In East Portlemouth, coastal paths, sandy beaches and historic sites offer different focal points for planning your trip. The South West Coast Path runs along the east side of the estuary from East Portlemouth via Prawle Point to Torcross. There is also a cycle route, two sandy beaches, each with its own features, and destinations that can be combined with a walk.
Walking and cycling routes
The route of the South West Coast Path places East Portlemouth within a longer coastal trail: from here, it runs via Prawle Point to Torcross, staying on the east side of the estuary. If you are interested in hiking, you can use this route as a guide when planning your own itinerary. Plan your day around the section you actually want to walk.
There is also a specific route for cyclists. National Cycle Network Route 2 runs from Totnes to East Portlemouth on the east side of the estuary. It is another way to include the surrounding area in your plans; it should not be confused with the route of the Coast Path. So when making your choice, it is worth first deciding whether you want to focus on a hike or a cycle route.
The “Mill Bay walk” starts at the Mill Bay car park. If you plan to use this starting point, check the current parking arrangements before setting off. This keeps your plans tied to the place where the walk begins, rather than assuming a different access point or starting point.
Sandy beaches at Mill Bay and Sunny Cove
Mill Bay is a sheltered sandy beach on the east side of the Salcombe estuary and is described as family-friendly. The beach can be reached via the South West Coast Path and a private access path; public access is signposted.
Sunny Cove is also a sandy beach. It is a ten-minute walk from Mill Bay car park. This gives the two beach destinations different practical points of reference: Mill Bay is notable for its sheltered setting and family-friendly character, while Sunny Cove is notable for the walking time from the car park. If you are considering both, you can compare these details with your plans for the day.
Nature and history along the way
The cliffs at Portlemouth Down are rich in plants and insects. This is a distinct natural feature alongside the beaches and routes. For travellers particularly interested in local plant and insect life, this provides a specific reason to include Portlemouth Down in their plans.
The “East Portlemouth & Gara Rock” route can be used to visit East Portlemouth’s quiet beaches. Along the way, you will also pass the ruins of Fort Charles. A beach visit and a historic site are combined on this route; if you want to include history in your day, you can take the ruins into account as an additional point of reference when choosing your route.
St Winwaloe’s Church adds a building history with several distinct periods to these historic points of interest: the 14th-century church was renovated in the 15th century and restored in the early 20th century. This sequence distinguishes the original church building, its later renovation and its restoration. It also makes the site interesting for travellers who are interested in architectural history, rather than just paths and coastal scenery.
Getting here and choosing where to stay
Ferries from Salcombe to East Portlemouth operate daily throughout the year. If you plan to use this connection for your journey, check the timetable for your travel date. Together with the starting point of the Mill Bay walk, this raises a practical planning question: which connection and starting point suit the places you want to visit?
You can then plan each day around the relevant routes, starting points and ferry times. This lets you choose your destination and activities with care before comparing specific accommodation.
Discover more destinations: Shaldon, Little Torrington, Tawstock, Two Bridges, Chulmleigh, Sparkwell, Chapelton, Rackenford
For the broader travel overview: Devon.
