Wembury to Mount Batten from Plymouth
This 6-mile walk takes you from Wembury to Mount Batten on the South West Coast Path. To start this walk, catch the number 48 bus from Plymouth City Centre (hourly bus service, takes 40 minutes) to Wembury before a short walk to Wembury Beach and the Coast Path.
Keeping the sea on your left, walk along the Coast Path through Heybrook Bay, Fort Bovisand and Jennycliff before arriving at Mount Batten, where you can either take a bus or ferry service back to city centre. Along the way there are a number of beaches as well as regular cafe and toilet stops to break up the journey.
Discover the route: Wembury to Mount Batten Point – Walk – South West Coast Path.
Mortehoe to Ilfracombe
This 7.5-mile takes you from the pretty village of Mortehoe to the Victorian seaside resort at Ilfracombe. The Taw & Torridge 31 bus service takes 25 minutes and runs hourly between Ilfracombe and Mortehoe, meaning that you can choose to either start or end this walk at Mortehoe.
Starting at Mortehoe, walk through the village down to the South West Coast Path and follow it to Morte Point. There are special views over Bideford Bay to Hartland and scanning south to north you will see Lundy Island and even further north, the Pembrokeshire and Gower coastlines of South Wales. Around the Point, in the distance you will be walking towards Bull Point Lighthouse, this is a good place to see seals basking on the rocks. This part of the walk has some steep climbs and descents and take care on wet days. Following the Coast Path beyond Bull Point, the path drops down into Bennetts Mouth — a good place to stop for a break. Keep your eyes open for Fulmars and Gannets. There is a fair climb out of Bennetts Mouth but from here to Lee Bay it is undulating. There are services and a pub (The Grampus) in Lee village, a mile or so inland. From Lee Bay, the path climbs on a rough road, then onto a path to Torrs Park overlooking Ilfracombe with further views to the Exmoor Coast. The path winds its way down into Ilfracombe where there are plenty of places for refreshments. The return bus stop is at St. James Place Gardens.
Part of this walk can be found on our website: Morte Point – Walk – South West Coast Path.
Studland to Swanage
This 5-mile route takes you from Studland to Swanage on the South West Coast Path, taking in stunning views over Poole Harbour and Old Harry Rocks.
Catch the Burbeck Breezer 50 bus service from Swanage Station to Studland village. Walk down Beach Road to join the South West Coast Path at the National Trust car park. Follow the Coast Path past Fort Henry, the bunker used by the King and top military officials to watch the practice for the D-Day landings in Studland Bay. Continue up the path to Old Harry Rocks, the impressive chalk stacks that feature in many a school geography textbook. From here, the Coast Path continues uphill, over the chalk ridge where it meets the Purbeck Way that follows the ridge to Corfe Castle. The views from the top are spectacular, with Swanage Bay on one side, and Poole Harbour on the other. Instead of turning along the top of the ridge, follow the Coast Path as it leads back down the other side of the hill towards Swanage. Continue following the path as it turns inland through the houses until it comes out on the Esplanade. Follow it alongside the beach until you reach the Mowlem Theatre and the centre of town where you can find many lovely cafes for a well-earned break.
Discover the route: Studland to Swanage – Walk – South West Coast Path.
Dartmouth to Kingswear from Paignton
Travel in style by taking the steam train from Paignton to Kingswear and then catch the lower ferry across to Dartmouth from Kingswear. Once over in Dartmouth, follow the Coast Path along Higher Road, adjacent to the Castle Road, then drop back down to get to the Castle. On your return, there is a choice to take a small boat back to the ferry meeting point or walk back to the lower ferry and catch it back across to Kingswear. If you were here for a longer day, you could take the famous Paddle Steamer for a trip down the Dart.
Part of this: Dartmouth Castle & Gallants Bower – Walk – South West Coast Path
Helford Passage to Falmouth
Choose between an 8.5-mile or a 10.5-mile walk from Helford Passage to Falmouth.
Leaving from Falmouth on the 35 bus service, the short journey takes you to Mawnan Smith and then onto Helford Passage. The walk starts at the top of the hill and takes you down the road to The Ferry Boat Inn and Passage Cove. Here the South West Coast Path starts again, with those travelling from the west arriving by ferry. The walk takes you east, passing the historic gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan, as well as the many bays which made this area so important during the Second World War. Throughout the walk you are spoilt by views across the Helford River and out across to the Lizard. Following the path round past Rosemullion Head you reach the popular beaches of Meanporth, Swanpool and Gyllyngvase, which all have cafes and toilets.
From Gyllyngvase Beach you have the option of heading back into town (8.5 mile walk) or continuing along the seafront and round Pendennis castle and point (10.5 mile walk). This walk includes several hills and sections which can be muddy in wet weather. The walk has plenty of toilets and refreshment stops, but with few options to cut the walk short other than taxis.
Toilets and refreshment stops: Helford Passage (the pub), Durgan, Meanporth, Swanpool, Gyllyngvase.
Discover the route: Helford to Falmouth – Walk – South West Coast Path
These walks were correct at the time of the article – do check local bus and train timetables before setting off.
For more information about our community engagement work, or to get involved go to: www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/coast-path-connectors
The South West Coast Path 