new green lane.jpg)
A delightful route following creeks and green lanes steeped in the trade and travel of past times. Melting views of the boat-bobbing estuary and charming South Hams countryside, and a host of waterfowl and wading birds into the bargain.
- Start: Quay Street car park, Kingsbridge
- Distance: 2.75 miles (Extended walk to Bowcombe Bridge 1 mile).
- Circular walk: Yes
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Surfaced roads and paths; tracks and green lanes, with some uneven sections, and erosion down to bedrock in places; country footpaths.
- Obstacles and steep gradients: 7 stiles; 1 flight of steps; 1 steep ascent; 1 steep descent.
- Accessibility: This route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
- Public transport: Kingsbridge is served by buses from Plymouth, Exeter, Totnes, Salcombe and many other locations throughout the South Hams. For information on public transport in South Hams please call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 www.traveline.org.uk.
- Refreshment stops: Many pubs, cafes and restaurants in Kingsbridge.
- Toilets: Public toilets at the Quay in Kingsbridge.
- Parking: pay and display car park at Quay Street, Kingsbridge.
- Accommodation: Please contact Kingsbridge Information Centre on 01548 853195 www.kingsbridgeinfo.co.uk
- Other facilities: Many shops in Kingsbridge. Tourist Information Centre and public payphones at the Quay. Payphone by Dodbrooke Church.
- OS map: Explorer OL20
- Grid ref: SX735439
Directions
At the entrance to the car park, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing.
Go through the narrow alley to the right of Harbour House, then left along Ebrington Street.
Follow the right hand side pavement behind the bingo hall, and continue along raised footway up hill.
By the phone box just above the church, turn right down a tarmac path. Turn left at the road and sharp right after 100m. Continue past Washabrook Farm, and up the rocky green lane.
At the junction, take the track to the left. At the bottom, turn sharp right onto the road along Bowcombe Creek.
(To extend the walk here, follow the road along to the viewing platform, and the recreation area beyond at Bowcombe Bridge. Return the same way).
Just past Rose cottage, turn right over stile and up footpath. At the 'public footpath' fingerpost, head diagonally up across the field to the far corner.
Cross over the stone stile and follow the field edge path.
Keep right through rugby club car park. Cross road and stile onto footpath down steep scrubby field.
Join the road left, then turn immediately left through the Recreation Ground. At the road, turn right, and follow the Creek back to the car park.
Go through the narrow alley to the right of Harbour House, then left along Ebrington Street.
Follow the right hand side pavement behind the bingo hall, and continue along raised footway up hill.
By the phone box just above the church, turn right down a tarmac path. Turn left at the road and sharp right after 100m. Continue past Washabrook Farm, and up the rocky green lane.
At the junction, take the track to the left. At the bottom, turn sharp right onto the road along Bowcombe Creek.
(To extend the walk here, follow the road along to the viewing platform, and the recreation area beyond at Bowcombe Bridge. Return the same way).
Just past Rose cottage, turn right over stile and up footpath. At the 'public footpath' fingerpost, head diagonally up across the field to the far corner.
Cross over the stone stile and follow the field edge path.
Keep right through rugby club car park. Cross road and stile onto footpath down steep scrubby field.
Join the road left, then turn immediately left through the Recreation Ground. At the road, turn right, and follow the Creek back to the car park.
