South West Coast Path: Challaborough to Salcombe

Route Description for South West Coast Path: Challaborough to Salcombe

Walking the South West Coast Path: Challaborough to Salcombe is a popular activity for long-distance walkers, as the rugged and undulating terrain along the coast offers a moderate challenge and the stunning views across the English Channel are a beautiful sight to behold. You will need to time this walk for low tide, as you will need to cross the River Avon near the beginning of your journey. Alternatively, if you are walking in the summer there is a ferry to shuttle people across.

Setting out from the car park at the Challaborough Bay Holiday Park, you will head to the southeast and enjoy the coastal views around the point of Bigbury-on-Sea before making the tricky crossing over the River Avon to reach Bantham. From here, you will walk to the southwest past Bantham Beach and climb uphill along the cliffside, working your way south along the water’s edge.

After experiencing the beautiful views between Thurlstone and Hope Cove, the trail will turn to the southeast and follow along an even more dramatic stretch of coastline. Take some time to appreciate the picturesque views of the water crashing on the cliffs, as you round Bolt Head and turn to the north on the final leg of the walk. Here, you will head downhill and navigate the coastal landscape, passing by the historical Salcombe Castle on the final approach to the end point of the trail.