Close Icon

This visual guide to the walk from Aveton Gifford to Bantham gives you a hint towards what you can expect on this challenging but enjoyable countryside amble. The breathtaking scenery leads you from the pretty village of Aveton Gifford to the traditional village Bantham – the views are definitely worth the hike!

During this walk, you will have a true countryside experience; jumping over stiles and wandering down country lanes, making your way through wide-open fields and tiptoeing alongside little streams. Although there are some steep climbs up and downhill, the views are second to none. You’ll have to pause for a moment when you reach one particular viewpoint, overlooking the River Avon and out towards Burgh Island, as the scenery will take your breath away even more than the steep upward climb.

We recommend stopping at the Sloop Inn for lunch when you reach Bantham Village, either as a wonderful way to end your walk, or a half way point if you have challenged yourself to do the full loop back. If you do this walk on a Sunday, their roast dinner is one of the best in the region (see our blog for other suggestions of sumptuous places for a roast). We would recommend booking this – visit their website for more information.

At a glance:

  • Distance: 3 miles
  • Terrain: A small section of road, country lanes, fields, woodland and footpaths. Sturdy shoes are recommended.
  • Circular: No
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
  • Starting Point: Aveton Gifford car park (TQ7 4LB)

OS © Crown copyright 2018 CS-49390-P7H3Y2

To view the OS map for our Aveton Gifford to Bantham walk, please click here.

The walk:

Starting in the Aveton Gifford car park, walk across to a path leading onto the main road over the river. Be careful here as there is no footpath whilst you are on the road.

Cross the road onto a permissive path alongside the road. Re-join the road again over the bridge and then use the path once more and finally cross the road and follow the lane opposite Bridge End. This is not a long stretch of the walk so as long as you have your dogs on leads and children safely held on to, it should not deter you from this hike.

Once following the lane, continue past farm buildings and up the steep hill. The climb is probably the biggest of the walk so you can get it out of the way early…

At the top, turn right along the lane and then bear left onto the footpath at the sign before heading left again as it joins another footpath.

Aveton Gifford to Bantham walk


Follow along this into the field where the beautiful views begin to unfold – make sure to stick to the right hand side and then go through the next three gates, turning right at the last.

Aveton Gifford to Bantham walk


Just before the next field gate, leave the well walked path and drop down the steep climb on the left. Keep an eye out for this turn as it can be missed. The views along this part of the walk are incredible and can be a slight distraction! You’ll see rolling fields all shaping inwards to form the Avon Valley – it truly is an incredible sight!

Aveton Gifford to Bantham walk


At the foot of the hill, bear right by the next footpath post and head through the next two gates before you come to the creek.

Follow to the left, over the little footbridge crossing the creek. This is a great spot for some photography with the water following steadily towards the sea!

Aveton Gifford to Bantham walk


As you go through the next gate, turn right and then walk uphill through the field.

Continue across the track into the stunning woodland before turning right along the next track after the stile and steps.

Follow along the top of the field and take in the beautiful views out towards Burgh Island.

Aveton Gifford to Bantham walk


At the road, turn right down through Bantham and stop for a well-earned rest & refreshment at the Sloop Inn before returning over the same route.

Aveton Gifford to Bantham walk


You’ll also pass the Bantham café on the way into Bantham Village if you fancied a cup of tea with a view!

Aveton Gifford to Bantham walk

For a chic and contemporary place to stay, The Old Milking Shed in Bantham offers luxury dog-friendly accommodation for up to 6 guests. This property is positioned perfectly to make the most of the surrounding South Devon coast and countryside.

Inspired by this walk and want to explore more of South Devon’s incredible countryside? Check out our other walking blogs on the Totnes to Sharpham walk or from Dartmouth to Greenway!

Click for a selection of our South Devon properties