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Bolberry Down
An easily accessible and wild stretch of coastline
near Salcombe, Devon, TQ7 3DY
Opening times for 2 May 2024
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There is a pay & scan machine in the car park. National Trust members park free (please scan your membership card and display the ticket). £3 for non-members. Please note if you are paying, the machine only accepts coins. You can also use PayByPhone via the app using the location code 803339.
Restaurant
Oceans Restaurant and Bar (not National Trust) serves a range of food, from light snacks to hearty meals. For up-to-date opening hours and more information, please call 01548 562467.
Dogs
Please pick up after your dog. Keep dogs under close control around cattle and on leads around sheep.
Level access circular walk. Elsewhere undulating and uneven ground, steep in places. Blue Badge parking. No toilet.
Accessible route and/or map
There is a purpose-made circular route at Bolberry suitable for most mobility vehicles.
Drop-off point
Drop off point at the start of the route if designated parking is full.
Designated parking
There is designated parking for Blue Badge holders. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
Level access to food outlet
Please contact Ocean Restaurant directly to find out about accessibility by visiting https://oceansrestaurant.co.uk or calling 01548 562467.
By road
Between Hope Cove and Salcombe. Take the A381 towards Salcombe and turn right at Malborough. Go through the village and look out for a right-hand turn signposted Bolberry. Sat Nav: use TQ7 3DY
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Bolberry Down with your dog
Find out more about visiting Bolberry Down with your dog, from where you can and can’t take them, to the facilities available to dog owners. Bolberry Down is a one pawprint rated place.
Highlights
Coastal walks
Circular walks and access to the coast path and Soar Mill Cove. Flat, easy access route along the cliff top.
Beach
A moderate walk to a small, sandy Soar Mill Cove.
Hillfort
Situated along the coast path are earthworks of a Iron Age hillfort at Bolt Head.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do at Bolberry Down
Head out for a walk, discover a historical landscape and take in spectacular views of the surrounding coast and countryside at Bolberry Down.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Parkrun at Bolberry Down
Find out everything you need to know about joining a Parkrun at Bolberry Down, from what to wear, to route details, to where and when to meet.
Top trails
Trail
Bolberry Down and Soar Mill Cove walk
Discover a circular walk that takes in some of the most scenic coastline of South Devon. Find out more about the history of the area and enjoy far-reaching views out to sea and along the coast.
Trail
Amble on the Down coastal walk
Follow this circular route around the flat plateau of Bolberry Down, offering easy walking and far-reaching inland and sea views.
Places to stay
The Chauffeur's Flat
A getaway for two in the gardens of Coleton Fishacre on the South Devon coast.
The Watch Tower
A medieval gem in the walls of Compton Castle, in a landscape of rolling hills and orchards.
The Lodge At Greenway
A quaint gate lodge at the entrance to Agatha Christie’s much loved holiday home.
2 Coleton Barton
A white-washed cottage set within the grounds of Coleton Fishacre on the Kingswear Peninsula.
Cider Cottage
Tucked away on the Buckland Abbey estate with its own private garden and a bright interior.
1 Coleton Barton
A tucked-away cottage encompassed by rolling farmland, just a short walk to Coleton Fishacre.
Wembury Mill Cottage
Stay as close to the beach as possible in this old mill conversion right on the edge of Wembury.
About Bolberry Down
This is the starting point for discovering spectacular coastal walks between Salcombe and Hope Cove. A level and surfaced circular trail through the downs offers easy access to sea views and wild flowers carpeting the cliffs.
For something more challenging, you can follow the coast path east towards Salcombe, past East Soar and Overbeck's. Discover the remote sandy beach at Soar Mill Cove less than a mile from the car park, or head west to Bolt Tail and you'll cross the ramparts of an Iron Age fort.
Livestock may be grazing in these areas, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
History
Article
History of Bolberry Down
Learn about Bolberry Down's history, from an Iron Age fort and shipwrecks still submerged beneath the waves to radar stations from the Second World War.
Project
Project
Caring for the Salcombe coastline
Working with our tenant farmers, we've been making improvements for nature and access between Bolt and Bolt Tail.
Our work
Article
Our work: saving the cirl bunting
Find out about the measures we have taken in partnership with local farmers and RSPB to help reverse the decline of the cirl bunting, which has recovered from the brink of extinction.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Bolberry Down.