Devon

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. Much of the area is listed as being of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its insects, bird and plant life. Don't forget to bring your binoculars to make the most of your visit.

Near to

Bolberry Down

Start point

Bolberry Down car park, grid ref SX688385

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 4.5 (km: 7.2)

Short trail

DistanceMiles: 4 (km: 6.4)

Duration2 hours to 3 hours

Dog friendly***

*Coastal path trail through fields and along cliff edges. For further information see Terrain.
**Access for all path at Bolberry Down suitable for wheelchairs. For further information, please see Access section.
***Dogs welcome. For further information, please see Facilties section.

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.

Address
Bolberry Down car park, Bolberry Down and Soar Mill Cove, Salcombe, Devon. Grid ref SX688385
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Totnes station 16 miles.
Plymouth station 24 miles.
Find out more about train services
On foot
On the South West Coast Path between Plymouth and Salcombe.
Find out more about the coastal path
By ferry
Daily ferry services from Salcombe, across estuary to East Portlemouth (all year) and to South Milton Sands (April to October).
Ferry service from Kingsbridge to Salcombe (May to September).
By bus
Totnes railway station to Kingsbridge; Kingsbridge to Salcombe and Thurlestone.
Plymouth city centre to Kingsbridge; Kingsbridge to Salcombe and Thurlestone.
Find out more about bus services
Torcross to Dartmouth and Kingsbridge.
Cycling
National Cycle Network Route 2, Totnes to East Portlemouth, on the east side of the estuary. This is a 20-mile ride on quiet lanes.
Find out more about cycle routes
By road
From A381 towards Kingsbridge, then follow signs for B3197 and take that road south to Marlborough. At Marlborough crossroads take right and then second left to Bolberry Farm and Port Light Hotel.
From A379 towards Kingsbridge, then follow signs for B3197 and take that road south to Malborough. At Malborough crossroads take right and then second left to Bolberry Farm and Port Light Hotel.
The car park is free for National Trust members. Charge for non-members. Pay and scan machine – please scan your membership card and display your ticket. Please note if you are paying, the machine only accepts coins. You can also PaybyPhone using the PaybyPhone app.
Find out more about paying for parking through PaybyPhone
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Bolberry Down car park, grid ref SX688385
Stage 1
Walk along the road, signposted Hope Cove, towards Oceans Reach. Go through the gate on the left and take the path along the field boundary. Follow the field edge, you will soon pass a row of upright stones which are called orthostats; the first of several you’ll see along the route. To the west are views over Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island. This is where author Agatha Christie set two of her mysteries.
Stage 2
Join the coast path above Fernyhole Point. For a 45-minute detour to the Iron Age cliff fort at Bolt Tail, turn right through the stone gateway, otherwise turn left to follow the path across Bolberry Down. Continue along the cliffs, taking the lower route where the paths forks. Follow the path around the cliff and back towards the car park.
Stage 3
At the car park, follow the coast path out onto West Cliff towards the ridge of Cathole Cliff, with the Warren beyond.
Stage 4
Continue down the spine of Cathole Cliff. Near the end of Cathole Cliff, descend the zig-zag path to the valley bottom. Turn right and follow the path to Soar Mill Cove, passing an inscribed gatepost; a pieve of shipwreck timber.
Small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly at Bolberry Down, Devon | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman
Stage 5
After taking a break at the cove, leave the beach to the east and cross the footbridge. Turn left up the slope.
Stage 6
You will merge into a lane. Follow the lane past the Soar Mill Cove Hotel. Continue up the lane into Lower Soar, and bear left along the road. At the second junction, climb the ladder stile on your left into the fields of Southdown Farm.
Stage 7
Cross two fields and turn right at the far hedge towards the farm. Go over a stile and onto a track. Go over a second stile and follow the path around the back of the barns. Go through a gate and onto another track. Take the path on the right along the field edge and eventually turn left into Jacob's Lane. Follow this ancient lane to reach the road, turn left and return to the car park where you started.
End point
Bolberry Down car park, grid ref SX688385
Trail map
Trail map for Bolberry Down and Soar Mill Cove walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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near Salcombe, Devon, TQ7 3DY

01548562344

bolberrydown@nationaltrust.org.uk

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