The best walks and hikes around East Portlemouth

The main car park is the National Trust car park at Mill Bay, which is an ideal starting point for many coastal walks. It provides direct access to the beach and the South West Coast Path. Be aware that it can get very busy, especially during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.

Yes, the area is very dog-friendly. Most trails, including sections of the South West Coast Path, are great for walking with dogs. However, you will likely encounter livestock in fields, so it's important to keep your dog on a lead in these areas. The beaches like Mill Bay and Gara Rock Beach are also popular with dog walkers.

A great option for families is the Gara Rock & Mill Bay coast path loop. It's a relatively short and easy circular walk of about 3.1 miles (5 km) with minimal elevation gain. The path is straightforward and offers access to the sandy beach at Mill Bay, which is perfect for a mid-hike break.

The most common way to access the trails from Salcombe is by using the Salcombe to East Portlemouth passenger ferry. It's a short but scenic trip across the estuary that drops you right near the start of several popular walking routes. This allows you to leave the car in Salcombe and explore the quieter side of the estuary on foot.

The terrain is varied. You can expect well-defined but sometimes narrow dirt paths along the cliffs of the South West Coast Path. Some sections are relatively flat, while others involve short, steep climbs and descents as the path dips down into coves and back up again. The paths can be rocky and uneven in places, so sturdy footwear is essential.

Yes, the Gara Rock Hotel, located along the coast path between Mill Bay and Prawle Point, has a restaurant and cafe that is popular with walkers looking for refreshments with a view. In East Portlemouth itself, near the ferry landing, you can find options for a drink or a meal before or after your hike.

For classic estuary views looking across to Salcombe, the View of Salcombe – Salcombe Ferry Dock loop is fantastic. For dramatic, open sea vistas, the path heading towards Prawle Point offers spectacular scenery. The area around Bolt Tail is also highly regarded by locals for its stunning coastal panoramas.

For a longer and more rugged experience, the Prawle Point – Langerstone Point loop is an excellent choice. This 9.3-mile (15 km) moderate trail takes you to Devon's southernmost point through some of the wildest coastal scenery in the area. It involves more significant elevation changes and a greater sense of remoteness.

Absolutely. The coastline is dotted with beautiful, secluded coves perfect for a mid-hike swim. Mill Bay is a sheltered, sandy beach ideal for families, while Gara Rock Beach (also known as Seacombe Sands) is another stunning, unspoiled spot accessible from the coast path.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the stunning panoramic views across the Salcombe estuary and out to the English Channel. The variety of walks, from gentle beach-side strolls to more rugged sections of the South West Coast Path, is another commonly highlighted feature.

The Gara Rock Coast Path – View of Salcombe loop offers a wonderful mix. This moderate 7.3-mile (11.8 km) route follows the dramatic coastline before looping inland through rolling hills and green lanes, providing beautiful views across the estuary towards Salcombe on the return leg.