4.7
(816)
8,091
hikers
157
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Slapton Ley navigate a unique landscape featuring the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England, separated from the sea by a narrow shingle bar known as Slapton Sands. This area is a National Nature Reserve, characterized by diverse habitats including wetland, woodland, reedbeds, and marshland. The terrain offers a mix of flat lakeside paths and coastal sections, with minimal elevation changes.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
4.3
(3)
65
hikers
4.38km
01:17
110m
110m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
25
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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54
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
17
hikers
6.56km
01:53
150m
150m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
13
hikers
3.78km
01:00
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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This American Sherman Tank was recovered from the sea in 1984. It is a memorial to those who lost their lives during exercise Tiger. Exercise Tiger was ill-fated with instances of friendly fire, miss managed communications and amidst the confusion German fast attack boats slipped in amongst the landing craft and sunk a couple. About 700 allies lost their lives here practising for the D-Day landings.
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St Michael and All Angels church is a grade 1 listed building. It was first built in 1431, rebuilding on the site of a previous church. The current church was then restored in 1874 and 1890.
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The Slapton Sands Memorial remembers both the villagers and locals who had to give up their houses to let the army and navy practise for the D Day landings and to the service men who lost their lives during this exercise. Exercise Tiger was ill fated with instances of friendly fire, miss managed communications and amidst the confusion German fast attack boats slipped in amongst the landing craft and sunk a couple. About 700 allies lost their lives here practising for the D Day landings.
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Slapton Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in the south west, separated from the sea by a shingle beach. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) it was declared a National Nature Reserve (NNR) in 1993. The Nature Reserve is 1.5 miles long and covers over 490 acres of natural woodland, marshes and reedbed habitat, making it a wildlife haven for all types of birds and vegetation.
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Just beautiful. All year round this is worth a visit.
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Slapton Ley offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails, with over 75 routes specifically categorized as easy. In total, there are more than 160 hiking routes in the area, catering to various skill levels.
Easy hikes around Slapton Ley feature a unique mix of terrain. You'll find flat lakeside paths, sections along the narrow shingle bar of Slapton Sands, and coastal stretches. The routes generally have minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for a relaxed walk.
Yes, Slapton Ley has several easy circular walks. For instance, the View of Beeson Sands – Torcross Beach loop from Stokeley Farm Shop is an easy 6.5 km circular route that offers diverse scenery.
Many of the easy trails around Slapton Ley are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the unique landscape with your canine companion. However, as it's a National Nature Reserve and home to diverse wildlife, please keep dogs under close control, especially near reedbeds and nesting areas, and always clean up after them.
Slapton Ley is a renowned wildlife haven. On an easy walk, you might spot over 230 bird species, including various waterfowl and rare sightings. The reserve is also home to otters, badgers, and a rich diversity of wildflowers and butterflies, especially in the wetland and marshland areas.
Absolutely. The easy trails, characterized by flat paths and minimal elevation, are ideal for families. Routes like the Slapton Sands Memorial – Little Old Place loop from Slapton Ley offer manageable distances and interesting sights for all ages.
Slapton Ley is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer excellent birdwatching opportunities and pleasant temperatures. Summer is great for enjoying the coastal sections and longer daylight hours, while winter provides a tranquil experience with fewer crowds and unique wildlife viewing.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at various points around Slapton Ley, making access to the easy trails convenient. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages or local visitor information sites.
The easy trails in Slapton Ley are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 330 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique dual views of the freshwater lake and the sea, the diverse wildlife, and the well-maintained, accessible paths.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments near some of the easy walking routes. For example, the Salcombe Dairy Beach Cafe – Slapton Sands Memorial loop from Strete starts near a cafe, and there are often pubs and eateries in nearby villages like Torcross and Slapton.
The duration of easy hikes varies depending on the route and your pace. Many easy trails, such as the Torcross Beach – Beesands Beach loop from Torcross (4.5 km), can be completed in about 1 hour 18 minutes. Longer easy routes, like the Slapton Sands Beach – Slapton Sands and Slapton Ley loop from Slapton Ley (7.2 km), might take around 1 hour 48 minutes.
Yes, Slapton Ley offers easy coastal walks, primarily along the shingle bar of Slapton Sands, which separates the lake from Start Bay. These routes provide expansive views of the sea and are often part of the South West Coast Path network.


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