An epic exploration of England's south coast — E9 Plymouth to Dover

The first section of the E9 in England follows the craggy shoreline of Plymouth. This is one of the best ways to understand the maritime city, walking past historic forts, watching the boats come and go and admiring the fantastic natural harbour that is Plymouth Sound. You finish at Heybrook Bay, a secluded… read more

This stage shows you what you’ve got to come; quiet coastal trails, extraordinary coves with crashing waves and dramatic cliffs. Discover Wembury, a surfer’s secret paradise and the beautiful Newton Ferrers from across the water.



Every few steps brings you above another tiny cove, usually impossible… read more

The first half of this stage is delightfully peaceful and you find yourself walking the undulating clifftop with nothing but sea on one side and fields on the other. A little over halfway, you reach the incredible Bigbury beach.



Bigbury is well known for excellent windsurfing conditions as well as the… read more

Hike past Thurlestone’s lovely, sandy beach and along the clifftop to Hope Cove. It’s a little early in the hike to stop for a break but you’ll struggle to walk past this stunning bay without pausing. The water is astoundingly clear and excellent for swimming, particularly in the second of Hope’s two… read more

Continuing along the stunning South West Coast Path, this hike takes you to two points, both of which reach out into the sea and offer fantastic views. Start in Salcombe and take the ferry across to the eastern shore. Pick up the coast path and walk along the ridge of Portlemouth Down.



When you reach… read more

This stage includes some hefty hills as you start at and return to sea level several times. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic hike and truly gives you the sense of achievement that the South West Coast Path is renowned for.



The first ascent is small and links Beesands to the magnificent Slapton Sands beach… read more

This stage whisks you away from the busy naval town of Dartmouth, around the coast to the pretty fishing town of Brixham. You catch the ferry across the Dart to Kingswear and hike above the historic castle, gaining fantastic views of Dartmouth and the incredible houses set into its cliffs.



On this hike… read more

Unlike the previous stages, this is a largely urban hike, traversing the seafronts of Torbay. As a result, you are particularly well catered for when it comes to lunch and coffee stops. Follow the coast path out of Brixham and you soon find yourself in beautiful Broadsands with its sandy beach.



Continue… read more

This stage largely loops around Torquay and its suburbs, taking in its many coves. As the crow flies, you don’t finish all that far from where you begin and so it’s a good opportunity to stay in the same accommodation and perhaps lighten your load for the day.



After you round the headland of Hope’s Nose… read more

This hike takes you north along a fairly straight but undulating section of coastline from Watcombe in Torbay to Dawlish Warren at the mouth of the Exe Estuary. Just under halfway, you descend into Shaldon, an exceedingly pretty village opposite Teignmouth. Catch the ferry from here across to Teignmouth… read more

This stage whisks you across the River Exe to Exmouth, with its vast beach, and onto the relaxed seaside town of Budleigh Salterton. It requires a ferry crossing from Starcross to Exmouth, so check the times and season in advance as, if the ferry isn’t running, you either need to walk a considerable… read more

This hike is shorter than most on the E9 to make the most of having settlements to stay in, as the following stretch is quite isolated. It’s also fairly flat for the first two thirds. After, you hike up a huge cliff followed by a lesser descent and another ascent. Finally, you drop down into Sidmouth… read more

This is an exceptionally hilly section with some steep, grassy climbs as you wend your way along the coast from Sidmouth to Seaton. Narrow, steep valleys break up the large cliffs along here, so you often return to near sea level as you work your way along pretty paths through scrub.



Branscombe Beach… read more

As you continue your exploration of Lyme Bay’s perimeter, you find yourself deep into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast. The cliffs beneath your feet here are embedded with fossils and you can see numerous examples without having to try very hard.



The stage begins steeply, ascending… read more

A classic clifftop walk across the top of Lyme Bay awaits you on this stage. The hike is not undulating so much as a grassy, sea-breezy rollercoaster with steep ups and downs, broken up by a few friendly seaside towns. It’s tough on the thighs but easy on the eyes, that’s for sure.



Leave Charmouth and… read more

As a reward for hiking up the incredible cliffs of the past few stages, this hike is almost entirely flat with one, small hill. You follow the shoreline at low level, listening to the waves lap the shingle and the seabirds crying above. Then, you reach the fascinating landscape of Chesil Beach.



You cut… read more

The stage takes you south to the beginning of the Isle of Portland and then north east around Weymouth’s bay. It’s a fairly urban walk, given that you are rarely away from built-up areas, but with the sea on one side, there’s always a feeling of being out in the open.



Follow the lagoon’s shoreline all… read more

On this stage, you see two of the most famous natural features of England’s south coast, both of which happen to be neighbours: Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. There are several large climbs on this hike but much of the route is reasonably gentle and, as always, exceptionally beautiful.



Head east from… read more

The first half of this wonderful, rollercoaster walk falls within the Lulworth Ranges danger zone. These are military firing ranges and, when in operation, you cannot pass through them for obvious reasons. The ranges are usually open to walkers on the weekends but check the firing schedule here to make… read more

As you walk along the Purbeck coastline, you’ll find yourself just above an incredible series of ledges. If it’s dry, you’ll likely spot plenty of climbers too, working their way up these fantastic natural features. With fields stretching right to the cliff edge and seagulls keening high above, this… read more