Bigbury On Sea to Hope Cove Walk

5.1 miles (8.2 km)

The walk from Bigbury on Sea to Hope Cove is a moderately challenging 5-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path that begins with a unique water crossing.
To start, you must take the seasonal passenger ferry from Cockleridge Ham across the River Avon to Bantham, a short but scenic journey that operates daily from April to September.... Once in the thatched village of Bantham, the trail leads you south along the cliff tops, offering spectacular retrospective views of Burgh Island and its iconic Art Deco hotel.
Continuing south, the path levels out as it passes through the fields of Thurlestone Golf Course, where you should watch for stray balls while enjoying the sight of the Thurlestone Rock, a striking natural arched limestone formation offshore. This area is rich in wildlife; the nearby South Milton Ley is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) featuring Devon's second-largest reed bed, making it a prime spot for birdwatching.
Keep an eye out for grey seals and dolphins which are frequently spotted in the bay, as well as kestrels and peregrine falcons hunting above the flower-filled coastal grasslands.
The final leg of the journey dips up and down through beautiful sandy coves and over low headlands until you descend into the sheltered twin villages of Outer and Inner Hope. Known as Hope Cove, this former smuggler’s haunt is now a picturesque destination filled with traditional thatched cottages and welcoming pubs like the Hope & Anchor, perfect for a post-walk meal.