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United Kingdom
England
South West England
Devon
South Hams

Slapton Ley

Easy hikes and walks around Slapton Ley

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.

Best easy hiking trails around Slapton Ley

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Torcross Beach – Beesands Beach loop from Torcross, a 2.8 miles (4.5 km) trail that takes 1 hour 18 minutes to complete. This route offers views of both the shingle beach and the coastline.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Salcombe Dairy Beach Cafe – Slapton Sands Memorial loop from Strete, an easy 4.5 miles (7.2 km) path. This trail follows the shingle ridge, providing expansive views of Start Bay and the freshwater lake.
  • Local hikers also love the Slapton Sands Beach – Slapton Sands and Slapton Ley loop from Slapton Ley, a 4.5 miles (7.2 km) trail leading through the shingle ridge and along the lake shore, often completed in about 1 hour 48 minutes.
  • Hiking around Slapton Ley is defined by freshwater lake shores, coastal shingle beaches, and diverse wetland habitats. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a strong focus on easy, accessible routes.
  • The routes in Slapton Ley are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 300 reviews. More than 3,500 hikers have used komoot to explore Slapton Ley's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 19, 2026

4.3

(3)

65

hikers

#1.

Torcross Beach – Beesands Beach loop from Torcross

4.38km

01:17

110m

110m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Slapton Ley

South West Coast Path — Part 4 — Conquer Britain's longest trail

South West Coast Path — Explore Britain's longest trail

Other adventures around Slapton Ley

South West Coast Path — Part 4 — Conquer Britain's longest trail

Hiking Collection by

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Tips from the Community

Emerson
May 11, 2024, View of Beeson Sands

Impossible to miss on your right as you go down the hill

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51m
September 21, 2023, Sherman Tank Memorial

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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Christine🔹
December 1, 2022, Beesands Beach

Actually is looks like Denmark, not Devon.

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ml1212
August 28, 2022, The Cafe by the Sea

Great spot for a coffee or lunch by the beach

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Just beautiful. All year round this is worth a visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Slapton Ley?

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.

What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes around Slapton Ley?

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.

Are there any easy circular walks around Slapton Ley?

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.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails in Slapton Ley?

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.

What wildlife can I expect to see on an easy walk around Slapton Ley?

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.

Are the easy trails around Slapton Ley suitable for families with children?

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.

What are the best times of year for easy walks in Slapton Ley?

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.

Are there places to park near the easy hiking trails?

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.

What do other hikers say about the easy trails in Slapton Ley?

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.

Are there any cafes or pubs near the easy walking routes in Slapton Ley?

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.

How long do the easy hikes around Slapton Ley typically take?

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.

Are there any easy coastal walks in Slapton Ley?

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.

Most popular routes around Slapton Ley

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