South West Coast Path: South Devon

Our South Devon holidays are as diverse as they are delightful, with 125 miles of truly unforgettable coastline. Bookended by Plymouth, where the Pilgrim Fathers departed for the New World in 1620, and Lyme Regis, renowned for its World Heritage Jurassic Coast, this section offers both historical significance and breathtaking beauty.

On your journey you’ll enjoy idyllic coastal villages, golden surf-washed beaches and rocky headlands rewarding you with incredible views. Take time to soak up the atmosphere of the lively resorts on the English Riviera. Quiet time is guaranteed too as you pass through ancient woodlands and visit peaceful coves.

With its many National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, South Devon is incredibly rich in flora and fauna. Wildlife and birdlife are plentiful too and you never know, you might spot dolphins or other marine life along the way. You’ll also explore sections of the Jurassic Coast where you can try your hand at fossil hunting. For those with an industrial interest, there are miles of Brunelian railway line, lighthouses, wartime defences and an ill-fated abandoned village.

However you choose to explore the South Devon Coast, either a full on fortnight for the entire route, or nice and steady over several visits, our holidays promise a rewarding experience, filled with natural beauty, fascinating history, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Our Holidays

The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail. We have a range of walking holidays along the entire length of the South West Coast Path. All routes are well worth undertaking in their own right and you can take on each section separately until you’ve completed the whole path.

We offer 3 holidays walking between Plymouth and Lyme Regis on the South Devon section of the South West Coast Path. Firstly we have the 67 miles from Plymouth to Brixham. This is followed by the 28 miles from Brixham to Exmouth. Finally we have the 30 miles from Exmouth to Lyme Regis.

Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.

When considering walking on the South Devon Coast please be aware that this stretch of the coastal path has 6 separate ferry crossings as well as a river crossing that can only be achieved by wading through at low tide. It is therefore essential that you are confident in your ability and comfortable walking within a strict time frame. Ferry times and tide timetables will need to be adhered to. In the event of missing a ferry, or ferries not running, alternative methods of travelling round the estuaries will have to be adopted, including significant further walking, using public transport where available, or taking a taxi. With all this in mind, walking on the South Devon Coast is a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding experience which should be entered into with a spirit of adventure.

Note on transfers: Many of the accommodations on the South Devon coast operate a two night minimum policy, therefore when booking, please be prepared to be transferred to and from your accommodation on several nights of your holiday.