The best walks close to Thurlestone Hotel.

Here at Thurlestone Hotel we are lucky enough to have the South West Coast Path right on our door step, which makes us a haven for any keen walkers. In this blog we have suggested just a few of the routes which we think you might enjoy.

Thurlestone to Bantham

This moderate walk is a brilliant way to see the South Hams coast line, with views looking over Bigbury Bay. To enjoy the best scenery, walk straight over the path in front on the Thurlestone Golf Club and from there turn right and you will join the South West Coast path going around the cliff tops to Bantham.

Bigbury-on- Sea and Burgh Island

Bigbury –on-Sea is a 13 mile drive from Thurlestone Hotel. Before you set off please check with Reception in regards to the tides.

From Bigbury-on-Sea, if the tide is out you can make the short walk across the causeway over to Burgh Island, ensure you can walk back again before the tide comes in, although there is a sea tractor (for a small cot) to take you back to the mainland (please check the timetables) The walk around Burgh Island is approx. 0.8miles and the view from the top is spectacular. Burgh Island is a very small island and has a host of fascinating features, including the art deco hotel made famous by Agatha Christie, a fourteenth century inn, an ancient chapel which once doubled as a Huer’s hut, and a couple of sandy beaches, ideal for a picnic if the weather is fine.

Thurlestone to Hope Cove

From the hotel car park turn left, and follow the round and down to Thurlestone Golf Club car park. From here you can cross the golf club and join onto the South West Coast Path, turn left on the path and follow the signs which will direct you to Hope Cove. At Hope you will find two lovely beaches Inner Hope and Outer Hope.

Salcombe to Bolt Head

On this walk there are lots to enjoy, pretty bays and exhilarating cliff tops. The walk starts at North Sands car park in Salcombe. From here you pick up the South West Coast Path and follow it south through Collaton Wood to the beach at South Sands and Splat Cove Point. After passing Overbeck’s the route then heads through Fir Wood before following the coast path to Sharp Tor with views over Starehole Bay. Shortly after Starthole Bay you come to Bolt Head where there are fabulous views along the coast. From Bolt Head you head North West along the coast path towards Middle Soar where you turn right and head inland. The path then turns right again towards Tor Woods. After exciting the woods you arrive back at the cost where it is a short walk back to the car park.

East Portlemouth to Gara Rock,

From East Portlemouth the walk to Gara Rock is a moderate 3.9miles walk, with some fantastic scenery along the way.

From the car park in East Portlemouth walk towards the lane heading down toward the ferry, at the bottom turn left to walk about Small’s Cove on to Mill Bay. Adter the National Trust sign turn right along the South West Coast Path signed to Gara Rock, carry on to the end of the estuary. Then follow the markers around to Rickham Common above Limebury Point. Carry on along the path below Portlemouth down to Gara Rock. When you reach the Gara Rock marker bear left and go through the gate and left along the path signed to Mill Bay. Walk up the lane to the footpath over a stile to the left. Just before you reach Small’s Cove a footpath heads through the edge of the trees on your right and climbs gently up to East Portlemouth, giving you a shortcut back to the car park at the start of the walk.