East Soar, near Malborough and Salcombe, Devon, TQ7 3DR
East Soar
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
6.5
Wildland
Half day
Time
Donation
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5Follow the coast from open farmland and Highland cattle to rugged cliffs and tucked-away coves, with the old RAF Bolt Head runway forming part of the route towards Overbeck’s.
East Soar brings together open coastal farmland, dramatic clifftops and foot-access-only coves, with longer walks towards Bolt Head and Overbeck’s. The changing landscape, exposed coast and traces of the former RAF runway give it more to explore than a quick viewpoint stop.
Wild · Dramatic · Secluded
Find your way
Open mapEast Soar, near Malborough and Salcombe, Devon, TQ7 3DR
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The experience
Choose a short coastal stroll or make time for a longer walk towards Bolt Head, Overbeck’s or Soar Mill Cove. The coast is exposed and paths can be steep, so plan for the terrain and weather.
Things to do
Walk towards Bolt Head
Follow the dramatic coastal route from East Soar towards Bolt Head, then continue back towards the Salcombe Estuary. Clifftop conditions can be blustery.
Follow the former RAF Bolt Head runway
On the route towards Overbeck’s Garden, the path follows the runway of the former RAF Bolt Head.
Look for flowers and grazing animals
Look for coconut-scented gorse on warmer days, spring primroses above Starehole, Highland cattle on the cliff-tops and Dartmoor ponies in summer.
Walk down to Soar Mill Cove
Follow the coast path to the sandy cove, which is accessible on foot or by boat. The source describes it as a quiet beach away from summer crowds.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Short stroll; exact duration not specified
Quick Escape: clifftop stroll
- 01
Start from the East Soar car park.
- 02
Take a short walk on the local paths to experience the open coastal landscape and clifftop views.
- 03
Watch for Highland cattle and seasonal flowers; return by the same route.
Half day · Half day; exact route duration not specified
Make a half day of it: East Soar to Bolt Head
- 01
Begin at East Soar and follow the coastal path towards Bolt Head.
- 02
Take time to look across the cliffs and countryside, watching for gorse and, in spring, primroses above Starehole.
- 03
Follow the path back towards the Salcombe Estuary.
Full Wildland day · Full day; route timings not specified
Full Wildland Day: East Soar, Overbeck’s and Soar Mill Cove
- 01
Start with a coastal walk from East Soar towards Overbeck’s, following the former RAF Bolt Head runway.
- 02
Explore Overbeck’s Garden if it is open; check access and opening details before travelling.
- 03
Continue towards Soar Mill Cove by the coast path for a quiet beach stop.
- 04
Allow time for the return journey and check the terrain and conditions before setting out.
Verified history
The walk from East Soar towards Overbeck’s follows the runway of the former RAF Bolt Head. The supplied source does not give dates or further details about its operation.
Hidden details
The former RAF runway — Notice the path along the old RAF Bolt Head runway on the walk towards Overbeck’s Garden.
Gorse with a coconut-like scent — On warmer days, pause by the bright yellow gorse flowers and look for the coconut-like scent described by the National Trust.
When to go
March · April · May · June · July · August · Choose a clear, calm spell for the clifftop paths; check the forecast, as the cliffs can be blustery in any season.
Spring brings primroses along the path above Starehole; gorse flowers are especially noticeable on warmer days, and Dartmoor ponies may be seen on the cliffs in summer.
Clifftop walks can be blustery whatever the season. Paths include uneven ground and steep sections; check conditions before setting out.
The route
- surface
- The East Soar to Overbeck’s route includes a stone track, grass fields and a mud-and-stone slope. Other local routes include grass or mud.
- difficulty
- Undulating and uneven ground, steep in places; clifftop routes can be blustery.
- waymarking
- An orientation panel in the car park gives details of the area and a waymarked route.
- route shape
- The described Bolt Head walk goes from East Soar towards Bolt Head and then back towards the Salcombe Estuary; exact route shape and distance are not stated.
- start point
- East Soar car park
- parking start
- National Trust car park at East Soar; check current payment arrangements.
- shorter alternative
- The National Trust describes a short stroll at East Soar but does not specify a route or distance; check local route information at the car park.
- Rugged clifftops and South Hams coastal views
- Highland cattle and summer Dartmoor ponies
- Gorse and spring primroses above Starehole
- Former RAF Bolt Head runway on the route towards Overbeck’s
- Foot-accessible Soar Mill Cove
Worth pairing with
Overbeck’s Garden
A National Trust garden reached by paths from East Soar; the walk follows the former RAF Bolt Head runway and offers views of the South Hams coast and countryside. Check opening details before visiting.
Soar Mill Cove
A sandy beach reached by the coast path, described by the National Trust as quiet and away from summer crowds. The nearby hotel is mentioned as an option for cream tea; check opening details.
The Walkers Hut at East Soar Farm
A seasonal stop for hot drinks and cakes. Toilets are available for customers while it is open; check before visiting.
What to look for
Look for the yellow gorse flowers, spring primroses above Starehole, Highland cattle on the clifftops and, in summer, Dartmoor ponies. On the walk towards Overbeck’s, notice where the path follows the former RAF Bolt Head runway.
The story
A walk towards Overbeck’s follows the former RAF Bolt Head runway. No further historical claims included.
Best time to go
Spring and summer for primroses, gorse and Dartmoor ponies on the cliffs; the coast can be blustery in any season.
Spring for primroses along the path above Starehole; on warmer days, look for gorse in flower and notice its coconut-like scent. Expect blustery conditions around the cliffs in any season.
How long to spend
Half day
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Families · 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
National Trust countryside with a car park and walks from East Soar. The landscape includes uneven, undulating ground and steep sections; check current access information before setting out. The wider Salcombe Countryside is listed as open from dawn to dusk.
Check before visiting
Parking
National Trust car park at East Soar. National Trust car parks around Salcombe Countryside use a digital payment system; check current payment arrangements before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
No public toilets at the car park. Toilets are available for customers using the Walkers Hut when it is open; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
The Walkers Hut at East Soar Farm is open seasonally and serves hot drinks and cakes. Thirty-Three By The Sea near Bolberry Down and food outlets at nearby beaches are other options; check opening times.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are allowed. Pick up after them; keep them under close control around cattle and on leads around sheep. Dogs are allowed on beaches on leads, subject to local signage.
Accessibility
Ground is undulating and uneven, steep in places. Accessible walks and parking are available at Bolberry Down and Mill Bay; the purpose-made circular route at Bolberry Down is suitable for most mobility vehicles. Check the relevant access guide before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Donation
Water
Sea, Estuary
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around East Soar
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
