South Hams Coastal Walk: Outer Hope to Soar Mill Cove via Bolt Tail
- Martin Hesp
- Apr 19, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
South Hams Coastal Walking
The West Country weather is unpredictable, but South Hams in Devon is known for its sunshine and excellent coastal walking opportunities. This article describes a stunning coastal walk from Outer Hope to Soar Mill Cove, passing through Bolt Tail and North Bolberry.
Starting the Walk from Outer Hope towards Soar Mill Cove
A few miles west of Salcombe, visitors can begin their South Hams coastal walk from Outer Hope towards Soar Mill Cove. The trail passes through Inner and Outer Hope and offers sweeping views of the south coast.
🏨 Stay in the Beautiful South Hams
If this walk leaves you wanting to explore more of South Devon, why not stay for a few days? Browse hotels, cosy inns, holiday cottages and seaside apartments around Hope Cove, Salcombe and the South Hams using my interactive accommodation map.
Sweeping Coastal Views at Bolt Tail
Walk at a Glance
📍 Start: Outer Hope, South Hams
🥾 Route: Outer Hope – Bolt Tail – Soar Mill Cove
📏 Distance: Approximately 4–6 miles (depending on route)
⏱ Time: 2½–4 hours
⬆ Difficulty: Moderate
🚗 Parking: Outer Hope village
🐶 Dog friendly: Yes
📸 Highlights: Bolt Tail, Soar Mill Cove, dramatic cliffs, wildflowers and panoramic sea views
One of the highlights of the South Hams coastal walk is Bolt Tail, which provides an exceptional panorama of the Bigbury Bay and beyond. Visitors can explore the area's history, including the Ramillies Rock named after a shipwreck.
The National Trust's Accessible Coastal Path
The National Trust has made the South Hams coastal path accessible to all by installing a wheelchair-friendly path. The path leads to Soar Mill Cove, where visitors can relax on the fine sands and explore the picturesque cove. National Trust South Devon - https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/south-devon-coast
Exploring the South Hams with Coast & Country Cottages
To make the most of the South Hams area, visitors can book with Coast & Country Cottages, which offers over 400 self-catering holiday properties to suit all budgets and tastes.
The area is also known for its fresh seafood, which can be purchased from local fisherman Chris Roberts in Salcombe.
Coast & Country Cottages - https://www.coastandcountry.co.uk/
Catching the Ferry to South Sands
For those looking for a relaxing day out, catching the ferry from the town centre to South Sands is a must. The sandy beach at the mouth of the 'ria' or estuary is shallow, and the operators use a motorised landing stage that heads out into the bay to meet the ferry.
South Sands Ferry - https://www.southsandsferry.co.uk/
Conclusion
The South Hams coastal walk from Outer Hope to Soar Mill Cove is a must-visit trail for any walking enthusiast. It offers stunning views, accessible paths, and a chance to explore the area's hidden gems. Visitors can also book their stay with Coast & Country Cottages and try the local fresh seafood, making for a perfect holiday in South Hams.
Why This Is One of My Favourite Walks in This Corner of South Devon
Some walks impress with a single dramatic viewpoint. Others are memorable because they lead to a famous landmark. This one quietly unfolds, revealing its pleasures a little at a time, and that's one of the reasons I return whenever I'm in the South Hams.
It begins gently enough in the peaceful surroundings of Outer Hope, where whitewashed cottages huddle against the sea and the pace of life seems refreshingly unhurried. Before long, however, the South West Coast Path begins to climb and the views start to widen. Suddenly you're looking across an endless sweep of coastline, with the sea changing colour almost by the minute as clouds drift overhead.
Bolt Tail is the point where I invariably stop, not because I'm tired but because it seems almost impossible to walk past without pausing. The cliffs fall dramatically into the sea, the breeze carries the cries of gulls and, on a clear day, the views stretch for miles across Bigbury Bay. You feel as though you're standing on the very edge of Devon.
Then comes the reward of Soar Mill Cove. Tucked away beneath the cliffs, it has the delicious feeling of being discovered rather than visited. Even on warm summer days it often feels quieter than many of the county's better-known beaches, making it an ideal place to sit, unpack a picnic and simply listen to the waves washing over the sand and rocks.
What I enjoy most about this walk, though, is its sense of space. There are no amusement arcades, souvenir shops or noisy attractions competing for your attention. Instead, there are skylarks overhead, wildflowers underfoot, the scent of salt on the breeze and the ever-changing moods of the sea. It's the sort of landscape that reminds you how fortunate we are to have the South West Coast Path on our doorstep.
I've walked many miles of the Devon coastline over the years, and there are grander cliffs and longer hikes elsewhere. Yet whenever anyone asks me to recommend a walk that captures the true spirit of the South Hams, this is always near the top of my list. It's a route that rewards every season, every tide and every return visit—and one that leaves me looking forward to the next time I lace up my boots.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Outer Hope to Soar Mill Cove Walk
Where is the Outer Hope to Soar Mill Cove walk?
This beautiful coastal walk begins in the village of Outer Hope, part of Hope Cove in the South Hams of South Devon. The route follows the spectacular South West Coast Path to Bolt Tail and the secluded Soar Mill Cove, offering some of the finest sea views in Devon.
How long is the Outer Hope to Soar Mill Cove walk?
The walk is approximately 4 to 6 miles (6.5 to 9.5 km), depending on the exact route you choose. Most walkers allow between 2½ and 4 hours, with extra time for photography, wildlife watching and picnics.
Is the walk difficult?
The route is graded moderate. There are several steep climbs and descents, typical of the South West Coast Path, but reasonably fit walkers will find the effort richly rewarded by the spectacular scenery.
Is Soar Mill Cove worth visiting?
Definitely. Soar Mill Cove is one of South Devon's hidden treasures, with golden sand, crystal-clear water and dramatic cliffs. It's a peaceful spot for swimming, exploring rock pools or simply relaxing away from the crowds.
What is Bolt Tail?
Bolt Tail is a striking headland on the South Hams coast, offering breathtaking panoramic views across Bigbury Bay, Burgh Island and the English Channel. It is one of the highlights of this stretch of the South West Coast Path.
Is there parking at Outer Hope?
Yes. Public parking is available in and around Hope Cove, with easy access to the coastal path. Parking can become busy during the summer holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
Can I take my dog on this walk?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on this section of the South West Coast Path. However, they should be kept under close control near cliff edges, nesting birds and grazing livestock.
When is the best time to walk from Outer Hope to Soar Mill Cove?
Spring and early summer are particularly beautiful, with colourful wildflowers carpeting the cliff tops. Autumn offers quieter paths and wonderfully clear views, while the walk is enjoyable throughout the year in suitable weather.
What wildlife might I see on the walk?
Keep an eye out for seabirds, kestrels, peregrine falcons and, if you're lucky, dolphins or seals offshore. In spring and summer the coastal grasslands are alive with butterflies and wildflowers.
Can I extend the walk beyond Soar Mill Cove?
Yes. The South West Coast Path continues towards Salcombe in one direction and Bigbury Bay in the other, making it easy to create a longer circular or linear walk if you have the time and energy.
Is this one of the best coastal walks in South Devon?
Many walkers think so. Combining dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, panoramic sea views and peaceful countryside, the Outer Hope to Soar Mill Cove route showcases everything that makes the South Hams one of England's finest coastal landscapes.
🏨 Stay in the Beautiful South Hams
If this walk leaves you wanting to explore more of South Devon, why not stay for a few days? Browse hotels, cosy inns, holiday cottages and seaside apartments around Hope Cove, Salcombe and the South Hams using my interactive accommodation map.
