Red cliffs, tucked-away coves and drowned river valleys, with the coast path linking one beach to the next
South Devon’s coast folds in and out around wooded estuaries and small sandy bays, backed by farmland and steep hedged lanes. The National Landscape covers 340 square kilometres, designated in 1960, and centres on the Dart, Avon and Erme estuaries and the beaches between them.
The South West Coast Path links the lot, from the ferry village of Dittisham on the Dart to swimming beaches like Blackpool Sands, Hope Cove and Bantham. Much of the path is easy going, though it climbs and dips more than you might expect, so allow time.
The estuaries are tidal and some crossings depend on small seasonal ferries, so check before you count on one. On the beaches, keep an eye on the tide and any flags; a few have strong currents, and Bantham in particular is known for them. On a settled summer day, this is about as gentle as a coast walk gets.
