Guest Blog Post – Walk with Williams
Walking is one of the best ways to truly experience a place and leave no carbon footprint behind. With the rhythmic crunch of gravel underfoot and the fresh coastal breeze on your face, life slows down in all the right ways. At the same time, walking can stir your sense of adventure and help you reconnect with nature.
Unlike fast-paced travel, walking lets you soak in the scenery, the sounds, and the stories of a destination. You get the chance to explore hidden paths, encounter local wildlife, and step into the history that shaped the land. Nestled along the spectacular South Devon coastline, Dartmouth is a walker’s dream come true.
With its breathtaking sea views, rolling hills, and heritage-rich corners, Dartmouth rewards every footstep, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a laid-back stroller. With Walk With Williams self-guided tours, you can make the most of your walking holidays in the UK at your own pace. But before you lace up your boots, it helps to know which scenic trails truly capture their outdoor magic.
Let’s take a look at 7 beautiful walking trails in and around Dartmouth that would allow you to enjoy and appreciate nature.
South West Coast Path
Winding along the edge of South Devon’s dramatic shoreline, the South West Coast Path is one of the UK’s most iconic long-distance walking routes. Stretching for over 600 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset, a particularly scenic stretch runs through Dartmouth and the surrounding South Hams region.
Expect windswept clifftops, secluded coves, wildflower-covered meadows, and postcard-worthy fishing villages along the way. Walkers can tackle shorter sections that weave in and out of Dartmouth, including routes that lead to Little Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands, or further out toward Start Point.
The terrain can vary between gentle coastal strolls and more challenging climbs, but the payoff is always spectacular sea views and the invigorating scent of salt in the air. Overall, this is a lovely walking trail that offers scenic views and memorable experiences.
Little Dartmouth Circular Walk
If you prefer to stay close to Dartmouth, you can explore the Little Dartmouth Circular Walk. Just a short hop from the town centre, the walk to Little Dartmouth is perfect for those craving sweeping views without committing to a long-distance trek.
This National Trust-managed stretch offers a relatively easy loop with uninterrupted vistas of the English Channel and rugged cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea. Along the way, you might spot grazing cattle, buzzing wildflowers in spring, and even the occasional peregrine falcon swooping above.
The path hugs the coast, eventually revealing the remains of a WWII gun battery, a poignant reminder of the area’s strategic past. It’s an ideal afternoon walk, especially at golden hour when the sun dips low and bathes the hills in warm light.
Coleton Fishacre and Greenway Circular Walk
While there are plenty of things to do in Dartmouth, you can always take a short drive from it and try Coleton Fishacre and the Greenway Circular walk. This path blends heritage, horticulture, and sweeping sea views into one elegant trail. Begin at Coleton Fishacre, a beautifully preserved 1920s Arts and Crafts-style house once owned by the D’Oyly Carte family.
From here, the route winds through lush gardens and woodlands before offering glimpses of the River Dart and the serene Greenway Estate, famed as Agatha Christie’s holiday home. This walk is less about breaking a sweat and more about soaking up refined beauty and timeless charm, where every turn feels like a page from a bygone English novel. This also allows you to explore the region outside Dartmouth and make the most of your walking holiday.
Start Point Lighthouse Loop
One of South Devon’s most dramatic coastal walks, the Start Point Lighthouse Loop is a must for those seeking raw, rugged beauty within reach of Dartmouth. Perched on a narrow headland jutting into the English Channel, the 19th-century Start Point Lighthouse feels like it belongs at the edge of the world.
The circular route begins near Start Farm and follows a cliff-hugging path that offers jaw-dropping views of the coastline, especially towards the secluded beaches of Mattiscombe Sands and Lannacombe Bay.
While you are soaking in the natural beauty, keep an eye out for seabirds riding the wind, and in the right season, you might even spot seals basking on the rocks below. It’s an invigorating walk with steep climbs and windswept rewards, perfect for anyone craving that exhilarating blend of nature, solitude, and sea spray.
Slapton Sands & Slapton Ley
Blending coastal drama with peaceful wetland beauty, the Slapton Sands & Slapton Ley trail offers a strikingly diverse walking experience just a short drive from Dartmouth. This moderately easy route follows the sweeping shingle beach of Slapton Sands, famous for its role in the D-Day landing rehearsals, before curving inland around Slapton Ley, the largest natural freshwater lake in South West England.
This is where you can enjoy some of the best beaches in Devon and have a great time if you are looking for a quick break. The contrast of crashing surf and salty sea breezes with a serene nature reserve rich in birdlife, reed beds, and wildflowers is unforgettable. The trail is well-marked, making it perfect for walkers of all levels.
Brixham to Berry Head Walk
The Brixham to Berry Head Walk is a short but rewarding stretch of the South West Coast Path that offers dramatic cliffside views and a dose of history. Starting from the bustling fishing town of Brixham, the trail climbs gently towards Berry Head National Nature Reserve, a prominent limestone headland that juts into the sea.
This is a relatively easy path, about 1.5 miles one way and is ideal for a leisurely afternoon outing. Along the way, you’ll pass colourful harbour views, open meadows, and seabird nesting cliffs. At the top, Berry Head Fort awaits—an old Napoleonic-era fort offering panoramic views across Torbay. The path also has amazing wildlife, birdlife and plant life that you can explore on the way.
