Devon

Walk to Snapes Point

Enjoy a short walk through the South Hams countryside, between fields teeming with wildlife, until you arrive at Snapes Point, which offers panoramic views of Salcombe and the Kingsbridge Estuary.

Near to

East Soar

Start point

Snapes Point National Trust car park. Grid ref: SX738403

Trail information

View route

Print trail

Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Duration 30 mins to 40 mins

Dog friendly***

*This route is generally gentle, but there are some steps. For further details, please see Terrain section.
**Due to the steps, this route is not suitable for wheelchairs. For further details, please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome, with conditions. For further details, please see section marked Facilities.

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
Snapes Point National Trust car park, near Salcombe, Devon TQ8 8NQ
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Totnes station is 18 miles (29km) away. From there, take a taxi to the starting point.
By bus
Take the no. 606 bus from Kingsbridge to Salcombe, alighting at Malborough. From there, follow the road directions stated on this page.
By road
Follow the A381 from Kingsbridge to Salcombe. After Malborough, take the second turning on the left, onto a lane signposted to Lincombe. Continue down this lane, over the first crossroads, and you'll eventually see a brown car park sign set into a hedge. Turn right here, heading up a short lane to the Snapes Point National Trust car park.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome but please keep them under control, as the walk passes through fields inhabited by wildlife.
Car park
The car park at the starting point is free for National Trust members. Pay and display for non-members.
Toilet
There is a toilet at the Walkers' Hut (see 'Tea-room').
Tea-room
The Walkers' Hut, just off the South West Coast Path near Bolt Head Airfield, serves a range of drinks and snacks.
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Snapes Point National Trust car park. Grid ref: SX738403
Stage 1
Pass through the small gate at the back of the Snapes Point National Trust car park, onto a wide track that heads downhill towards the estuary and the town of Salcombe. The route you're following is an old carriageway, built in 1800 for the now abandoned Salcombe to Kingsbridge Railway.
Stage 2
Continue along this high-hedged footpath, ignoring the other footpaths signposted to the left and right. The hedges and surrounding farmland are managed under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, which supports the wildlife that inhabit this area – in particular farmland birds such as the cirl bunting.
Stage 3
As the track runs along the edge of Batson Creek, take in the impressive views of Salcombe.
Stage 4
Eventually, you'll reach a stone flight of steps on your left. Take the short climb up and go through the gate, where you'll find a bench. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the estuary, from its head at Kingsbridge right around to its mouth beyond Salcombe.
Stage 5
Now retrace your steps, walking back along the track and up to the car park.
End point
Snapes Point National Trust car park. Grid ref: SX738403
Trail map
Map of the walk to Snapes Point | © Crown copyright and database rights 2011 Ordnance Survey
You made it
Share your experience

A walker in a U-shaped valley, with craggy cliff rocks up to the left, walks towards a sea with headland in the distance

Trail

East Soar to Bolt Head Walk

Explore an easy circular walk on the South West Coast Path near Salcombe, taking in the views and beaches around Bolt Head, Starehole Bay, Overbeck's and Tor Woods.

The garden at Overbeck's with Salcombe Bay beyond

Trail

East Soar to Overbeck's Garden walk

A linear walk from East Soar to Overbeck's Garden. Follow the trail along the runway of what used to be RAF Bolt Head, taking in panoramic views of the South Hams coast and countryside.