Slapton offers the Slapton Sands path between the sea and Slapton Ley, circular walks through the Ley and into the village, as well as a distinctive shingle ridge and historic buildings. When planning a visit, you can choose between two separate focal points: the landscape and the village’s history. The specific route and the different historic sites help you distinguish between these interests.
Walking between the sea and Slapton Ley
The Slapton Sands path runs between the sea and Slapton Ley along the South West Coast Path. There are also circular walks through the Ley and into the village of Slapton. The routes offer different experiences: the Sands path lies between the coast and the lake, while the circular walks also take in the village. This lets you decide whether you prefer the coastal section or a circular route that includes the village as a destination. Temporary diversions are possible, so check the current route before setting out for a walk.
Shingle ridge and nature at the Ley
Slapton Sands is a shingle ridge made mainly of flint stones washed ashore from the seabed 25 miles away. Rare plants grow on the ridge, including Viper’s Bugloss and Yellow Horned Poppy. The shape of the ridge and the named plants show two aspects of the same natural area: how it was formed and the vegetation on its crest.
Slapton Ley is the largest natural freshwater lake in the South West and was designated a National Nature Reserve in 1993. In autumn, up to 20,000 swallows gather there to roost; numbers can vary by season. The designation dates to 1993, while the number of swallows is a variable seasonal peak. A historical reference and a seasonal natural event thus sit side by side.
Village history and memorials
Slapton chantry college was founded in 1373 by Sir Guy de Briene and is one of only four Chantry Colleges recorded in the South West. Visible remains include a ruined tower that formed the western end of the college’s Chantry Church. The tower marks the former church’s location in the landscape, while the founding year and founder place the college’s history in time.
The Church of St James is also located in the village centre. Its tower dates from the 13th or early 14th century; there is no parking at the church. The two church sites differ both in their history and in what visitors can see: the college with its ruined tower, and St James with its medieval tower in the village centre.
There is another memorial site in Torcross. A buoyant Sherman tank and several memorial plaques stand in the car park between Slapton Ley and the beach. The memorial commemorates the men who died during the D-Day landing exercise “Exercise Tiger”.
Environmental education
The Slapton Ley Field Studies Centre hosts school, university and adult groups for courses in the environment and biology.
Discover more destinations: Tawstock, Tipton Saint John, Hollacombe, Little Torrington, Clyst Saint Mary, Exebridge, Ottery Saint Mary, Bridgerule.
For the overview of the wider area: Devon.
