Way Maker welcome to 5 new holiday letting brands to enjoy along the Trail

We’re proud to welcome 5 of the South West’s most popular holiday letting brands as Way Makers. These businesses help to support us in our work to champion and care for the Path, whilst also welcoming walkers along the Trail as part of their South West Coast Path experience. Holiday cottages can be a great way to enjoy time with friends and family and create a base to explore your favourite walks from.

The 5 brands are part of Sykes Cottages, a B Corp certified organisation, and include Coast & Country Cottages, Cornish Cottage Holidays, Helpful Holidays, John Bray Cornish Holidays and Carbis Bay Holidays.

A member of the team from each company has given us their favourite walk on the South West Coast Path, along with a property suggestion where you might like to base yourself for your walking holiday.

This month we’re kicking off with a suggestion from Hollie Harman, Regional Marketing Executive for Coast & Country Cottages. Coast & Country Cottages has 20 years of experience in holiday letting in the South West, with local offices in Salcombe and Dartmouth, plus a collection of over 500 holiday cottages available across the region.

Coast & Country Cottages

Bantham to Salcombe, 12 miles

SWCP Walking Guide No. 50
Sections 50/51 Official Guide to the South West Coast Path

My favourite section of the Coast Path is the stretch from Bantham to Salcombe. This route takes you through South Devon’s top coastal locations, all in one day of walking.

The walk starts in Bantham, a picture-perfect Devonshire village with thatched chocolate-box cottages and unspoiled views of Burgh Island. You’ll pass by the golden sands of Bantham Beach, a popular bay for surfing and family days out.

From here you take the cliff path, passing Thurlestone, another of South Devon’s many quaint villages, with the chance to see a wide range of wildflowers and birds. There are plenty of sandy coves along this part, including Broad Sand, Yarmer Beach and South Milton Sands, as well as open views of the impressive Thurlestone Rock.

After South Milton Sands, carry along the cliff path past more dreamy beaches, most notably the much-loved Hope Cove. The next stop is Bolt Tail, with its iron age hillfort and far-reaching views of Burgh Island, Rame Head, and parts of South Cornwall.

The path then takes you up to Bolberry down, which is known for excellent birdwatching, past the sheltered Soar Mill Cove, and onwards to Bolt Head. This World War 2 lookout spot makes for an exceptional viewpoint.

The final mile takes you into Salcombe along the road, although during the holiday season, you can take a ferry from South Sands, making for an exciting end to a thoroughly enjoyable day’s walking!

For many, Salcombe is the jewel in South Devon’s crown. Here you’ll find the ancient remains of Salcombe Castle, buckets of sailing history, independent shops and more than enough food and drink to feed a hungry hiker!

Other suggested walks in the area:

Hope Cove, Bolt Tail & Bolberry Down (Moderate – 4.8 miles)
Bantham & the Avon (Moderate – 5.1 miles)
East Portlemouth & Gara Rock (Moderate – 3.9 miles)

Where to stay with Coast & Country Cottages

Situated next to the Coast Path, just outside Thurlestone, the apartments at Ocean’s Edge are a perfect place to base yourself for this walk.

Here you’ll find stunning views of Thurlestone Rock and Burgh Island, making for idyllic al fresco dining. There’s also a shared outdoor swimming pool for a refreshing early morning dip before a day of walking the Coast Path.

Guest blog written by Barney Munn.