Guest Blog Post
Walking the coastline around Dartmouth is one of those plans that works on almost any day you can spare a few hours. You get fresh sea air, changing views, and routes that feel pleasantly “away from it all” while still being close to town. Whether you start from the harbour or head a little further afield, coastal walks here combine scenery, history, and easy opportunities to stop and explore along the way.
If you’re thinking of heading out, here’s what you can expect from Dartmouth’s coastal paths, where they can take you, and how to get ready so the walk feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Coastal walk highlights around Dartmouth
One of the first things you’ll notice is how quickly the scenery shifts. A walk might begin along the River Dart near Bayard’s Cove, where boats move quietly through the water, before climbing toward open headlands with wide sea views. Following sections of the South West Coast Path, you’ll often move between shaded woodland and exposed coastal stretches within a short distance.
Popular routes include the walk from Dartmouth Castle back toward town, which combines coastal views with a visit to one of Dartmouth’s most recognisable landmarks. From the castle grounds, you can look back across the estuary or pause to watch ferries crossing to Kingswear. On calmer days, it’s easy to spot seabirds and, occasionally, seals offshore.
If you’re out early, it’s an easy pleasure to pause with a warm drink, perhaps using one of the portable coffee makers for travel tucked into your daypack — before carrying on as the light changes across Start Bay. Longer walks can lead toward beaches like Blackpool Sands or, if you’re planning a full day, further on to Slapton Sands, where the shingle shore and open views feel a world away from the town centre.
There’s also a quiet sense of history woven into these routes. Passing viewpoints above the river or walking near the Britannia Royal Naval College, the importance of the harbour becomes obvious without needing explanation. Nearby spots such as Greenway, the former home of Agatha Christie, add another layer of interest if you want to combine a walk with a visit.
Small pauses often become the moments you remember most — sitting on a bench above the water, stopping on a sheltered patch of grass out of the wind, or dropping back into Dartmouth afterwards for a drink by the quay.
How to prepare for a comfortable day on the trail
Start by choosing a route that suits your time and energy. Coastal paths around Dartmouth can be more up-and-down than they appear on a map, particularly once you leave the river and head onto open cliffs. Walks with clear turnaround points — such as Dartmouth Castle or Dittisham — make it easier to enjoy the day without worrying about the clock.
What you wear matters more than people expect. Layers are usually the simplest answer: a breathable base, something warm, and a lightweight waterproof for sudden changes. Underfoot, shoes or boots with good grip help on damp paths, pebbly sections, or uneven ground.
Food and drink act as comfort insurance. Bring water, a few snacks you genuinely enjoy, and something that feels like a treat when you stop.
Many people find that the social side of walking around Dartmouth becomes part of the experience too. You’ll often exchange a greeting with other walkers, dog owners, or locals heading toward the ferry. After the walk, slipping back into town for fish and chips, a café stop, or a quiet pub completes the outing without feeling like a separate plan.
A simple way to experience Dartmouth’s coastline
Coastal walks around Dartmouth are easy to enjoy and rewarding without being demanding. With varied views, historic landmarks, beaches, and plenty of natural stopping points, they suit both short outings and longer, slower days. Plan loosely, dress for changeable weather, and leave space to explore places along the way, and you’ll finish the walk feeling connected not just to the coastline, but to Dartmouth itself.
” Sposnored”
