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)
Salcombe to Bolt Head
![The Coast, from the garden at Overbecks [Seb Kelly © South Devon AONB Unit]](uploads/The coast looking east, from the garden at Overbecks 200.jpg)
![Salcombe & the estuary [Seb Kelly © South Devon AONB Unit]](uploads/Salcombe and the estuary from Sharp Tor (1) 200.jpg)
Passing through an enchanted landscape of rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles, with inspiring views in all directions, this is a coastal walk guaranteed to lift the spirits.
- Start: South Sands, Salcombe
- Distance: 2.75 miles (3.25 miles extended route)
- Circular walk: Yes
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Coastal footpath, uneven and rocky in places; surfaced road; field footpath.
- Obstacles and steep gradients: 2 flights of steps; 1 steep ascent (+1 on extended route).
- Accessibility: This route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
- Public transport: Bus services to Salcombe: 606 from Kingsbridge; 92 from Plymouth and Kingsbridge. From bus stop follow pedestrian signs to town centre and Whitestrand Pontoon. For information on public transport in South Hams please call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 www.traveline.org.uk.
- Refreshment stops: Seveeral pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Salcombe. Tides Reach Hotel, South Sands serves refreshments and cream teas.
- Toilets: Public toilets at South Sands, also at Whitestrand, Salcombe.
- Parking: Shadycombe car park, Salcombe for ferry to South Sands from Whitestrand Pontoon. Pay and display. Tides Reach car park, south Sands; cost in 2006 £5.25/£4.20 all/half day.
- Accommodation: Please contact Salcombe Information Centre on 01548 843927 www.salcombeinformation.co.uk
- Other facilities: Post Office and variety of shops in Salcombe. Salcombe Tourist Information Centre in Council Hall, Market St. Public payphone at South Sands and at Whitestrand, Salcombe.
- OS map: Explorer OL20
- Grid ref: SX728377
Directions
The ferry for South Sands leaves from Whitestrand Pontoon in the centre of Salcombe. To get there from the car park and bus stop at Shadycombe, follow pedestrian signs into the town centre, turn left along Fore Street, and left again after 100m to the waterfront at Whitestrand.
From South Sands as you disembark from the ferry turn left - or from the Tides Reach car park turn right - along the road which curves uphill.
Continue straight on past the National Trust hut. Follow sign for YHA & Overbecks along winding drive up hill.
Right in front of gates to Overbecks, turn right up footpath past sign for Tor Woods, Sharp Tor and Bolt Head.
At the next fingerpost turn left up steps signed for Sharp Tor, Starehole and Bolt Head.
Continue along footpath past Sharp Tor - marked by compass on plinth. Go straight on at next fingerpost signed for Starehole and Bolt Head to drop down into valley.
Cross the stream at the bottom. Turn left here down the valley and left again onto the coast path.
Alternatively, for an extended walk taking in Bolt Head itself, go straight on after crossing the stream up the steep path opposite and along the wall.
At the fingerpost take 2nd path left signed 'Coast Path Salcombe 2 3/4m'. This path drops along flank of ridge.
Bear round to the left at the tip of the ridge to follow the coast path. You rejoin the shorter route at the bottom of the next dip at Starehole Bay.
Now simply follow the coast path back into the estuary mouth and through the woods. Bear right where you meet the road to return to South Sands.
From South Sands as you disembark from the ferry turn left - or from the Tides Reach car park turn right - along the road which curves uphill.
Continue straight on past the National Trust hut. Follow sign for YHA & Overbecks along winding drive up hill.
Right in front of gates to Overbecks, turn right up footpath past sign for Tor Woods, Sharp Tor and Bolt Head.
At the next fingerpost turn left up steps signed for Sharp Tor, Starehole and Bolt Head.
Continue along footpath past Sharp Tor - marked by compass on plinth. Go straight on at next fingerpost signed for Starehole and Bolt Head to drop down into valley.
Cross the stream at the bottom. Turn left here down the valley and left again onto the coast path.
Alternatively, for an extended walk taking in Bolt Head itself, go straight on after crossing the stream up the steep path opposite and along the wall.
At the fingerpost take 2nd path left signed 'Coast Path Salcombe 2 3/4m'. This path drops along flank of ridge.
Bear round to the left at the tip of the ridge to follow the coast path. You rejoin the shorter route at the bottom of the next dip at Starehole Bay.
Now simply follow the coast path back into the estuary mouth and through the woods. Bear right where you meet the road to return to South Sands.
