Is there anything more invigorating than a windswept, sea-spray-on-your-face walk that takes in epic scenery along the way? In our beautiful corner of the country, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to wild coastal jaunts in any season thanks to the South West Coast Path, which follows almost the entire coastline.
Then there’s the pleasure of a pint and a feed in a cosy pub as a post-walk reward. With so many St Austell Brewery pubs positioned on the fringes of the famous walking path, it’s easy to pair one with the other.
Inspired? Lace up your boots, and strike out for one of these coastal stretches in Dorset and Devon. Each destination offers multiple route options, depending on the desired level of walk, and comes with a perfect pub pairing.
Note: Some of the walks may require a short drive in order for you to hit the ground running. Read more about the suggested walks and discover more at southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Salcombe
Devon’s chicest holiday spot isn’t just a destination for sailing, upscale shopping and dining. Salcombe is also a catch for mood-boosting walks. Give one of these routes a whirl and end the day on a high with a well-earned pub supper.
Moderate walk
East Portlemouth and Gara Rock 3.9 miles
Pass the ruins of Fort Charles and explore dog-friendly beaches along this open stroll above the western shoreline of Salcombe harbour.
Challenging walk
Salcombe and Soar Mill Cove 6.6 miles
Rocky paths, ascents and descents, steps and narrow roads are all included on this walk. However, every careful footstep is worth it for the panoramic coastal views and the possibility of seeing buzzards circling the craggy cliffs or dolphins, seals and basking sharks swimming in the waters below.
Pub pairing: Victoria Inn
Make a beeline for this pub a stone’s throw from the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary to delight in the
old-school charm of crackling log fires, cosy nooks and local bonhomie.
Indulge in dishes packed with locally sourced produce, such as Cornish herb-crusted salmon fillet with baked fennel, pea velouté and dill oil. The delicious eats are best accompanied with the stellar selection of award-winning ales and hand-selected fine wines.
Kingsbridge
Working up an appetite is guaranteed when exploring this market town within this National Landscape. The unspoilt landscape offers lush greenery and sandy coves, plus a vibrant pub to boot.
Easy walk
Start Point 1.3 miles
This short stroll through rugged scenery features a steady descent down the old lighthouse road to the headland. Keep your eyes peeled in autumn for swallows gathering to migrate and merlins on the hunt for small birds like linnets and finches.
Moderate walk
Bantham and the Avon 5.1 miles
There are plenty of uphill and downhill stretches on this circular walk, but don’t be deterred as it’s not steep. Begin at Bantham Sands before passing through the thatched village of Bantham. Then follow the Avon Estuary Way through woodlands, out to the shoreline of Stiddicombe Creek. The returning route passes through Thurlestone village then runs along the clifftop back to Bantham Sands.
Pub pairing: The Crabshell
With its prime quayside spot soaking up the hustle and bustle of the estuary, The Crabshell is your go-to for lunch with a view in the South Hams.
Go classic with a portion of fish and chips (featuring South West fish of the day), or mix and match with a selection of light bites like hand-picked white crab sandwich and Cornish fish-finger roll. Whatever you plump for, it will be made with ingredients chosen for their provenance.
Hope Cove
This small seaside village is blessed with secluded sandy beaches (Inner Hope and Outer Hope) that lend it a tranquil vibe.
Easy Walk
Bolberry Down 1.7 miles
This sliver of coastline has a network of flat paths that are wheelchair and buggy friendly. The pathways run along the clifftops and offer a choice of varying lengths, as well as stonking views. Visit in autumn to see the heathland in its blanket of heather.
Moderate Walk
The Hope Cove loop via Bolt Tail and Bolberry Down 4.8 miles
The loop starts and ends at Hope Cove, taking in idyllic headlands and rural pathways through the countryside. Because of its location, a stone’s throw from the beach, it benefits from views out to sea and is just minutes from the South West Coast Path where the trek begins. And, should you decide to take a four-legged friend along, the Hope & Anchor pub is reliably dog-friendly.
Pub pairing: Hope & Anchor
Those exploring Hope Cove’s enchanting shoreline can continue the good times at this pub located at the heart of it all. Get stuck into pub fodder such as South West fish of the day in Gem ale batter, but save room for the caffeinated thrills of an affogato (clotted-cream ice cream drenched in espresso) to replenish energy levels.
Fancy lingering longer? Stay in one of the pub’s cosy coastal rooms.
Lyme Regis
A bedrock of the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is a treasure chest of fossils, feasting and fresh air. A gentle stroll and fossil hunt across Lyme Regis Front Beach might be enough to blow away the cobwebs, but if you’re game for a more challenging hike then try one of these walks.
Moderate walks
Chideock to Charmouth 5.4 miles
This rollercoaster route of ascending and descending cliff edges includes an optional detour around the highest peak of Golden Cap.
Chideock Inland 5.4 miles
Take a historic stroll that traverses footpaths, tracks and quiet lanes as well as open heathland and streams.
Thorncombe Beacon and Doghouse Hill 4.3 miles
Enjoy terrific coastal views as you climb up and down the paths and lanes of this lovely walk.
Challenging walks
Langdon Hill, Golden Cap and Gabriel’s Chapel 4.5 miles
Incredible seaward vistas are the reward for the steep rises and falls in this tougher walk. An optional shortcut bypassing Golden Cap makes for a gentler stroll.
Seatown to Lyme Regis through the Undercliffs 3.5 miles
This challenging walk tracks uneven terrain over clay soil, but it’s worth it for experiencing the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve, one of the highlights of the Jurassic Coast with its unique landscape and lush vegetation.
Pub pairing: Rock Point
Situated on the water’s edge, Rock Point flexes a front-row seat to waterside views.
Warm those chilly hands by the open fire before sipping a perfectly poured pint and browsing a menu crammed with pub favourites. At this time of year, we’d recommend chasing your main with a comforting dessert like sticky toffee pudding adorned with clotted-cream ice cream, gingernut crumb and toffee sauce.
Book one of nine characterful yet contemporary bedrooms to turn a day trip into a gourmet getaway.
Caring for the Coast Path
A selection of St Austell Brewery pubs are Way Makers – businesses on the Coast Path that help support the South West Coast Path Association. Way Maker support helps fund the important work to protect and champion this iconic footpath, which enables around nine million visitors to access 630 miles of stunning South West coastline.
There are over 400 walks to explore at southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Click the Walk finder and search for a walk near your desired destination or location.
The South West Coast Path 