2 Salcombe walks for pushchair users

by Coast And Country / Walks

With so many great walks on the doorstep, Salcombe and the surrounding South Hams is a fantastic area to explore with a young family. Whilst we have our share of challenging hills and rugged trails, there are also plenty of suitable Salcombe walks for pushchair users as well as people with impaired mobility. With this in mind, we have picked a couple of tried and tested pushchair-friendly Salcombe walks that some members of our locally based team regularly enjoy.

Snapes Point, Salcombe – A straightforward stroll through sumptuous scenery

This mainly flat Salcombe walk boasts magnificent panoramic views across the town and the Kingsbridge Estuary. There are plenty of benches en route so remember to bring a picnic – if you don’t have the time to make your own, pop in to the Bake House, Salcombe for some snacks and treats before you set off from Snapes Point.

Distance: 1.5 miles (2.5 miles circular walk) Time: 45 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes circular walk)

Travel directions: Take the turning for Lincombe and Batson from the A381 Just outside Salcombe. Follow the signs to Lincombe until you see the signs for Snapes Point.

Parking: Snapes Point National Trust car park

Toilets: Public toilets Gould Road, Salcombe

This Salcombe walk can be done as a simple ‘there and back’ which would be suitable for most pushchairs. There is also a harder circular walk option, which will take you across field paths for which you’ll need an all-terrain pushchair.

To view the OS map for our Snapes Point walk, please click here.

From the Snapes Point National Trust car park, pass through the small gate at the back of the car park. This takes you to a wide track that leads towards the estuary
Continue along the hedged footpath, not forgetting to take in the impressive views of Salcombe
Eventually you will see a signpost to the left that directs you to Snapes Point. If you have a double buggy or everyday pushchair, this sign means that it’s time to turn back and head back to the car park
If you have an all-terrain pushchair and feel up for a little more challenge, you can continue on a circular walk to the end of the path. At that point, turn left into the field then follow the markers past Tosnos Point that will take you back to the National Trust car park.

Looking for an ideal base for your holiday? Why not stay at Driftwood, a stylish, detached two-storey property sleeping up to eight guests. Introduced in 2014, Driftwood boasts elevated views of the Salcombe Estuary from the living area and balconies. This sumptuously appointed 5 Star rated property is baby-friendly and offers a spacious holiday retreat for families. Its location is similarly perfect for those bringing pushchairs, being just a short walk from plenty of picturesque Salcombe walks as well as the beautiful harbour and waterfront, shops and restaurants.

Bolberry down, Malborough, near Salcombe – a short walk with a beautiful backdrop

This circular walk around the plateau of Bolberry Down offers easy walking, suitable for most pushchairs. This walk is favoured by many locals and visitors to the Salcombe area, as it offers an easy way to enjoy some spectacular views from the South West Coast Path. The dramatic coastline contrasts with the gentle South Hams Hills to create an unforgettable backdrop to your walk. There are many viewpoints and picnic spots where you can take a break, and the nearby Port Light Hotel, which features an outside play area, is a favourite place among families for lunch.

Distance: 1 mile Time: 30 – 40 minutes

Travel directions: Follow A381, Kingsbridge to Malborough. Entering the village, take the second right towards the village centre. Continue past the church, then take the third turning on right, signposted to Bolberry. At Bolberry take the next left, signposted to Port Light Hotel. Continue up the steep incline to arrive at the National Trust car park.

Parking: Bolberry Down National Trust car park

Toilets: Public toilets, Malborough

To view the OS map for our Bolberry Down circular, please click here.

From the National Trust car park, follow the easily accessible trail along the edge of the road towards the Port Light Hotel. When you reach a metal gate on the edge of Bolberry Down, bear left on the tarmac path which heads out towards the sea
Continue along this path in between the vast swathes of gorse. As always, don’t forget to take a good look around at the scenery at this point. The path gradually bears around to the right before joining the South West Coast Path. Continue right towards the Iron Age hill fort of Bolt Tail, on the end of the headland. There you can enjoy views over Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island in front of you
Further along the path you will reach a kissing gate set in a dry-stone wall. At this point head inland and follow the well-walked path along the dry-stone wall boundary
Pass the Port Light Hotel on your left and you will soon be back at the National Trust car park.

For a longer walk without a pushchair you can continue to Hope Cove or, in the opposite direction, make your way to Soar Mill Cove. We have lots more information about wonderful South Devon walks here.

Close by, in Salcombe, Leylands offers 5 Star rated spacious holiday accommodation arranged over two floors. Sleeping eight, with magnificent views of the harbour towards South Pool Creek and East Portlemouth, this delightful Victorian house is ideally suited to young families looking for a quiet location just a few minutes walk from the town centre and waterfront. There is also a high chair, travel cot and baby friendly plates and cutlery.

Sources: www.pushchairwalks.co.uk http://www.walk4life.info/walk/snapes-point-south-devon www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks