Anna Reid’s Mothecombe Sea Swim Walk, Devon

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.