Bolberry Down, near Malborough, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 3DY
National Trust - Bolberry Down
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
7.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Big-sky
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.2A broad, open headland where a short circular walk gives way to far-reaching views over the South Devon coast.
Bolberry Down earns its place for the combination of an easy, accessible plateau circuit and a longer coast-and-cove walk through a landscape recognised for its plants, birds and insects. It offers a choice between a brief sea-view amble and a more substantial outing.
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Open mapBolberry Down, near Malborough, Kingsbridge, Devon TQ7 3DY
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The experience
Start with the one-mile circular amble across Bolberry Down for open inland and sea views. For a longer outing, follow the National Trust’s route towards Soar Mill Cove; expect fields and cliff-edge sections on the coastal path.
Things to do
Walk the Bolberry Down circular route
Take the easy, mostly flat plateau circuit for inland and sea views. The route uses tarmac, gravel and grass footpaths and includes a kissing gate.
30–40 minutes
Extend the walk towards Soar Mill Cove
Take the longer National Trust circular route from Bolberry Down car park through fields and along cliff edges, with views along the coast. The route page gives a distance of 7.2 km and a duration of 2–3 hours.
2–3 hours
Look out for coastal wildlife
The National Trust describes the area as important for its insects, birds and plant life; bring binoculars to make the most of the visit.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 30–40 minutes
Quick Escape: the plateau loop
- 01
Start at Bolberry Down National Trust car park.
- 02
Follow the one-mile circular route across the plateau.
- 03
Pause at the viewpoints for inland and sea views, then return to the car park.
Half day · 2–3 hours
Make a half day of it: walk to Soar Mill Cove
- 01
Start at Bolberry Down car park and take the National Trust circular walk towards Soar Mill Cove.
- 02
Follow the coastal path through fields and along cliff edges; take time for the far-reaching coastal views.
- 03
Return on the route described by the National Trust and check current conditions and access before setting out.
Verified history
The supplied research supports the area's coastal landscape and its recognised interest for insects, birds and plant life, but provides no specific verified historical events or people to recount.
Hidden details
A route for different mobility needs — Bolberry Down has a purpose-made circular route described by the National Trust as suitable for most mobility vehicles. The short amble is mostly flat, but includes some uneven ground and a kissing gate.
When to go
· The wider Salcombe Countryside is listed as open from dawn to dusk; no preferred time of day is specified.
The supplied sources do not identify a seasonal wildlife peak or recommend particular months.
The longer route includes cliff-edge sections and uneven ground. Check current conditions and route information before setting out.
The route
- stiles
- A kissing gate is noted on the short route.
- surface
- Short route: tarmac, gravel and grass footpaths. Longer route: coastal path through fields and along cliff edges; further surface detail not supplied.
- distance
- Short circular route: 1 mile (1.6 km). Longer Soar Mill Cove route: 4.5 miles (7.2 km); the source also lists a 4-mile (6.4 km) short trail.
- duration
- Short route: 30–40 minutes. Longer route: 2–3 hours.
- difficulty
- Easy
- waymarking
- Check the National Trust route information and signage.
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Bolberry Down National Trust car park; short route grid reference SX689384. Longer walk grid reference SX688385.
- parking start
- Bolberry Down car park. National Trust car parks in Salcombe Countryside use JustPark, with payment or membership verification also available at the machine; check current arrangements.
- shorter alternative
- The one-mile (1.6 km) Bolberry Down circular amble takes 30–40 minutes.
- Far-reaching inland and sea views from the plateau
- Coastal path sections towards Soar Mill Cove
- Landscape recognised for insect, bird and plant life
Worth pairing with
Thirty-Three By The Sea
A nearby option for light lunches and meals. Confirm opening hours directly before planning a visit.
Walkers Hut at East Soar Farm
A seasonal café at East Soar Farm; the National Trust notes it is cash only. Check whether it is open before relying on it.
What to look for
- 01
Notice how the plateau opens out to views inland and out to sea. On the longer walk, look for the changing coastline around Soar Mill Cove
- 02
the National Trust notes that much of the area is designated for its insect, bird and plant life.
Best time to go
Check conditions before visiting; no specific seasonal peak is verified in the supplied sources.
The National Trust lists the wider Salcombe Countryside as open from dawn to dusk. No best season or time of day is specified in the supplied research.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Photographers · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The National Trust lists the Salcombe Countryside as open from dawn to dusk. Bolberry Down has an accessible circular route and parking; check current access and car-park arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Bolberry Down car park; the National Trust says car parks in Salcombe Countryside use JustPark, with payment or membership verification also available at the machine. Check current arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
No toilets at Bolberry Down. Toilets are available to customers at the Walkers Hut at East Soar Farm; check availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Thirty-Three By The Sea near Bolberry Down serves light lunches and meals; check its opening hours directly. The Walkers Hut at East Soar Farm is seasonal.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on the short circular route on leads. Across the wider area, keep dogs under close control around cattle and on leads around sheep; follow local signs and take dog waste away.
Accessibility
A purpose-made circular route at Bolberry Down is suitable for most mobility vehicles. The short route is mostly flat but includes some uneven ground and a kissing gate; the wider area has undulating, uneven ground and steep sections.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
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Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around National Trust - Bolberry Down
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
