Our four favourite walks in Salcombe

Don your hiking boots and head off on an exhilarating 8.5 mile walk from central Salcombe to Hope Cove taking in some of the most beautiful and remote countryside on the South West Coast Path. The sparkling sea views from the cliff path are spectacular and you’ll find hidden coves to explore when the tide is out. Grab an ice cream to keep energy levels high as you pass through North Sands beach, before leaving the estuary behind and turning into the woods to climb the trail towards Bolts Head. From then on, it’s a series of epic coastal viewpoints and picnic spots with just a few ramblers, wild ponies and grazing sheep for company.

Take your time to linger at Soar Mill Cove, a sheltered sandy beach full of rock pools that can only be accessed on foot or by boat. When Hope Cove comes into view, you’ll be ready for another pit stop in The Cove Bar and Restaurant that serves a wide range of food from noon till 9pm. It’s a linear walk, so be prepared to hike back again, or get the bus back via Malborough – just make sure you check the timetable.

This 5-mile circular walk takes you from the picturesque beach of South Sands to the craggy headland of Bolt Head. South Sands is a safe bay, an easy walk from Salcombe town near the subtropical paradise of Overbeck’s Gardens, a National Trust property with views of the estuary. If the weather’s fine you could start with a pre-walk dip in the sea at South Sands for an endorphin high guaranteed to put a spring in your step.

The start of the walk goes through peaceful Tor Woods before looping round to take in stunning sea views at Starehole Bay. From here you can extend the walk out to the jagged spires of Bolt Head itself or if legs are tiring, head back in the direction of South Sands. There’s parking near the beach where you can leave your car.

If you’ve brought the kids or the grandparents (and they can handle a bit of walking) this is a relatively easy circular walk that can be shortened from 4.5 to 2.5 miles in the event of any complaining. Starting in the centre of town, you can sneak in a coffee and a pastry before the route takes you inland through an ancient Saxon hamlet to sleepy Batson creek.

Here you might spot wading birds pottering around in the shallows including the redshank, the red-beaked shelduck, oystercatchers and common sandpipers. Follow the Creekside path to Snapes Point, a finger of land jutting out into the Kingsbridge Estuary renowned for its amazing views of Salcombe. There are interesting landmarks along the way including old lime kilns and a carriageway once used for Grade II listed Snapes Manor.

Starting on the opposite side of the estuary facing Salcombe, this moderately challenging 4-mile circular trail takes you to Gara Rock Beach, a secret spot loved by locals. If you’re starting from Salcombe, it's quicker to take the passenger ferry to East Portlemouth jetty than drive around the estuary. Set off by following the coast path via Sunny Cove stopping to forage blackberries, sloes and crab apples if the season is right and to take in the open sea views. As you walk you’ll glimpse North and South Sands beaches across the water.

When Gara Rock comes into sight you can either follow the signpost down onto the sand or make your way to the Gara Rock restaurant in the iconic hotel of the same name for a slap-up meal (we’d recommend booking in advance). Head inland for the return leg, strolling along well-trodden footpaths and trails through the idyllic Devon fields.