East Soar to Bolt Head Walk
From shipwrecks to wildlife-spotting, discover the dramatic coast around Salcombe on this circular walk via the South West Coast Path. After the jagged rocks at Bolt Head, wander down to the impossibly blue waters of Starehole Bay, then return past Overbeck's, with views of the Salcombe Estuary.
Total steps: 7
Total steps: 7
Start point
East Soar National Trust car park, grid ref: SX713375
Step 1
Leave your car at East Soar car park, just past Soar hamlet. Go to the car park entrance and turn left down the lane. Walk down the lane and turn right, through the gateway towards Middle Soar, following the public footpath signs. Follow the track, past the buildings of Middle Soar, to reach the warren wall where you’ll see the Omega sign. Continue straight ahead towards the coast path. Turn left at the signpost, towards Bolt Head.
Step 2
Continue along the coast path, through gates and take the fork to the right (signposted Bolt Head and Salcombe). Go through another gate to arrive at Bolt Head, with its dramatic jagged rocks. The views from the headland stretch from Cornwall's Dodman Point in the west to Prawle Point in the east.
Step 3
Follow the coast path to Salcombe, around the headland and down the slope towards Starehole Bay.
Step 4
If you've dipped down to Starehole Bay, return to the coast path and go through the gate. Continue along the path towards the crags of Sharp Tor.
Step 5
Follow the path along the cliffs and into Fir Wood. You are now above the treacherous Salcombe Bar, which stretches across the estuary to Leek Cove. When you reach the road, turn left uphill towards Overbecks.
Step 6
Take the path on your right into Tor Woods. Continue along the path, keeping left, as it winds uphill to offer views of South Sands. Climb the steps out of the woods and follow the path across the fields, through the gate, then turn immediately right. Continue through another gate and follow the edge of the field towards the windsocks until meeting the track to the car park.
Step 7
Follow the track that takes you back to the car park.
End point
East Soar National Trust car park, grid ref: SX713375
Trail map
More near here
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