The best walks and hikes around Salcombe

Views of Bolt from the blue sea

Many of the best hiking trails around Salcombe explore the headlands to the south and west of the town. Look out for dragonflies and herons as you follow the undulating coastal paths. If you are lucky, you might even spot an otter or two in the turquoise waters below. There are many secluded bays and coves in which to take a break, unwrap your sandwiches and take stock of the sea views.

With its rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles, Bolt Head makes for a supremely impressive objective, particularly when the waves are at their most dynamic. The juxtaposition of ordered hay bales in the harvested fields with savage crags and a rough sea creates a quintessential visage of the pastoral colliding with the untamed.

The southernmost land in Devon

Perhaps the most challenging hikes around Salcombe are those to be found on the coast around Prawle. After the Lizard in Cornwall, Prawle Point represents the most southerly land in Britain. Its dramatic, craggy coastline takes you onto rugged, rocky trails, so quality hiking boots are essential here. Brace yourself, you will be taking on some heart-thumping clifftop ascents.

Prawle is one of the richest spots in Devon for wildlife, especially for bird lovers. Autumn sees the annual gathering of finches and warblers, whilst you might even catch the mesmerising sight of a diving peregrine falcon from the cliffs. The region is also well known for its shipwrecks. During low tides you can even see some of the remains of Demetrios, a cargo ship that was wrecked here in 1992.

Explore the estuary and beyond

The Kingsbridge Estuary has a variety of options for walks around Salcombe. Delightful creeks splay off the central estuary like the branches of a tree. Its fruit is delectable: gentle strolls to lovely viewpoints, such as the popular Snapes Point. From here you’ll have a gorgeous view of the town, its harbour and straight down the barrel of the estuary to the shimmering Channel.

Beyond the estuary, the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers 60 glorious miles (97 km) of magnificent coastline and patchwork countryside. Further north sprawls the atmospheric and wild Dartmoor National Park. This upland region and its famous rocky tors boast some of the finest trails in the south of England.