During Spring one of my favourite parts of the South West Coast Path to walk is from Hope Cove to Soar beach and back. It is about 3.5 miles and approximately 1.5hr – 2hrs each way. Before I describe the walk let me introduce myself, my name is Kate and I am the marketing manager at Thurlestone Hotel and have worked here for nearly ten years, some of you may know me as I run the popular children’s club, but more of you may recognise my fox red Labrador, Meg, from Social Media posts - she absolutely loves this walk.

I always start by parking at Outer Hope car park, next to the Hope and Anchor pub where you can take in the stunning views of the beach from here I amble through the village and up over the steps past the Lobster Pods and onwards down to Inner Hope – enjoying the last part of being on a flat surface while preparing myself for the steep steps and challenging path on the way to Bolberry but I know that the views from the top are worth the hike. I have to keep Meg on the lead in case the farmer has his sheep out but she is a great help pulling me up the hill!

Following the signs to Bolberry and taking in the beautiful sea views and coastline I know that it won’t be long until I will see the Ocean’s Reach restaurant, which is a great staging post for a coffee or light snack before carrying on with the rest of the walk.

The route from Bolberry is particularly rewarding in the springtime when rare Cirl Buntings and Dartford Warblers call from the bushes, and the coastal heathland is full of colourful wildflowers. Following the path again, and admiring more of the wonderful coastal views, I always love the part down to Soar. If you are lucky enough you will have some friendly Highland Cows join you before your descent. Meg is always ready for a swim and a run over the sands by the time we reach the bottom. Soar beach is a tiny remote sandy inlet which is dog-friendly all year, but is also a fantastic place to collect Sea Glass! I spent hours here collecting pieces for my wedding. While I’m here I always take a moment to sit and contemplate the view while also giving my legs a good rest before the return to the car. Sometimes I will walk back the same way but there is the option to walk back inland but it is on narrow lanes and misses the views and the sound of the sea.

I am yet to do this walk with my five-year-old daughter, however she absolutely loves the start at Bolberry as this is pretty flat for Devon and is a great place to take her scooter or bike, although I find myself constantly reminding her not to go near the edge.

This is a wonderful walk and a must-do while you are staying with us at Thurlestone and if you have already done the walk or any others in the area it would be lovely to see some of your pictures. Please send them to marketing@thurlestone.co.uk or share them to our Social Media pages @thurlestone1896