Walking is one of the best ways to get to know an area and get a little exercise at the same time. Walks in Dartmouth are everywhere and the town is situated on the South West Coast Path and in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty so a range of walks are accessible all year round. Choose from short easy historical trails, more moderate river walks or challenging coastal hikes and whichever you choose, the views from every direction are rewarding.
We’ve listed just a few of our top walks in and around Dartmouth for you to try. For more options visit our walking page here.
Dartmouth Town Trail 1.2 Miles, Easy
This easy, relaxing circular walk takes in Dartmouth’s top history spots so you can get a real feel for the heritage of this beautiful town, from pirates and kings, to the Pilgrim Fathers. With history dating as far back as 4000 BC, Dartmouth has hidden secrets around every corner.
Dartmouth Town to Dartmouth Castle 3.4 miles, Moderate
Dartmouth Castle is a must for any visitor to Dartmouth, over 600 years old and managed by English Heritage. With interactive activities for children, a cafe and views across the estuary, the walk up to Dartmouth Castle is a great family activity. Great at any time of year, a walk to Dartmouth Castle is fun for all the family.
Start Point Lighthouse 1.2miles, Easy
Start Point is the most southerly point in Devon and a great location to view the stunning coastline in either direction. From the Start Point Car Park, there is a short, easy 1.2mile walk towards the Start Point Lighthouse, where you can take in the coastal views, sea birds and you may even spot a seal. Visits to the Lighthouse can also be arranged prior to arriving.
Blackpool Sands 3.4 Miles, Moderate
Just a short drive from Dartmouth is the beautiful Blackpool Sands Beach. Following parts of the South West Coast Path, this circular walk takes in a mixture of stunning coastal scenery, and quiet countryside lanes through the village of Strete. After your walk treat yourself to a well deserved drink or meal at the Venus Cafe and enjoy the beach views.
Dartmouth to Greenway 9 Miles, Hard
Part of the Dart Valley Trail, this circular walk is a full day out, taking in the beautiful scenery of the River Dart Estuary. This route follows the rivers banks and creeks from Dartmouth town and up to the Greenway Estate, the holiday home of Agatha Christie, now a National Trust property. Watch out for the area’s wildlife, including herons, wading birds, roe deer, and even a seal or two in the river.
Diamond Jubilee Way 3.75 Miles, Moderate
The Diamond Jubilee Way was created in 2012 for the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. This circular walk is in the shape of a diamond, and although it can be walked in either direction, it’s recommended to walk it clockwise. This walk takes you past Dartmouth Castle and up to Jawbones Hill, where you are rewarded with views towards the Britannia Royal Naval College and Start Bay.
Kingswear to Froward Point 5 miles, Moderate
Across the river from Dartmouth is the pretty village of Kingswear. Take the passenger ferry from Dartmouth across the river to begin your walk. A historical walk, you will be rewarded with views back towards Dartmouth Castle, the Brownstone Battery which was a German naval defence in World War 2 and the iconic Daymark Tower, built in 1864 as a navigational aid to passing ships.
Dartmouth to Dittisham 5 Miles, Challenging
The beautiful village of Dittisham is well worth a visit and what better way to discover it than by walking along the River Dart Trail. With views across the river this walk is both challenging and rewarding, and can be done in either direction. Either catch the ferry to Dittisham and walk back to Dartmouth, or the other way around. Part of the South West Coast Path, this walk is great in autumn when the hedges are full of wildlife.
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