The Best Walks Near Kingsbridge and the South Hams

The South Hams is one of the best-kept walking secrets in Devon — rolling farmland, hidden coves, and some of the finest stretches of the South West Coast Path, all within a short drive of Wicket View.

Bolberry Down to Hope Cove This is the walk we send most guests to first. Starting at Bolberry Down, a circular route follows the coast path with sweeping sea views and wildflowers most of the year, dropping down into Hope Cove — a picturesque fishing village with two beaches, ideal for a pub lunch and a paddle before heading back up. Allow 2–3 hours at an easy pace.

Salcombe to East Portlemouth For a shorter, flatter option, take the passenger ferry across the estuary from Salcombe to East Portlemouth and walk the coast path towards Mill Bay and Gara Rock, with some of the best views back across the harbour. It's an easy there-and-back walk, or catch the ferry back from a different point if timings allow.

Coastal path views of Salcombe From East Portlemouth.

Kingsbridge Estuary Walk Closer to home, the paths around the Kingsbridge estuary make for a gentler, family-friendly walk — flat, well-signed, and ending in the town itself for a coffee or lunch on Fore Street or visit the Crab Shell on the quay.

Bigbury-on-Sea to Burgh Island Walk the sandy causeway out to Burgh Island at low tide (check tide times before you set off), have a drink at the 14th-century Pilchard Inn, and time your return before the tide comes back in — or ride the famous sea tractor if you leave it too late.

What to bring Even in summer, South Devon weather can turn quickly — pack layers, a waterproof, and decent footwear, as several of these routes have muddy or uneven sections after rain.

Getting there from Wicket View All of these walks are within a 15–20 minute drive of the cottage, making it easy to fit one in as a morning outing with the rest of the day free for the beach or exploring Kingsbridge.