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)
East Portlemouth to Gara Rock
![Coast path [Seb Kelly © South Devon AONB Unit]](uploads/The coast path with Deckler's Cliff and Gammon Head behind 200.jpg)
![Mill Bay & Salcombe estuary [Seb Kelly © South Devon AONB Unit]](uploads/Mill Bay and Salcombe estuary 200.jpg)
Step out along the coast path, from the Salcombe Estuary and out to meet the wide open sea. Exhilarating scenery, and a wonderful way to get the wind in your sails.
- Start: Ferry Pier, Salcombe
- Distance: 3.75 miles
- Circular walk: Yes
- Grade: Moderate
- Terrain: Coastal footpath, uneven and rocky in places; surfaced road; green lane; field footpath.
- Obstacles and steep gradients: 1 steep ascent
- Accessibility: This route is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
- Public transport: Bus services to Salcombe: 606 from Kingsbridge; 92 from Plymouth and Kingsbridge. Follow pedestrian signs into town centre from bus stop. For information on public transport in South Hams please call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 www.traveline.org.uk.
- Refreshment stops: Several pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Salcombe.
- Toilets: Public toilets at Mill Bay; also at Whitestrand, Salcombe.
- Parking: Shadycombe Car Park, Shadycombe Road, Salcombe.
- Accommodation: Please contact Salcombe Information Centre on 01548 843927 www.salcombeinformation.co.uk
- Other facilities: Post office and variety of shops in Salcombe. Tourist information centre in Council Hall, Market Street, Salcombe. Public payphone at Whitestrand, Salcombe.
- OS map: Explorer OL20
- Grid ref: SX742388
Directions
From spring to autumn the ferry to East Portlemouth runs from the ferry pier, 200m beyond Whitestrand along Fore Street.
At the top of the steps from the jetty turn right along the road.
At Mill Bay bear right, signed 'Gara Rock 2.5 miles'. Ignore both a left turn signed 'Top Path to Gara Rock' and a left fork for the beach, and follow the acorn waymarkers along the coast path.
When you reach the 'Gara Rock' waymarker, bear left and head up to the small round white lookout post. Pass in front of the lookout, through the gate, and turn left at the fingerpost, signed 'Mill Bay 1.25 miles'.
Follow the lane leading inland. After 200m turn left onto public footpath.
Cross straight over the field ahead. Where you drop down to a track, cross over and down bridleway, following blue waymarker arrows.
At Mill Bay turn right and retrace your steps along the road to the jetty, and the ferry back to Salcombe.
At the top of the steps from the jetty turn right along the road.
At Mill Bay bear right, signed 'Gara Rock 2.5 miles'. Ignore both a left turn signed 'Top Path to Gara Rock' and a left fork for the beach, and follow the acorn waymarkers along the coast path.
When you reach the 'Gara Rock' waymarker, bear left and head up to the small round white lookout post. Pass in front of the lookout, through the gate, and turn left at the fingerpost, signed 'Mill Bay 1.25 miles'.
Follow the lane leading inland. After 200m turn left onto public footpath.
Cross straight over the field ahead. Where you drop down to a track, cross over and down bridleway, following blue waymarker arrows.
At Mill Bay turn right and retrace your steps along the road to the jetty, and the ferry back to Salcombe.
