Devon

Hoist Point coastal walk

A strenuous circular walk to the highest point on the Plymouth to Dartmouth coast, with some great beaches along the way – and a historic pub at the end.

Near to

Wembury

Start point

St James the Less church, grid ref SX 63527 47794

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 6.0 (km: 9.6)

Duration3 hours

Dog friendly

*The route is through farmland and along clifftops with some steep slopes. For further details, see Terrain section.
**Includes steep parts, muddy areas and gates. For further details, see Access section.

Things to be aware of

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.

Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
St James the Less church, grid ref SX 63527 47794
Stage 1
From the church, head past the Dolphin Pub then along the road past the recreation ground until you reach the National Trust sign for Scobbiscombe Farm on your right.
Stage 2
Go through the gate and follow the path round to the top of the field. Keep following the path via several fields and gates. Scobbiscome Farm is on your left.
Stage 3
As you emerge from a small copse, you'll get your first view of the River Erme. The path continues along field edges with spectacular views of the river and Wonwell Beach. Follow the signpost down to Fernycombe.
Stage 4
When you reach the cliff-edge viewpoint, you can choose to take a 30-minute detour along the South West Coast Path to Wonwell Beach, or carry on following the path to the left and up towards Beacon Point.
Stage 5
Following the path along the cliffs, you'll pass through two gates before descending into Freshwater Valley. This field is the site of a cottage that was once used by hunting parties from the Flete estate on the other side of the Erme.
Signs of smuggling
Local folklore recalls smuggling as an important activity in the area. At Westcombe Beach, there are caves only accessible at low tides where mooring irons are said to be fixed into the walls. There's reportedly a tunnel leading from the beach to Scobbiscombe Farm and another to nearby Ayrmer Cove. Built into the cliff face at Freshwater Valley is an inaccessible cave with a chimney that was used as a lookout and a hideaway. If you explore the caves, please be aware of the tides.
Stage 6
Continue up the other side of the valley and take the higher of the paths to the top of Hoist Point, AKA Beacon Hill, to enjoy panoramic views from the highest place on the South Devon coast. Mind your footing as the path from Hoist Point to Westcombe Beach is very steep.
Stage 7
Leave the beach by the left-hand path and walk along the valley. At the junction, take the public bridleway through some fields. The path eventually becomes tarmac. At the T-junction, turn right to head back into the village.
End point
St James the Less church, grid ref SX 63527 47794
Trail map
The Hoist Point walk, Devon | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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