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People in the distance walking on an accessible path along the coastline at Bolberry Downs, Devon
Walking along the coastal path at Bolberry Downs | © National Trust Images / Eric Macdonald
Devon

Amble on the Down coastal walk

A circular route around the flat plateau of Bolberry Down, offering easy walking and far-reaching inland and sea views. Take your time, have a seat at the viewpoints and immerse yourself in this spectacular coastline.

Extend your walk

For a longer walk, you can combine this route with the Bolberry Down and Soar Mill Cove trail. This 5 mile (8km) walk also starts from the National Trust Car Park at Bolberry and can be found on our website.

Total steps: 5

Total steps: 5

Start point

Bolberry Down National Trust car park, grid ref SX689384

Step 1

From the car park, follow the easy access trail along the edge of the road towards Oceans Reach. When you come to a metal gate on the edge of Bolberry Down, bear left on the tarmac path that heads towards the sea.

Step 2

Continue along this path between the pockets of gorse, making sure to take in the breathtaking views. In May, the seaward slopes here offer spectacular displays of spring squill and the rocks are dotted with thrift, stonecrop and kidney vetch.

Step 3

The path gradually bears to the right and becomes hard standing gravel until the end of the down. As you break free from the corridor of gorse, views over Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island will open up in front of you.

Step 4

When you reach a kissing gate set in a dry-stone wall, it's time to head back inland across Bolberry Down. Follow the path along the dry-stone wall boundary. While this part of the route isn't surfaced, it is level underfoot and well drained for most of the year.

Step 5

Soon, the former Port Light Hotel will come into view, followed by the metal gate back to your starting point at the car park.

End point

Bolberry Down National Trust car park, grid ref SX689384

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map for Amble on the Down walk, Bolberry Down, Devon
The Amble on the Down walk, Bolberry Down, Devon | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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