Mill Bay walk
Leave the Salcombe crowds behind and take shady, woodland paths to quiet sandy coves on this circular walk. The path climbs to the old lookout at Gara Rock, where you can rest before returning over the fields. Take in the sights and sounds of this beautiful area including the waves lapping the cliffs and the cattle grazing.
Please be aware of livestock
Be aware that you may encounter livestock, which can include sheep and cattle, on this route. Please follow the guidance of onsite signage and take any dog waste away with you.
Near to
Mill BayStart point
Mill Bay car park, grid ref: SX743381Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Mill Bay car park, grid ref: SX743381
Stage 1
Start at the National Trust car park at Mill Bay and follow the coast path, signposted to Gara Rock, past the toilet block and into the wood, soon passing a path leading upwards to the left. Follow the path through the trees (a path down to the right takes you to Sunny Cove). Go through the gate and onto Rickham Common.
Stage 2
Stop for a moment beside the memorial stones to admire the views across the estuary. Continue along the path out onto the cliffs and follow the path across Portlemouth Down, with Gammon Head and Prawle Point coming into view.
Stage 3
Continue along the coast path as it curves above Rudder Cove. Soon after, you'll pass the top path leading back to Mill Bay on your left and on the clifftop ahead, the Gara Rock lookout hut. At the next fork, take the lower path to the right, passing above Rickham Sands and down to Seacombe Sands.
Stage 4
Go through the gate, and at the stream turn right to explore the beach. Return to the coast path and turn left back up the hill to the gate and then take the upper path to the lookout.
Stage 5
Leaving the lookout, walk down the lane going west of the hotel for 200 metres and then take the path over the stile on your left. Follow the path through two fields, over a farm track and through a gate onto Rickham Lane. Continue down the avenue of lime trees all the way to the car park.
End point
Mill Bay car park, grid ref: SX743381
Trail map
More near here
Prawle Point walk
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