Sure, you could just walk the south west coast path all the way, but it would take considerably longer and you would miss some beautiful inland South Hams countryside, with its rolling green hills and pretty villages (and pubs). Firstly, it is a long one - I’d say more like 26-27 miles than 23 as the plotted route smooths out quite a few bends. I made it to the River Yealm ferry, leaving the old village of Plymstock and following mostly field paths through Wembury, to join the south west coast path and ferry (cash only) to Noss Mayo. From Noss Mayo it heads inland, following quiet lanes, before rejoining the coast path, which it follows all the way to the Erme. Again, the slow way heads inland following footpaths and some quiet lanes. The plotted route is not very accurate in places - bends smoothed out (some nodes missed) - but for the most part it is obvious from the underlying OS mapping what is intended. In Thurlestone head up the main village road, past the shop, then turn down Court Park Road (also footpath) to pick up the path through fields at Court Park to South Milton. Near South Huish Farm there are a couple of possible choices as the plotted route is not obvious. Both are probably fine but as the route generally heads east that’s what I did, following the footpath through a field (cattle grazing) past Court Barton to meet a minor road. Continue along the road to Malborough, after which the plotted route is easy to follow on footpaths and quiet lanes into Salcombe....

Helen C

A good walk, mainly on small quiet roads but a few stretches across fields with gates and stiles. There is a small, pop-up basic campsite as you leave Kingsbridge on the left side. Great views across the Kingsbridge Ria....

Peter Sturdgess

The route follows quiet lanes initially, very little traffic. At Waterhead the route turns onto an unmetalled road which fords the creek with stepping stones for walkers. It then follows quiet lanes through South Pool - the church, which is part of the old Court Barton, is worth a detour and you can then follow an alternative path behind the church which rejoins the slowway back on the road....

Helen C

This is a nice route - mostly along lanes, which were very quiet south of South Pool; slightly wider and busier towards Frogmore, but still fine for walking along. Bear in mind, the stepping stones at the end of Waterhead Creek (pictures 2 and 3) are submerged at high tide. These pictures were taken midway between low and high tide; I’m not sure how long they’re submerged for - perhaps 3-4 hours, though for some of that time you could probably find a way around....

MaddyT

The route follows quiet country lanes out of Kingsbridge - even in half term only a couple of cars passed - & has some pretty steep gradients. The route again follows a quiet lane before taking a public footpath towards Batson. Past the pretty hamlet of Batson the route follows a footpath - a little boggy at start - through trees around Shadycombe then pavements into Salcombe (passing the stop for the bus back to Kingsbridge)....

Helen C

At the start point in Kingsbridge (bus station/information centre) there are public toilets and cafes....

Deborah Board