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East Soar
A coastline of dramatic cliffs, open farmland and hidden sandy coves
East Soar car park, near Malborough, Devon, TQ7 3DR
Opening times for 16 November 2024
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk Walker's Hut Closed Please note that the Walkers Hut Café may close if bad weather is forecasted and if private events are happening. For up to date opening times, please look at the Facebook page for East Soar Outdoor Experience.
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Walkers Hut at East Soar Farm (NT tenant) For more information, please visit: www.eastsoaroutdoorexperience.co.uk.
Dogs allowed
Please pick up after your dog. Keep dogs under close control around cattle and on leads around sheep.
Car park
There is a pay & scan machine in the car park. National Trust members park free (please scan your membership card and display the ticket). There is a charge for non-members of £3. Please note if you are paying, the machine only accepts coins. You can also use PayByPhone via the app using the location code 803359.
Toilet
For customers using the Walkers Hut at East Soar farm.
No toilets. Undulating and uneven ground, steep in places.
Designated parking
Blue Badge holder parking is available and Blue Badge holders park for free.
Level access to food outlet
Please contact East Soar Outdoor Experience directly for the most up-to-date information: www.eastsoaroutdoorexperience.co.uk
Drop-off point
Drop off by the track going down to the farm. Arrangements to drop off near the Walkers Hut need to be made with East Soar Outdoor Experience directly, please visit: www.eastsoaroutdoorexperience.co.uk.
By road
The A379 from Plymouth and the A381 from Totnes both meet at Kingsbridge. The A381 continues south to Salcombe where you can follow signs to Soar.
Parking: East Soar car park, near Malborough, Devon
Sat Nav: TQ7 3DR
On foot
The long distance walking trail, the South West Coast Path, travels along the coast from Plymouth to Salcombe. It passes National Trust land at Thurlestone, Hope Cove, Bolt Head, Bolberry Down, Bolt Tail and East Soar on the way. The path continues again on the east side of the estuary, going from East Portlemouth to Torcross via Prawle Point.
By train
Totnes train station 20 miles and Plymouth train station 25 miles.
By bus
Regular bus services from Totnes train station and Plymouth city centre to Kingsbridge. From Kingsbridge there are buses to Salcombe.
By ferry
Daily ferry services from Salcombe to South Sands. Check with South Sands ferry for more information. From South Sands it is a short hike up the hill to Overbeck’s and a further kilometre to East Soar along footpaths.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting East Soar with your dog
Find out about visiting East Soar with your dog, from where you can and can’t take them, to the facilities available for dog owners. East Soar is a one pawprint rated place.
Highlights
East Soar coast
Miles of footpaths with impressive ocean views. Alternative parking for Overbeck's Garden, with a walk through fields and woodland.
Things to see and do
Activity
Things to see and do at East Soar
With a variety of walks and views, East Soar has plenty to see. Discover seascapes, secret coves and rugged clifftop walks along the way. You could even try out some outdoor activities.
Place
Overbeck's Garden
A signposted 1.2 miles (1.9 km) gentle walk from the car park will bring you to a stunning tropical seaside garden, perched high on the cliffs above Salcombe, with glorious views over the estuary and coast. A great place to stop and explore or just grab a cuppa or an ice-cream at the Gastrobox outside the entrance.
Top trails
Trail
East Soar to Bolt Head Walk
Explore an easy circular walk on the South West Coast Path near Salcombe, taking in the views and beaches around Bolt Head, Starehole Bay, Overbeck's and Tor Woods.
Trail
East Soar to Overbeck's Garden walk
A linear walk from East Soar to Overbeck's Garden. Follow the trail along the runway of what used to be RAF Bolt Head, taking in panoramic views of the South Hams coast and countryside.
Trail
Walk to Snapes Point
Enjoy a short walk to Snapes Point, a viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of Salcombe and the Kingsbridge Estuary.
Outdoor activities
Trail
East Soar Ranger Run
A circular running route that dips and climbs along the rugged cliffs through wild, partially tamed landscape with views of the Atlantic ocean, sandy beaches and farm land.
Eating
Walker's Hut at East Soar
The Walker's Hut (not National Trust) is a converted farm barn that sells teas, coffees and cakes. It is very popular with dog walkers and families as there is plenty of space with a very relaxed tea-time vibe. Open daily April - September, they offer a pre-booked lunch service for walking or rambling groups (minimum of 10 people). Please ring 01548 561904.
Upcoming events
About East Soar
A perfect starting point for exploring the unspoilt and isolated coast between Bolt Head and Bolt Tail, grab your walking boots and discover a stretch of coast made up of secluded sandy beaches and majestic ragged cliffs which have claimed countless ships over the centuries.
From the car park at East Soar it is only a mile long walk to the Trust's exotic clifftop garden at Overbeck's. The route takes you along the runway of what used to be RAF Bolt Head and past a secret nuclear bunker. Look out for cirl buntings and silver-studded blue butterflies. Don't miss the chance of a cake in the quirky drop-in Walker's Hut at East Soar Outdoor Experience.
Livestock may be grazing in these areas, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
Our work
Project
Project
Caring for the Salcombe coastline
Working with our tenant farmers, we've been making improvements for nature and access between Bolt and Bolt Tail.
Article
South West Coast Path: creating a year-round economic asset in Devon
Thanks to funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, places in Devon have started improvements to help make the South West Coast Path a year-round experience. Find out where has benefited.
Support us
Article
Volunteering at East Soar
Discover more about volunteering at East Soar and the local area, and find out what volunteering opportunities are currently on offer.