Bolt Head, on the South West Coast Path near Salcombe, Devon, England (TQ8 8LW).
Bolt Head
route · Coastal walk
Place photograph
6.0
Wildland
1–2 hours for the shorter walk described
Time
Free
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.0Follow the coast out from Salcombe to Bolt Head, where the path leaves the shelter of the town for rocky headlands, coves and open views around the mouth of the estuary.
The appeal is the change of scale: a walk from Salcombe reaches exposed coastal scenery, rocky formations and far-reaching estuary views. Bolt Head is a worthwhile turning point for a moderate South West Coast Path outing, rather than just a named spot on the map.
Dramatic · Wild
Find your way
Open mapBolt Head, on the South West Coast Path near Salcombe, Devon, England (TQ8 8LW).
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Walk from the Salcombe area towards Bolt Head on the South West Coast Path. The shorter published route is described as 2.75 miles and moderate; an extended circular option is listed at 3.3 miles, with steep climbs and narrow paths noted. Route details differ, so check the chosen route before departure.
Things to do
Walk the South West Coast Path towards Bolt Head
Follow the moderate coastal walk from the Salcombe area towards Bolt Head, with rocky coastal scenery and views towards the estuary.
The South Devon National Landscape lists a 2.75-mile walk; allow time according to your pace and stops.
Take in the rocky coastal formations
The walk description highlights rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles along the coast; look for these as you approach Bolt Head.
Try the extended circular route
An AllTrails route listing describes a 3.3-mile loop passing Overbeck’s House and Bolt Head, with steep climbs and narrow paths noted. Check the route and current access details before setting out.
Listed as 1.5–2 hours; allow extra time for stops.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; exact time depends on your start and pace.
Quick escape: walk to Bolt Head
- 01
Choose a suitable starting point near Salcombe and follow the South West Coast Path towards Bolt Head.
- 02
Take time to look out across the coast and estuary, then return by your chosen route.
Half day · Allow half a day, depending on route and stops.
Make a half day of it: extend the coastal walk
- 01
Walk the South West Coast Path towards Bolt Head.
- 02
Continue along the coastal section to take in more of the rocky scenery and views.
- 03
Return using a route you have checked in advance; the sources describe both a shorter walk and a longer circular option.
Hidden details
Rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles — The walk description specifically calls out rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles as features of the coastal scenery. Keep an eye out for them along the route.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · Choose a clear day and allow enough daylight for your chosen route.
The supplied sources do not establish a special seasonal wildlife or flowering highlight. Longer daylight can make it easier to allow time for a coastal walk and stops.
Coastal weather can change quickly. Check the forecast and route conditions before setting out; exposed paths, steep climbs and narrow sections are mentioned in the route sources.
The route
- surface
- Not specified in the supplied route sources.
- distance
- 2.75 miles for the South Devon National Landscape route; an AllTrails extended loop is listed as 3.3 miles. These describe different routes.
- duration
- The AllTrails extended loop is listed as 1.5–2 hours. The shorter route source does not specify duration.
- difficulty
- Moderate
- route shape
- The South Devon National Landscape page describes a walk; an alternative AllTrails listing is a loop.
- start point
- Salcombe area; confirm the chosen route’s start point before setting out.
- parking start
- AllTrails notes limited parking at South Sands for its extended route and suggests Salcombe as an alternative start. Check current parking and any ferry arrangements.
- shorter alternative
- Use the 2.75-mile Salcombe-to-Bolt-Head walk described by the South Devon National Landscape rather than the 3.3-mile extended loop; verify the route details before departure.
- Rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles
- Views towards the mouth of the Salcombe estuary
- Coastal scenery along the South West Coast Path
What to look for
- 01
Look for the rocky spires and jumbled pinnacles described along the coast, and pause for views towards the Salcombe estuary. The extended route also passes Overbeck’s House
- 02
confirm the route and access details before visiting.
Best time to go
Spring to early autumn for longer daylight and generally more settled walking conditions; check the forecast before setting out.
Choose a clear day for the coastal views, and check the weather and conditions before setting out. Longer daylight in spring and summer gives more flexibility.
How long to spend
1–2 hours for the shorter walk described; allow longer for a circular or extended route.
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers
Route at a glance
Duration
1–2 hours for the shorter walk described; allow longer for a circular or extended route.
Terrain
Coastal, Hills
Parking / start
Parking information varies by route and starting point. One extended route source notes limited parking at South Sands and suggests Salcombe as an alternative start; check current arrangements before travelling.
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The South West Coast Path passes Bolt Head. The cited Salcombe-to-Bolt-Head walk is described as moderate; check current route conditions and access before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking information varies by route and starting point. One extended route source notes limited parking at South Sands and suggests Salcombe as an alternative start; check current arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
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Food & drink
Check before visiting.
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Dogs
Check before visiting.
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Accessibility
A moderate coastal walk with uneven terrain and climbs is described in the sources. It may not be suitable for all visitors; check route conditions and your own requirements before setting out.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
Sea, Estuary
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Bolt Head
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
