Walk around Hope Cove - South Hams, Devon
Start: Bolberry Down, near Marlborough (National Trust car park)
Length: 5 miles
Terrain: undulating cliff top paths, tracks and country lanes
Refreshments: Port Light Inn, Bolberry Down or Hope and Anchor Inn, Hope Cove
This delightful walk follows a section of the South Devon coastal path and offers spectacular views towards Hope Cove, Thurlestone, Burgh Island and the coastline beyond. The rugged cliffs and hidden coves are typical of the unspoilt and wild sections of the South Devon coastal path. The return leg is along grassy paths, tracks and country lanes, also with superb views of the coast and rolling hills and finally through the village of Bolberry.
Directions:
From the car park at Bolberry Down, head west along the waymarked coastal path and continue to follow the path which hugs the coastline all the way to Hope Cove. The path begins fairly level, lined with gorse bushes, and then descends to the headland of Bolt Tail, from where there are fantastic views of Inner and Outer Hope, Thurlestone Rock off Thurlestone Beach, and Burgh Island. It is possible to take a shortcut by cutting across the headland, although sticking to the coastal path is more rewarding.
After skirting the headland, a wooded path leads down to Hope Cove, where if the tide is out, you can walk along the beach to Hope Cove. Alternatively there is a path which heads over the cliff passing above the beach. In Hope Cove there is a small shop selling local ice-cream and refreshments or stop off at the Hope and Anchor Inn for lunch or to sample the local ales. (To extend this walk further, it is possible to continue walking along the coastal path over to Thurlestone beach with its golden sands – excellent for swimming.)
For the return route, retrace your steps taking the path above the beach then at a waymarked signpost head up and left towards Galmpton soon joining a grassy track through fields with great views back to Hope Cove and the coast of South Devon and, on a clear day, as far as Cornwall. The path continues through about five fields before arriving at a junction of tracks. Turn right here, following the path downwards over a couple of stiles. Upon reaching a narrow lane follow signs to Bolberry. The path leads through the pretty hamlet of Bolberry before heading uphill. Turn left and ahead at the junction then shortly afterwards take a right up the hill returning along the same lane used to reach Bolberry Down and the Port Light Inn.