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A walker in a U-shaped valley, with craggy cliff rocks up to the left, walks towards a sea with headland in the distance
Discover the jagged rocks and open sea views from Bolt Head | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Devon

East Soar to Bolt Head Walk

From shipwrecks to wildlife-spotting, discover the dramatic coast around Salcombe on this circular walk via the South West Coast Path. After the jagged rocks at Bolt Head, wander down to the impossibly blue waters of Starehole Bay, then return past Overbeck's, with views of the Salcombe Estuary.

Total steps: 7

Total steps: 7

Start point

East Soar National Trust car park, grid ref: SX713375

Step 1

Leave your car at East Soar car park, just past Soar hamlet. Go to the car park entrance and turn left down the lane. Walk down the lane and turn right, through the gateway towards Middle Soar, following the public footpath signs. Follow the track, past the buildings of Middle Soar, to reach the warren wall where you’ll see the Omega sign. Continue straight ahead towards the coast path. Turn left at the signpost, towards Bolt Head.

Step 2

Continue along the coast path, through gates and take the fork to the right (signposted Bolt Head and Salcombe). Go through another gate to arrive at Bolt Head, with its dramatic jagged rocks. The views from the headland stretch from Cornwall's Dodman Point in the west to Prawle Point in the east.

Walking the South West Coast Path at East Soar, South Devon
The jagged rocks of Bolt Head | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Step 3

Follow the coast path to Salcombe, around the headland and down the slope towards Starehole Bay.

Step 4

If you've dipped down to Starehole Bay, return to the coast path and go through the gate. Continue along the path towards the crags of Sharp Tor.

A coast path running along green sweeping cliffs, carpeted in white flowers, walkers in the distance
The coast path between Bolt Head and Overbeck's | © National Trust Images/John Parker

Step 5

Follow the path along the cliffs and into Fir Wood. You are now above the treacherous Salcombe Bar, which stretches across the estuary to Leek Cove. When you reach the road, turn left uphill towards Overbecks.

View of the Salcombe Estuary, from a narrow coast path covered in small white flowers
Take in the Salcombe Estuary from the coast path | © National Trust Images/John Parker

Step 6

Take the path on your right into Tor Woods. Continue along the path, keeping left, as it winds uphill to offer views of South Sands. Climb the steps out of the woods and follow the path across the fields, through the gate, then turn immediately right. Continue through another gate and follow the edge of the field towards the windsocks until meeting the track to the car park.

Step 7

Follow the track that takes you back to the car park.

End point

East Soar National Trust car park, grid ref: SX713375

Trail map

Ordnance Survey map of the East Soar to Bolt Head walk
Map of the East Soar to Bolt Head walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

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Get in touch

East Soar car park, near Malborough, Devon, TQ7 3DR

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Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

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