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Winter is a beautiful time to explore the South Hams by foot and we all know what makes a bracing winter walk even better, a cosy lunch to look forward to. Here are out top winter walk and lunch combos.
Salcombe - Bolt Head - South Sands Hotel
There's much to enjoy with pretty bays, exhilarating cliff tops and a peaceful woodland section through Tor Woods towards the end of the route. The area is great for wildlife with Dartmoor Ponies grazing on the cliffs. Also look out for birds including Fulmar, Shag, and Cormorants. If you wish make the walk a little longer and add in the loops to the beautiful Soar Mill Cove or cut the walk a little shorter and loop back when you reach Starehole Bay. Finish off at the lovely South Sands Hotel for lunch or just drinks, sink into their sumptuous sofas around the open log fire and watch the South Sands `ferry bob in and out.
Thurlestone - Bantham - The Sloop
Start at Thurlestone Gold Course and follow the South West Coast Path towards Bantham. On your descent down into Bantham you get fabulous view over to the famous Burgh Island and also a chance to watch the surfers that flock to Bantham Beach for it's long rolling waves. Walk along the beach and through the sand dunes up to the Estate pub The Sloop. We recommend booking a table in the bar, their Sunday roast is particularly good! You can either return to Thurlestone on the inland path but be warned there is a killer of a hill or back via the South West Coast path.
Salcombe - Gara Rock - Gara Rock Hotel
Catch the Salcombe - East Portlemouth ferry over to the other side from Salcombe. At low tide walk along the golden beaches or take the upper path when the tide is up. Head up through the woods above Sunny Cove and follow the South West Coast path towards Gara Rock. You get a great view back over to Bolt Head and down the estuary to Salcombe. It's a nice short circular route so is great if you don’t fancy something hard core, but still want to experience the rugged coastline the South West Coast Path is famous for. You also get the opportunity to stop at Gara Rock, the beautifully styled 5* hotel who welcome walkers for lunch (we recommend booking), the restaurant has panoramic views over the coastline - spectacular whatever the weather.
Thurlestone - South Milton - The Beach House
A bracing beach walk along the South West Coast Path from Thurlestone onto South Milton sands. Dog friendly all year round, South Milton Sands is a lovely long stretch of beach framed by sand dunes and spectacular views of the Thurlestone Rock. In the winter high winds and wild sea make for a exhilarating walk and you will be ready to hunker down in the Beach House and watch winter seaside scenes from the comfort of this welcoming beach shack. We recommend the Crab & Cheese Toastie, Crabby fries and their renowned Bang Bang prawns, washed down with a nice glass of Muscadet or a local South Hams Brewery IPA.
Salcombe - Prawle Point - The Pigs Nose
For those wanting to really work up an appetite for lunch, walk to the most southerly point of Devon, the quaint village of East Prawle. Stop at the Gara Van for a spot of sustenance before continuing along the South West Coast path. The walk is approximately a 10 mile loop - along the South West Coast path there and a shorter inland road on the way back. Make sure you leave plenty of time so you don't miss the last ferry back to Salcombe. The Pigs Nose Inn is quirky and completely charming, this old smugglers inn is now cluttered with fading muso-memorabilia and interesting junk. Pub classics are served, all sourced from Devon farming and fishing community and if you are lucky there may be some live music playing.
Salcombe - South Pool - The Millbrook
Take the ferry over to the East Portlemouth, but instead follow the estuary inland, this lovely walk follows South Pool creek, via Horsepool Cove and through the hamlets of Goodshelter and Yalton. The walk showcases the gorgeous estuary colours and wildlife as well as getting to have a nosy at some of the gorgeous houses nestled along it. Arrive in the very cute village of South Pool to the famous MillBrook Inn, a small and very cosy pub with a large open fire and good local beers. The food is delicious and in the winter they have a special menu tailored to walkers.
If you are looking for a little escape to enjoy some green space, sea air and a dose of Vitamin sea this winter, take a look at Taylor Made Salcombe's holiday homes in Salcombe, Thurlestone and South Milton. We offer short breaks and long weekend stays during mid and low seasons months. We have a selection of dog friendly properties, little hideaways for romantic getaways and large houses for family weekends away or a mid-week retreat with friends.
Our team are on hand to help with any questions you may have and help you plan your winter escape to Devon.
Take a look at our properties here!
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