Dartmouth Walks

Whatever the time of year, Dartmouth is a wonderful place to explore, uncovering some of its secrets and the pleasures it has to offer — and there are many.

Dartmouth Town Trail

  • 1.2 Miles
  • Easy

If you love the great outdoors, and you have little ones on board, follow TheDartmouth Town Trail. It’s a perfect walk, about 1.2 miles, to take either before or after brunch or lunch — with us here at Bayards Cove Inn of course.
Follow the adventures of pirates and merchants, kings and fisherman through the historical routes of Dartmouth. Its great for kids, and for adults too!

If you want to make more of a trek of it, you can pull on your hiking boots and walk the South West Coast Path, which will take you to some beautiful sea vistas and amazing Devon scenery.  Our favourite starts at Little Dartmouth and takes in Dartmouth Castle, Warfleet Cove and Gallants Bower.

Dartmouth Mayflower Heritage Trail

  • ??? Miles
  • ???

Dartmouth’s Mayflower Heritage Trail tells a local story and the town’s relationship with the voyage undertaken by the Pilgrims in 1620. The trail begins at Bayards Cove, just a few feet from our door, and ends at Dartmouth Castle.

You can download the leaflet on the web link below:

Dartmouth Town to Dartmouth Castle Circular Walk

  • 3.4 Miles
  • Moderate
At over 600 years old and managed by English Heritage, Dartmouth Castle is a must for any visitor to Dartmouth. With interactive activities for children, a cafe and views across the estuary, the walk up to Dartmouth Castle is a great family activity. Great any time of year a walk to Dartmouth Castle is fun for all the family.

Blackpool Sands

  • 3.4 Miles
  • Moderate
Just a short drive from Dartmouth is the beautiful Blackpool Sands Beach. Following parts of the South West Coast Path, this circular walk takes in a mixture of stunning coastal scenery, and quiet countryside lanes through the village of Strete. After your walk — treat yourself to a well deserved drink or meal at the Venus Cafe and enjoy the beach views.

Start Point Lighthouse

  • 1.2 Miles
  • Easy

Start Point is the most southerly point in Devon and a great location to view the stunning coastline in either direction. From the Start Point Car Park, there is a short, easy 1.2mile walk towards the Start Point Lighthouse, where you can take in the coastal views, sea birds and you may even spot a seal or basking shark. Visits to the lighthouse can also be arranged prior to arriving.

Dartmouth to Greenway

  • 9 Miles
  • Hard
Part of the Dart Valley Trail, this circular walk is a full day out, taking in the beautiful scenery of the River Dart Estuary. This route follows the rivers banks and creeks from Dartmouth town, up to the Greenway Estate, the holiday home of Agatha Christie, now a National Trust property.  Watch out for the area’s wildlife, including herons, wading birds, roe deer, and even a seal in the river.

Diamond Jubilee Way

  • 3.75 Miles
  • Moderate
The Diamond Jubilee Way was created in 2012 for the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. This circular walk is in the shape of a diamond, and although it can be walked in either direction, it’s recommended to walk it clockwise. This walk takes you past Dartmouth Castle and up to Jawbones Hill, where you are rewarded with views towards the Britannia Royal Naval College and Start Bay.

Kingswear to Froward Point

  • 5 Miles
  • Moderate
Across the river from Dartmouth is the pretty village of Kingswear. Take the passenger ferry from Dartmouth across the river to begin your walk and you will be rewarded with views back towards Dartmouth Castle, the Brownstone Battery, which was a German naval defence in World War 2, and the iconic Day mark Tower, built in 1864 as a navigational aid to passing ships.

Dartmouth to Dittisham

  • 5 Miles
  • Challenging
The beautiful village of Dittisham is well worth a visit — and what better way to discover it than by walking along the River Dart Trail. With views across the river and across to Torbay, this walk is both challenging and rewarding, and can be done in either direction. Either catch the ferry to Dittisham and walk back to Dartmouth, or the other way around. Part of the South West Coast Path, this walk is great in autumn when the hedges are full of wildlife.