South Hams Way

Totnes to Buckfastleigh

Leaving the historic market town of Totnes behind, the South Hams Way sets out along the River Dart, where the faint rumble of trains from the South Devon Steam Railway adds a touch of nostalgia to the opening miles. Soon the route carries you into the Dartington Estate, a landscape steeped in history and creativity, where medieval architecture mingles with modern-day arts, gardens, and deer-park views.

From here, the trail dips into North Wood, a shady stretch alive with birdsong, before rejoining lanes that lead across the River Dart once more at picturesque Staverton Bridge. The neighbouring heritage railway station offers a timely pause, with the chance of tea and cake served from a converted buffet car.

The path continues through fields and green lanes, gradually climbing to deliver wide-open views across the Dart Valley and out towards the distant line of Dartmoor. A final woodland descent leads you to the old stone arches of Austin’s Bridge, and from here it’s a gentle riverside stroll into the lively little town of Buckfastleigh, best known for its abbey, tonic wine, and warm West Country welcome.

Buckfastleigh to South Brent

Leaving Buckfastleigh behind, the path weaves its way through quiet lanes and fields before striking out towards the wild edge of Dartmoor. Early on, the route threads through shady woodland beside the Dean Burn, with the stream reappearing later in the walk beneath a graceful old clapper bridge. From here, you begin to climb, rewarded with sweeping views back over South Devon’s rolling countryside and ahead to the brooding slopes of the moor.

Soon the trail reaches Water Oak Corner, although there are no longer any old oaks here, instead replaced by conifers and a mixture of native trees, and continues across open ground with fine views of the Avon Reservoir glinting in the valley below. A green track carries you down past the reservoir dam and into the deep-sided Avon Valley, where the ruins at Shipley Bridge recall the area’s quarrying past.

The final miles follow quiet paths and lanes through scattered hamlets such as Didworthy and Lutton, before a gentle descent leads you into the welcoming village of South Brent, with Dartmoor now firmly at your back.

South Brent to Ivybridge

From South Brent, the South Hams Way meanders through lanes and along riverside paths, climbing gradually toward Ugborough Beacon, offering 360° views of open moorland to the north and the South Hams countryside to the south. Along the way, you’ll pass intriguing historic features, including the Neolithic chambered tomb at Cuckoo Ball and the site of Moorhaven, a former asylum now repurposed into a striking residential area.

The route then follows the Redlake Tramway, a relic of the clay works that once powered the local economy, before descending toward the town of Ivybridge. Here, the River Erme winds through the streets, past landmarks such as the 16th-century hump-backed bridge that gives the town its name, and the former Stowford Paper Mill, which shaped the community for centuries. A welcoming mix of historic buildings and modern facilities signals the end of the day’s walk, but do take time to explore.

Ivybridge to Yealmpton

Leaving Ivybridge behind, the South Hams Way follows the Erme Plym Trail, tracing the River Erme through leafy parkland and quiet tracks before breaking out into open fields. The route threads its way past the crooked spire of Ermington’s church, with an optional detour into the village for refreshments, before rejoining the riverbank. Crossing Sequers Bridge, you enter the grand estate lands of Flete, where glimpses of the castle appear across the rolling parkland.

From here, the trail winds along woodland edges and field paths, offering a mix of rural calm and sweeping views back over the valley. The walking is varied but never too taxing, with a steady rhythm of lanes, stiles and meadows. Passing the hamlet of Dunstone, the path dips into woodland once more before emerging alongside the River Yealm. Here the way curves gently toward Yealmpton, a lively South Hams village with shops, pubs and good transport links – a lovely end to this rewarding stage of the journey.

Yealmpton to Mothecombe

Bidding farewell to Yealmpton, the trail initially follows quiet lanes and riverside paths along the River Yealm, weaving through woodland and open fields. The route rises and falls over gentle hills, with occasional glimpses of Dartmoor on the horizon and Kit Hill in the distance. Passing through the historic estate of Membland, you’ll encounter fine parkland and evocative remnants of Devon’s past, before descending toward the tidal creeks at Newton and Noss, where the river widens and the walking feels closer to the sea.

From here, the trail climbs again onto the headland, entering the National Trust’s The Warren and offering spectacular coastal views across the Mewstone, Rame Head, and on a clear day, even Eddystone Lighthouse far offshore. Following the South West Coast Path along cliff-top tracks, the route passes historic ruins, beaches, and caravan parks, with options for gentler deviations where needed. The day ends at Mothecombe, where a café beside the car park provides a welcome chance to relax and enjoy the dramatic South Devon coastline.

Kingston to Hope Cove

This is one of the most varied and rewarding stretches of the South Hams Way, rich in sandy bays, dramatic headlands, and timeless coastal villages. Having walked the short distance from Kingston to reach the coast at Wonwell, the path winds east, curving around secluded beaches at Westcombe and Ayrmer before reaching the small community of Challaborough. Ahead lies the unmistakable shape of Burgh Island, home to its famous Art Deco hotel and sea tractor, which trundles through the surf at high tide.

The route continues into Bigbury-on-Sea and across the Avon Estuary on the seasonal ferry. Once across, the coast path climbs above Bantham and the golden sweep of South Milton Sands, with Thurlestone Rock and the golf links marking the way. The final stretch follows easy cliff-top paths with constant sea views, before descending into the twin coves of Hope Cove, a once-thriving fishing village now famed for its charm, sandy beach, and picture-perfect thatched cottages.

Hope Cove to Salcombe

Leaving Hope Cove, the South Hams Way climbs onto Bolt Tail, where an Iron Age fort once watched over the sea. The headland gives way to the wide, open plateau of Bolberry Down, a National Trust haven of sweeping coastal views and accessible trails. From here the path dips steeply to Soar Mill Cove, a sandy notch in the cliffs, before pressing on along a dramatic rollercoaster of rocky paths towards Bolt Head.

This stretch is exhilarating and exposed in places, but the rewards are huge: endless sea views, soaring cliffs, and the hidden beauty of Starehole Bay. Rounding the headland, the first views of Salcombe and its estuary appear – a glittering scene framed by wooded hillsides. A detour here leads to Overbeck’s, the eccentric house and gardens of the National Trust.

The route continues past the sandy arcs of South Sands and North Sands before following Cliff Road into Salcombe itself, a lively harbour town brimming with cafes, pubs, boutiques, and maritime heritage.

Salcombe to Torcross

After the ferry ride across to East Portlemouth, the South Hams Way heads out past the sandy curve of Mill Bay and on towards Gara Rock, a headland where sweeping sea views begin to set the tone for this rugged stretch. Beyond Rickham Sand, the path narrows and clings to the cliffs en route to Prawle Point, the most southerly tip of Devon.

From here, the route winds past hidden coves and rocky beaches – Horsley Cove, Lannacombe, and Great Mattiscombe Sand – where you may be lucky enough to spot seals basking on the rocks. Climbing again, the white tower of Start Point Lighthouse comes into view, standing sentinel above Start Bay. A short diversion leads down to the lighthouse itself, open on certain days for tours.

Heading north, the path passes the site of the lost village of Hallsands, claimed by the sea in 1917. A poignant plaque tells the story of the community swept away by storm and human intervention. Further on lies Beesands, with its line of seafront cottages and heavy sea defences, a reminder of the coastline’s constant battle with erosion.

The final descent zigzags towards Torcross, overlooking the great sweep of Slapton Sands and the freshwater lagoon of Slapton Ley. Here, a Sherman tank salvaged from the sea stands as a memorial to the hundreds of US servicemen who lost their lives during Exercise Tiger, the ill-fated D-Day rehearsal of 1944.

Torcross to Dartmouth

Leaving Torcross, the path follows the narrow strip of land between the freshwater lake of Slapton Ley and the sea, part of the unique Slapton Line. It’s a gentle and fascinating start, with birdlife all around and the ever-present hush of waves beyond the shingle ridge. Beyond the reserve, the route climbs steadily, offering sweeping views back along Start Bay, with the distant flash of Start Point Lighthouse.

Through the village of Strete, the path returns to open countryside, winding above coves and fields before descending towards the sheltered curve of Blackpool Sands, a perfect spot for a swim or coffee stop. From here, the route rises again to Stoke Fleming, a pretty village with a welcoming pub and church overlooking the coast.

The final miles follow rolling farmland and wooded slopes to Little Dartmouth and on towards the estuary. The path ends on a high, descending through trees to historic Dartmouth Castle and the harbour below, where colourful houses line the water and ferries bustle across the Dart. From here it’s an easy stroll to the town centre with its wealth of shops, cafés and restaurants.

Dartmouth to Totnes

Climbing out of Dartmouth past St Clement’s Church, the route soon leaves the bustle behind, dipping into peaceful woodland along Old Mill Creek. Following quiet tracks through the Raleigh Estate, the path weaves between trees and open fields with glimpses of the River Dart glittering below. The views widen as you climb, taking in Noss Marina, the Daymark, and even distant Dartmoor.

Beyond the rolling farmland, the way descends towards the riverside village of Dittisham, one of the loveliest spots on the Dart. From here, the trail meanders inland through deep lanes, green valleys, and the pretty village of Cornworthy before reaching the tranquil banks of Bow Creek – alive with herons, swans, and the occasional kingfisher.

A gentle climb brings you to Ashprington, where the Durant Arms and St David’s Church mark the heart of the village. From here, the path follows the Dart valley opposite the Sharpham Estate, offering sweeping views of its vineyards and river bends, before arriving in Totnes, a lively market town crowned by its Norman castle, a fitting finale to this varied and rewarding journey.