The Salt Path, starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs, is now out in cinemas. The film is based on the true story of Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth, who walked the 630 mile South West Coast Path after losing their home. It’s a journey of resilience and the power of nature to help overcome adversity.
The South Hams is home to two spectacular sections of the path. Suzy Greenwood, recently completed all 630 miles herself, and can confidently say that this stretch offers some of the most beautiful and rewarding walking to be experienced in the whole path.
These sections can be done in full as day long hikes for the adventurous or broken down into smaller more accessible walks. They are wonderful at all times of year, and can be surprisingly quiet once you leave our bustling coastal towns of Salcombe and Dartmouth at either end behind.
Lace-up your walking boots and try Suzy's recommendations for yourself:
Salcombe - Torcross
Do it in full: Start at East Portlemouth, across the estuary from Salcombe, and walk the 12.5 miles to Torcross, experiencing golden sands, crystal clear waters, rugged cliff faces and Devon’s most southerly point, Prawle Point. Take a break at the bench overlooking Lannacombe Beach where you’ll find a plaque for Raymond and Evelyn Greenwood - Suzy’s grandparents. Allow 5-6 hours and pack plenty of water and supplies as the middle of this section is wonderfully remote.
A short loop: Enjoy a morning coffee at a local cafe before passing the stunning Mill Bay beach and Sunny Cove (some of the warmest water around if you fancy a dip!). Round the headland south to Gara Rock and come back inland through the fields. Allow 1-1.5 hours for the 3 miles.
There & back: Walk from Beesands Beach to Start Point lighthouse and back, looking out for seals in the water below. Allow 2 hours for the 5 miles.
Torcross - Dartmouth
Do it in full: Start at Torcross and walk along Slapton Lay the other side of the road to the sea, taking in the wildlife. Then brace yourself for a climb up to Strete and Stoke Fleming, before descending into Blackpool Sands, where there’s an excellent cafe for refreshments (and sauna if booked ahead). Expect another climb as you approach the headland up towards Little Dartmouth, then round the castle and head into the town. There is an hourly bus to bring you back. Allow 5 hours for the 10.5 miles.
A short loop: Park at Little Dartmouth National Trust car park and take a loop down to the coast, along to Sugary Cove for a dip in the crystal waters if the tide is in. Explore the bustling coastal town of Dartmouth and walk back inland over the hills. Allow 2 hours for the 3 miles.
There & back: Walk 2.5 miles from Torcross to Strete Gate along Slapton Lay. Enjoy a treat before walking back along the beach - if your calves are up to it! - or back the way you came. Allow 2 hours.