Bolberry Down, near Malborough, South Devon
Bolberry Down
Coastal reserve
Place photograph
7.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Big-sky
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.4A broad, high coastal plateau where easy paths open onto far-reaching views across the South Devon coast and inland countryside. In spring, the heathland flowers and the calls of rare birds give the walk a particular sense of life.
Bolberry Down pairs an unusually accessible cliff-top landscape with real coastal-wildlife interest. Its level paths, open sea views and heathland birds make it more than a scenic roadside stop; take the short loop slowly and listen for skylarks above the grass and scrub.
Big-sky · Peaceful · Wild
Find your way
Open mapBolberry Down, near Malborough, South Devon
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The experience
Take the National Trust’s short circular walk around the plateau for an easy introduction to Bolberry Down, pausing at the viewpoints for sea and inland views. If you have more time, extend towards Soar Mill Cove along the coast path. Keep an eye on the heathland and scrub for birds and seasonal flowers.
Things to do
Walk the short plateau circuit
Follow the National Trust’s circular route across the flat plateau for open views inland and out to sea. The route uses tarmac, gravel and grass paths and includes some uneven ground and a kissing gate.
30–40 minutes
Extend the walk towards Soar Mill Cove
Turn the short visit into a longer coastal walk by combining the plateau circuit with the route towards Soar Mill Cove. Check the current route description and conditions before going.
Longer walk; check route details
Watch and listen for heathland birds
Listen for skylarks singing high above the paths and scan the coastal scrub for Dartford warblers and cirl buntings.
Look for seasonal heathland flowers and butterflies
Notice the coastal wildflowers along the paths; in summer, flowers attract butterflies. Gorse and heather colour the heathland in autumn.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 30–40 minutes
Quick Escape: the Bolberry Down loop
- 01
Start at the National Trust car park at Bolberry Down.
- 02
Follow the 1-mile circular route around the mostly flat plateau.
- 03
Pause at the viewpoints for inland and sea views, then return to the start.
Half day · Allow half a day; check current route details before setting out.
Make a half day of it: down to the coast
- 01
Begin with the short circular walk around Bolberry Down, taking time at its viewpoints.
- 02
For a longer coastal outing, extend the walk towards Soar Mill Cove using the South West Coast Path route information.
- 03
Finish with refreshments at Ocean Restaurant if it is open; check opening times in advance.
Hidden details
Rare birds in the coastal scrub — The scrub can shelter Dartford warblers and cirl buntings. Move quietly and scan the bushes rather than expecting these birds to be visible from the path.
A managed coastal heathland — Sheep and cattle graze the area, while gorse is cut back to maintain a mixture of young and older shrubs. The changing scrub helps support wildlife.
When to go
· Choose a clear day for coastal views; no specific time of day is evidenced.
The supplied walking guide highlights spring for rare birds and heathland wildflowers, summer for flowers and butterflies, and autumn for gorse, heather and migrating birds.
This is an exposed coastal headland. Check the forecast and conditions before walking; no specific weather thresholds are provided in the sources.
The route
- stiles
- A kissing gate is noted on the short National Trust route.
- surface
- Tarmac, gravel and grass footpaths; some uneven ground.
- distance
- 1 mile (1.6 km) for the National Trust circular route; a separate South West Coast Path route listing gives 1.7 miles (2.8 km).
- duration
- 30–40 minutes for the National Trust circular route.
- difficulty
- Easy
- waymarking
- Check current route guidance and onsite signs.
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Bolberry Down National Trust car park, grid reference SX689384.
- parking start
- Bolberry Down car park; postcode TQ7 3DY. Check current parking arrangements.
- Far-reaching inland and sea views from the plateau.
- Coastal heathland and wildflowers.
- Potential sightings of skylarks, Dartford warblers and cirl buntings.
Worth pairing with
Soar Mill Cove
A coastal destination that can be reached by extending the walk from Bolberry Down. Confirm the route and conditions before setting out.
Ocean Restaurant, Bolberry Down
Listed by the South West Coast Path guide for refreshments and adapted toilets. Check opening times before relying on it.
What to look for
- 01
Listen for skylarks singing above the path and look for Dartford warblers and cirl buntings in the scrub. In summer, watch for butterflies among the wildflowers
- 02
in autumn, notice the gorse and heather and look out for migrating birds.
Best time to go
Spring for wildflowers and birdsong; summer for flowers and butterflies; autumn for gorse, heather and migrating birds.
Choose a clear, relatively calm day for the broadest coastal views. Spring is especially rewarding for birdsong and wildflowers.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A National Trust-managed coastal walking area with a network of paths. The short circular route is mostly flat, but includes some uneven ground and a kissing gate. Check current access information before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
National Trust car park at Bolberry Down; postcode TQ7 3DY. Check current parking arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting. The South West Coast Path guide lists adapted toilets at Ocean Restaurant and toilets in Hope Cove.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The South West Coast Path guide lists Ocean Restaurant at Bolberry Down for refreshments; check opening times before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
National Trust guidance says dogs are welcome on leads on the short circular route. Livestock may be present; follow onsite signs and take dog waste away.
Accessibility
The 1-mile circular route is mostly flat, on tarmac, gravel and grass, with some uneven ground and a kissing gate. The South West Coast Path guide describes levelled, compacted paths and a network suitable for wheelchair users and buggies; check route conditions and access details before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Bolberry Down
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
