The South West Coast Path - where to walk in the South Hams, from full day adventures to gentle circulars

To mark the release of South West Coast Path-based film The Salt Path, Suzy Greenwood, owner of Seaflowers guesthouse in Frogmore and veteran of the full 630-mile route gives her opinion on some of the best bits. 

The Salt Path is a film based on Raynor Winn's memoir, following a couple who walk the South West Coast Path after facing life-altering events.

The movie stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs as Raynor and Moth Winn, who embark on the 630-mile journey after losing their home and receiving a health diagnosis and is due for release today, Friday, 30 May.

Suzy Greenwood of Seaflowers, has herself completed the full 630-mile route by herself and she can "confidently say that our local stretch offers some of the most beautiful and rewarding walking to be experienced in the whole path".

Suzy Greenwood hiking the South West Coast Path 

Suzy explains: "The South Hams is home to two spectacular sections of the path. 

"These sections can be done in full as day long hikes for the adventurous or broken down into smaller more accessible walks. They are wonderful at all times of year, and can be surprisingly quiet once you leave our bustling coastal towns of Salcombe and Dartmouth at either end behind."

Lace-up your walking boots and try Suzy's recommendations for yourself:

🥾 Salcombe - Torcross

Do it in full: Start at East Portlemouth, across the estuary from Salcombe, and walk the 12-and-a-half miles to Torcross, experiencing golden sands, crystal clear waters, rugged cliff faces and Devon’s most southerly point, Prawle Point. Take a break at the bench overlooking Lannacombe Beach where you’ll find a plaque for Raymond and Evelyn Greenwood - Suzy’s grandparents, who purchased Seaflowers is 1990. Allow five to six hours and pack plenty of water and supplies as the middle of this section is wonderfully remote.

Salcombe to Torcross - Suzy Greenwood

A short loop: Enjoy a morning coffee at The Old Stable, before passing the stunning Mill Bay beach and Sunny Cove (some of the warmest water around if you fancy a dip!). Round the headland south to Gara Rock and come back inland through the fields. Reward yourself with an ice cream from The Surfing Cow. Allow one to one-and-a-half hours for the three miles.

Salcombe to Torcross - Suzy Greenwood

There & back: Walk from Beesands Beach to Start Point lighthouse and back, looking out for seals in the water below. Treat yourself to fish and chips from Britannia on the Beach, or a Devon Mist cider from The Cricket Inn. Allow two hours for the five miles.

🥾 Torcross - Dartmouth

Do it in full: Start at Torcross and walk along Slapton Lay the other side of the road to the sea, taking in the wildlife. Then brace yourself for a climb up to Strete and Stoke Fleming, before descending into Blackpool Sands, where there’s an excellent café for refreshments (and sauna if booked ahead). Expect another climb as you approach the headland up towards Little Dartmouth, then round the castle and head into the town. There is an hourly bus to bring you back. Allow five hours for the 10-and-a-half miles.

Torcross to Dartmouth - Suzy Greenwood

A short loop: Park at Little Dartmouth National Trust car park and take a loop down to the coast, along to Sugary Cove for a dip in the crystal waters if the tide is in. Explore the bustling coastal town of Dartmouth, and drop into Bert & Buoy to meet the artist behind Seaflowers' unique decor. Walk back inland over the hills. Allow two hours for the three miles.

Torcross to Dartmouth - Suzy Greenwood

There & back: Walk two-and-a-half miles from Torcross to Strete Gate along Slapton Lay. Enjoy a treat from the Salcombe Dairy hut before walking back along the beach - if your calves are up to it! - or back the way you came. Allow two hours.

Happy Walking! 

Main image: Slapton Line via drone - credit Carl Brightman