Discover more at East Soar
Find out how to get to East Soar, where to park, the things to see and do and more.
Things to see and do at East Soar
East Soar offers a variety of walks. Enjoy a short stroll or a longer walk towards Bolt Head, with views of rolling hills, grazing Highland cattle and rugged clifftops. Snapes Point is the spot to explore the estuary further inland. If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, there are also a number of outdoor activities you can enjoy in the local area.
Walking near East soar
A walk to Overbeck’s Garden
Follow the paths from East Soar to the exotic garden at Overbeck's or discover hidden coves for a quiet dip or picnic. This trail leads along the runway of what used to be RAF Bolt Head to Overbeck's Garden, with views of the South Hams coast and surrounding countryside.
During your walk you’ll be able to see across to the cliff-tops grazed by Highland cattle or in the summer months, Dartmoor ponies.
Bolt Head walk
Discover the dramatic coast around Salcombe, walking from East Soar to Bolt Head and then following the path back towards the Salcombe Estuary. Blustery winds around the cliffs can make a walk an elemental challenge no matter what the season.
Look for the bright yellow flowers of the gorse that release a scent similar to coconut on warmer days. In spring, the paler yellow of the primrose is dotted along the path above Starehole.
Beaches to explore around East Soar
The area around East Soar is studded with beautiful beaches, many accessible on foot. Visit secret coves and sandy beaches or take in the wonderful views from the coast path.
Soar Mill Cove
Follow the coast path down to the golden sands at Soar Mill Cove. Only reachable by foot or boat, this is a quiet, peaceful beach away from the summertime crowds. Take the footpath inland and you can treat yourself to a cream tea at the luxurious Soar Mill Cove Hotel.
North Sands
Located to the south of Salcombe, near Bolt Head, North Sands is a small sandy beach with limited parking, a shop and a cafe.
South Sands
Just to the south of North Sands and slightly further from Salcombe is a fine sandy beach. It has limited parking, a shop, cafe and local pub. It also offers watersports equipment hire. South Sands has a ferry service available to take you across the estuary to beaches on the other side of the bay.
Hope Cove
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Hope Cove is a sheltered and sandy beach popular with families near the villages of Inner and Outer Hope. There are shops and places to eat nearby.
Snapes Point
Snapes Point juts directly onto the Kingsbridge Estuary and offers easy to medium walking trails. You can watch the hustle and bustle of life on the estuary below or see if you can spot the rare cirl bunting, now the UK’s rarest resident farmland bird with a population of only 1,000 pairs. You may also spot a blackcap or the chiffchaff, as it flits through the hedgerows.
During the winter months you’ll find it a quiet spot for a peaceful walk and some reflection. In the summer it looks quite different, with the colourful sails of sailing boats, the small cruisers and canoes all exploring the estuary and its narrow creeks.
Improvements to the access path have made the trail a more enjoyable experience with easier access to the area for all visitors. The path was installed thanks to funding from the National Trust South Hams supporters centre and has made a huge improvement to the countryside experience for everyone.
Outdoor activities near East Soar
East Soar is ideally placed as a centre for watersports. With the calm estuary for more placid pursuits to the fascinating wonders just below the surface on the coast, why don't you try something new on your next visit?
Sailing and boating
The Salcombe estuary is well known for its sailing waters. Learn to sail at one of Salcombe's sailing schools or hire a boat and explore the coast. South Sands Sailing: 01548 843451 Salcombe Dinghy Sailing: 01548 511548 Salcombe Island Cruising Club: 01548 844300
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