Description:
This walks follows footpaths and country lanes in a circular route from North Sands. After passing South Sands it goes inland and rejoins the South West Coastal Path near Snapes Point. Sections of the walk follow quiet country lanes which are not devoid of traffic.
Walk Grade:
Moderate
Distance:
12.8 miles / 20.6 km
Total Ascent:
2287 feet / 697 metres
Time:
5 / 6 hours
Parking:
This walk starts from the pay and display North Sands Car Park, Cliff Road, Salcombe (TQ8 8LD) (Grid Ref: SX730382).
Walk Route:
Leave the car park and turn right on Cliff Road and soon follow a signpost to South Sands and Overbeck’s. The road, climbs uphill, before quickly descending to South Sands. The road climbs steeply to a junction, continue straight on following signs to Overbeck’s.
The route continues along a private road to pass the entrance to Overbeck’s House, after passing the entrance continue on to reach a junction of paths (Grid Ref: SX727373) here turn right to leave the Coastal Path and continue straight on a path that goes inland and then turns to cross fields towards Starehole Bottom. At a junction of footpaths turn right (Grid Ref: SX724369). Now head inland on a footpath towards East Soar Farm.
After passing the farm continue on the track to the site of the former RAF Bolt Head airbase which is now a private airfield. On reaching the East Soar National Trust Car Park turn right (Grid Ref: SX713376) and follow the road for 400 metres to a junction, here continue straight on for 400 yards to reach another road junction, turn right here to join Soar Road.
After 200 yards on Soar Road take a bridleway on the right which leads down a farm drive to Furzedown Farm and then continues to reach a junction of tracks at Portlemore Barton (Grid Ref: SX710391). Now join a tarmac track, after 150 metres leave the track to join a footpath on the left which heads north towards Malborough.
The path reaches the edge of the village and continues uphill along Well Hill to reach a junction with Collaton Road, turn left and head uphill towards a Petrol Station on the A381. Just before reaching the A381 take a footpath on the right going towards the village hall and then along the edge of a playing field. This path continues with a hedge separating it from the A381, after 900 mores, just after the path joins the pavement besides the road, cross taking a lane towards Yarde (Grid Ref: SX718399).
After passing the old farmhouse at Yarde the path enters woodland and then continues past a caravan site at Alston Farm to reach a road junction (Grid Ref: SX721408). Turn left and follow this lane for 1km to reach the centre of Woolston. Turn right at a cross roads to take a lane which soon becomes a footpath and stay with this path heading east to reach a minor road (Grid Ref: SX726418).
On the road turn right, after 400 metres at Rowden Cross keep heading south to reach Blanksmill Bridge, 100 metres after crossing the bridge take a footpath on the left which heads across fields to Ilton Castle Farm. On reaching a track turn right (Grid Ref: SX729405). After 75 metres take a footpath on the left which goes uphill across fields to reach Horsecombe Cross (Grid Ref: SX728401).
Turn left and after 700 metres at a junction follow the road towards Lincombe. In a further 300 metres keep right at a fork in the lane at Lincombe Cross (Grid Ref: SX737402). After 150 metres the lane ends at the Snapes Point National Trust Car Park.
Go through a gate to the left, first on a gravel path. On reaching a field follow the path downhill heading east towards the estuary at Tosnos Point. After passing trees turn south, follow the footpath signs to Snapes Point. The path is easy to follow and after passing Snapes Point continues above Batson Creek. Just after passing above Snapes Manor take a footpath on the left (Grid Ref: SX742399).
The path skirts around Snape Manor and leads downhill to join a lane. Turn right and follow this lane for 800 metres to reach Lower Batson. In the village turn left at a telephone box and benches on a green at the head of the creek (Grid Ref: SX735397). Then after 60 metres turn left on the footpath going alongside Batson Creek and the road into Salcombe.
Stay with the road to pass Batson Creek boatyard and then turn left into Island Street. At a junction turn right following a sign to the Town Centre and almost immediately take a path to the right with another sign directing you to the Town Centre. In the Town join Fore Street and follow this through the town. The route has now joined the Coastal Path (which is along the B3204 road). At a junction turn left into Cliff Road (Grid Ref: SX738386).
Follow Cliff Road for 1km descending to North Sands to return to the starting point of the walk.
Toilets:
There are public toilets in 2 Gould Road, Salcombe; North Sands Beach.
Toilets are available in the pubs on this route during opening hours.
Refreshments:
North Sands – Winking Prawn Cafe
South Sands – Bo’s Cafe, South Sands Hotel & Restaurant
East Soar Farm – National Trust Cafe
Malborough – The Royal Oak, The Old Inn, Co-op Petrol Station
Salcombe – numerous pubs, cafes and shops.
To download GPX and print map click “Learn More” below:
To follow my walk you will need Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps OL20 South Devon
Additional Information:
A narrative of this walk with pictures, historical information and points of interest can be viewed on my associated Two Dogs and an Awning website.
© Walking Moonraker (2023)
All information on this site is provided free of charge and in good faith and no liability is accepted in respect of damage, loss or injury which might result from it. To the best of my knowledge the routes are entirely on public rights of way or within areas that are open for public access.
Walking can be hazardous and is done entirely at your own risk. It is your responsibility to check your route and navigate using a map and compass.