South West Coast Path South Devon Section

Walk the South West Coast Path through South Devon

The South Devon section of the South West Coast Path follows the coast from Cremyll to Lyme Regis, continuing east from the River Tamar through Plymouth, the South Hams and the coastal landscapes of South and East Devon. The route passes through the South Devon National Landscape and East Devon National Landscape, linking estuaries, beaches, harbour towns, wooded valleys and coastal headlands.

From Cremyll, the route crosses towards Plymouth and continues around Plymouth Sound before heading east into the South Hams. Beyond the city, the coastline becomes increasingly rural, with the path following cliffs, coves and estuaries towards Salcombe.

Around Salcombe, the trail follows the Kingsbridge Estuary before continuing east through the South Devon National Landscape. The route passes a succession of beaches, headlands and coastal settlements before reaching Dartmouth on the River Dart, one of the major harbour towns along this section of the trail.

From Dartmouth, the path continues towards Brixham and around the coastline of Tor Bay. Brixham, Torquay and the surrounding coastal settlements provide a more developed stretch of the route, contrasting with the quieter cliffs and countryside encountered through the South Hams.

Beyond Tor Bay, the trail continues towards the Exe Estuary and Exmouth. Here the character of the coastline changes again as the route enters the East Devon National Landscape and begins following the red cliffs and coastal landscapes associated with the western end of the Jurassic Coast.

From Exmouth, the path continues east through Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth, with repeated climbs and descents across the East Devon coastline. Wooded valleys, pebble beaches, open clifftops and distinctive red sandstone formations define much of this part of the route.

Beyond Sidmouth, the trail continues towards Seaton before approaching Lyme Regis. The section finishes at Lyme Regis on the Devon and Dorset coast, providing a natural transition into the Dorset and Jurassic Coast section of the South West Coast Path.

Across the section, destinations including Plymouth, Salcombe, Dartmouth, Brixham, Torquay, Exmouth, Sidmouth and Lyme Regis provide useful bases for exploring individual stretches of the coast as well as stopping points for walkers following the longer route.

Overview

Distance: 134 miles / 215 km
Typical duration: 9–12 walking days
Difficulty: Challenging
Start: Cremyll, Cornwall
Finish: Lyme Regis, Dorset
Terrain: Clifftop paths, steep ascents and descents, estuary crossings, beaches, wooded valleys, coastal farmland and harbour towns
Waymarking: National Trail acorn symbols throughout

EXPLORE THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH

Continue Exploring the South West Coast Path

Explore the complete South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole Harbour, or discover another section of the 630-mile trail.

South West Coast Path

Explore the complete 630-mile National Trail from Minehead to Poole Harbour.

South West Coast Path Somerset & Exmoor Section

Explore the opening section from Minehead through Somerset and Exmoor to Combe Martin.

South West Coast Path North Devon Section

Follow the North Devon coast from Combe Martin to Bude through beaches, dunes, harbour towns and Atlantic landscapes.

South West Coast Path Cornwall Section

Follow the Cornish coast from Bude to Cremyll, around Land's End and the Lizard Peninsula and along the south coast of Cornwall.

South West Coast Path Dorset & Jurassic Coast Section

Continue from Lyme Regis along the Dorset and Jurassic Coast towards Poole Harbour.