Slapton Beach

Our Favourite Dartmouth Walks

With so many Dartmouth walks to choose from, all promising beautiful scenery, it’s difficult to know where to start. So, to make it easy for you to make the most of your stay in Dartmouth, we’ve hand selected some of our favourites for you to enjoy. We’ve included a range of distances and difficulties, and as with all coastal walks in Devon, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, especially seals and dolphins, along the way.

Bayard’s Cove Fort
Distance: 3.4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate

Dartmouth to Dartmouth Castle

One of the most popular Dartmouth walks, this route takes you along the River Dart, past Bayard’s Cove Fort all the way to Dartmouth Castle, which has stood at the entrance to the busy Dart Estuary for over 600 years. Access to Dartmouth Castle is £8.50 per adult and £4.50 per child (a family ticket is £21.50). Soak up the history and incredible sea views before retracing your footsteps back to bustling Dartmouth town centre.

Search: Dartmouth to Dartmouth Castle walk for route details

Blackpool Sands
Distance: 11 miles | Difficulty: Challenging

Dartmouth to Blackpool Sands

Start point: Dartmouth Town Centre (9 min drive from Leonards Cove Holiday Park)

This Dartmouth walk is one of the more challenging routes, but your reward will be incredible sea views and a stunning blue flag beach. Starting in Dartmouth, you’ll pass Dartmouth Castle and Warfleet Creek before joining the South West Coast Path, where the stunning seascapes begin. Continue through Little Dartmouth and Stoke Fleming before reaching the golden shores of Blackpool Sands. If you’re feeling brave, it’s a wonderful spot for a sea dip, and there’s a lovely café too so you can fuel up for the return journey.

Search: Dartmouth to Blackpool Sands walk for route details

Dartmouth Walks
Distance: 4 miles | Difficulty: Moderate

Little Dartmouth Circular

Start point: Little Dartmouth Car Park (5 min drive from Leonards Cove Holiday Park)

This lovely loop, as with most Dartmouth walks, has its ups and downs terrain-wise. But trust us, it’s worth it for the endless sea views. Start out at Little Dartmouth car park, hitting the South West Coast Path straightaway where you’ll get your first glimpse of the sea. The windy coastal path will take you eastwards past Combe Point before looping around towards Dartmouth. You’ll be able to spot Dartmouth Castle on the estuary before you begin to follow the path through the woods and westwards back towards Little Dartmouth.

See full route details: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/little-dartmouth/little-dartmouth-circular-walk

River Dart Totnes
Distance: 17 miles | Difficulty: Moderate

Dart Valley Trail

Start point: Various

This well-known route is 17 miles in total and runs between Totnes and Dartmouth. If you’re feeling energetic you can undertake the trail in full, taking in some beautiful scenery and picture-perfect villages, such as Dittisham and Tuckenhay, as well as Agatha Christie’s former home at Greenway. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taster of this Dartmouth walk, by picking a section, for example, a Dartmouth to Dittisham loop is approximately 10 miles. Or you could opt to start at the picturesque town of Totnes and follow a circular route to the Sharpham Estate and back, which is around 6 miles.

Find out more: https://visittotnes.co.uk/see-and-do/inspire-me/cycle-dart-valley/

…and relax

You’ll need somewhere to put your feet up after a day on the coastal path. Our South Devon holiday village is just moments from award-winning Blackpool Sands beach and offers uninterrupted sea views. So, you can sit back, relax and continue to enjoy the beauty of the stunning South Devon coastline.

Holidays at Leonards Cove

A barista pours steamed milk into a cup of coffee, creating delicate latte art. The warm café setting features a wooden counter and neatly stacked saucers in the background.

5 of the best Dartmouth coffee shops

Fun festivals, exciting events, intriguing exhibitions, marvellous markets and fascinating heritage - there’s so much going on all year round in Dartmouth. Our local harbour town on the banks of the River Dart is a charming place to explore.

Read More
DSC00921

Our Guide to the 10 Best Restaurants in Dartmouth

Whether you can’t wait for a meal to yourself in your favourite hub, a romantic date night, or are treating the whole family, a fantastic array of restaurants awaits in Dartmouth. Nestled in cosy corners and waterfront streets, this eclectic offering has something for every taste.  

Read More
A young boy wearing a blue jacket and camouflage backpack uses binoculars to watch a flock of flamingos flying over a marshy landscape with tall grass and water.

The best places to spot wildlife in Devon

Devon is blessed with a 200-mile coastline and around 2,200 square miles of rural land. This is great news for nature lovers. There's more beauty and wildlife in Devon than you'll find in some small nations.

Read More
A scenic view of a coastal town with colorful houses on a hillside, surrounded by greenery, overlooking a calm harbor filled with sailboats, under a clear blue sky.

Exploring Dartmouth's hidden gems: perfect Devon family holidays

There are three magic words that can make Devon family holidays all the more memorable.

'Let's do Dartmouth.'

Read More
View of the small town of Dartmouth with its colourful house and the harbour.

What You Should Look for When Choosing South Devon Touring Sites

If you’re seeking the top South Devon touring sites, there are a number of things to consider to help you find the best one. Whether you’re looking forward to exploring, relaxing, or hearty doses of both, selecting the right place can make or break your experience. 

Read More
A close-up view of a cream-colored castle tower with battlements and an arched window, set against a partly cloudy sky with large, billowing clouds.

Let’s explore the National Trust in South Devon: Our 5 Favourite Properties

We’ve rounded up five of our favourite National Trust properties across South Devon

Read More
A cozy wooden stall offering hot mulled wine and cider, surrounded by picnic tables and autumn trees, at one of the charming Christmas markets in Devon.

Great Christmas markets in Devon

It's easy to find Christmas markets in Devon. Just follow the spicy scent of mulled wine and the sweet sound of Christmas cheer. You'll soon find yourself among market stalls and merrymakers.

Read More
A group of friends raising glasses of beer in a cheerful toast, highlighting the social atmosphere often found in pubs in South Devon. The scene captures warmth and camaraderie.

The best pubs in South Devon

If there’s one thing most Devonians have in common, it’s the love of pubs. Perfect for the colder months when there's a fire blazing inside or in the warmer months, a beautiful beer garden in which to spend a lazy afternoon. Here's our pick of the best pubs in South Devon.

Read More
A golden retriever rolls happily on its back in the sand on a sunny beach, its legs in the air and mouth open in a joyful expression.

The Best Dog Walks in Devon

Providing essential exercise and sensory stimulation for dogs and owners alike, walks are essential for maintaining a strong and happy relationship with your pup.

Read More