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Anna Reid’s Mothecombe Sea Swim Walk, Devon

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Image credit: Anna Reid

Walk Details
Hi, I’m Anna Reid, a PR from Devon. My spare time is spent searching for bunnies and fairies in the countryside with my daughters or hiking in beautiful Devon.

If you want a quintessential Devon experience and a fairly strenuous walk, this is for you. It takes in a stretch of the South West Coast Path, so if you’re looking to complete the path in small sections, this will fit the bill.

You’ll find parking at Stoke Beach, and simply head east on the South West Coast path.

It’s a hilly hike but every time you look up you’ll be glad you’re alive: expect big skies and sparkling sea. You can enjoy the iconic Burgh Island in the distance.

About 4 miles in, you’ll emerge at Mothecombe Beach. A slice of paradise, so make sure you have your swimmers and your quick-dry towel for a swim! The crystal clear waters are very inviting. There are restrictions for dogs on the beach in the summer but the neighbouring beach, Coastguards, welcomes dogs all year round.

Make your way directly up the beach and find the footpath that leads you to a carpark. You’ll there find The Schoolhouse, a quirky and quality eatery serving up fresh pizzas, salads, and local drinks. It’s a perfectly curated mish-mash of retro furniture peppered with plants and herbs. In the winter you can sit outside by a log burner on a well loved sofa – glorious.

Make your way up out of the carpark and turn right. Walk up the hill (can you make it past Surfing Cow, the best gelato?! Seasonal opening). Turn right at the junction.

You can choose to walk along the quiet lanes all the way back, or like me, crave an extra bit of seascape and turn towards the coast path for the last leg. You can also retrace your footsteps if the hills haven’t beaten you!

Long trousers and boots are a must, the coast path can be quite overgrown in the warmer months and the steeper hills can get muddy all year round. Have a lead handy if you are bringing your four legged friend, as there are one or two fields with livestock.

Enjoy this glorious walk.

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trainNearest Train (or tube) Station(s):
Plymouth

Local Information

Read the Countryside Code before venturing out
Make sure to take a map and compass, and know how to use them before going into our National Parks #BeAdventureSmart

Tips for New Walkers: click here to download (PDF).

Remember to prepare properly before heading out on any type of walk or outdoor activity. Tell people where you are going and what time you are expected back. As Wainwright says "There's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing".