This little hike from South Milton Sands to Hope Cove along the South West Coast Path in South West Devon is one of my favourite walks. It lies in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and with the stunning views, you can see why.
This walk is a 1.6km moderately easy route, with an incline of 52m. (We love to walk into Hope Cove and back again, which equates to approx 3km)
The South Milton to Hope Cove is route popular with bird watchers, hikers and walkers. The path is mostly exposed so be mindful of the Devon sunshine and winds in the cooler months.
Getting There
By Train: The closest stations are Ivybridge 14 miles away and Totnes 17 miles away.
By Bus: Buses to South Milton and Thurlestone run from Kingsbridge. The 606 TALLY HO! service runs from Kingsbridge on the hour, taking around 6 minutes and dropping passengers 1 mile outside of South Milton.
By Car: 4 miles outside Kingsbridge. From Kingsbridge take the A381 towards Salcombe. Turn right to South Milton village, then turn left (signposted) to the beach. Please note, the approach road to the beach from the village of South Milton is a narrow lane with limited passing places.
Parking
Park at the National Trust car park at South Milton Sands. Remember your National Trust Card if you’re members and you’ll be able to park for free. It’s a small car park and can get really busy especially during the holidays, so plan your arrival time.
Maps
The route (below) can be found on the Ordnance Survey maps. Ordnance Survey have created an app so you can have unlimited OS Explorer and Landranger maps on any device making it easy for you to explore the great outdoors. (It even works when you are out of signal – perfect for our South West Coast path hikes!)
I’m an old fashioned girl and love the option to print out your own custom routes and maps to take with you so you are never stuck without a map. You can choose the scale, orientation and size that suits you. Always with a waterproof carrier, the Devon weather can be interchangeable! Find out what else I take with me on my hikes here.
The Route
The walk from South Milton Sands to Hope Cove, starts along the beautiful South Milton Beach or along the little main road if you prefer and is clearly signposted. Grid Reference: SX6769 4142
If you decide to start along the beach, be sure to take a look at the well known Thurlestone Rock. It’s a spectacular rock off the coast in the shape of an arch.
Follow the path, keeping the sea to your right. As the road comes to a bend veering left, follow the path to the right which takes you towards the sea and back to the coast path. You’ll be guided through a kissing gate and along a single file path past a house. (see below)
As the sea comes back into view, the path takes a gradually incline where the views become even more outstanding. this area is known as the Great Ledge. Looking back along the path, you’ll be able to see Burgh Island and the famous Burgh Island Hotel and on an extremely clear day, out to see you’ll be able to spotthe lighthouse right out to sea.
The South West Coast path is narrow at times so single file is required. As you head out of South Milton you’ll notice a slow gradual incline, maxing 52m. There are a couple of stunning benches along the way should you wish to stop, take a breather and admire the view.
As you continue towards Hope Cove, there is a little decline before your final little climb which brings to to your first sighting of beautiful Hope Cove. Here you’ll start the gradual decline down the coastal path towards Outer Hope. The last few metres of the path take you down some steps and onto the pavement leading to Hope Cove itself.
Hope Cove
Hope Cove is a beautiful seaside village, full of thatched cottages, two sheltered beaches and stunning views. It’s what springs to mind when we think of the old fashioned “chocolate box” . Here you’ll find rock pools, kayakers and stand up paddle boarders, together with a couple of places to quench your thirst and take care of your appetite, before either resting and taking in the view or heading back to South Milton Sands.
This walk from South Milton Sands to Hope Cove is forever a favourite of ours and I hope you can see why. Have you ever walked this part of the South West Coast Path? I hope I’ve inspired you visit this beautiful stretch of the Devon Coastline. I’d love to know in the comments.
Comfort and safety are key issues when planning a hike of any distance, here are the 10 key items you’ll always see in my rucksack when hiking.
“What do I need to bring with me?” A question I’m always asked when friends join me on my hiking Missions. I hope by sharing what I take with me, helps make your hiking missions all that more enjoyable and comfortable.
RuckSack
It’s no lie that for each hike (so far!) I’ve had to borrow my husbands rucksack. Not ideal admittedly. A comfortable rucksack is a must when out walking and ideally one that is the correct fit for you.
I love the look and style of The Tempest 20 Women’s day pack (left) Not only is it women specific but it features a continuous-wrap harness, hipbelt and injection-melded AirScape backpanel that moves as you move down the trail.
Together with attachments for trekking poles, bike helmets and more, it’s light and has an emergency whistle. The Tempest is made with high-quality bluesign-approved recycled high-tenacity nylon and holds 5-8kgs.
Like any running event, before a hike or in fact any walk, I lay out my kit the night before. I’ve been known to check and triple check that I have everything I need. When you’re out on Dartmoor or hiking along the coast path, you want to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as it possibly can. A check list helps a peaceful nights sleep and keep any early morning stresses to a minimum!
Mini First Aid Kit
As the saying goes, “once a nurse, always a nurse!” It may not surprise you that a first aid kit features quite high on my list of 10 key items you’ll always find in my rucksack! You never know when a trip, blister or even a cut finger can happen and it really is better to be save than sorry.
My First Aid Kit always includes a crepe bandage, a woven bandage, Paracetamol, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes, gauze swabs, dressings and assorted plasters. You can make up your own or the Ordnance Survey crew has created a brilliant one specially for walkers.
An item I haven’t added but need to, is an emergency thermal blanket Windproof, waterproof, highly visible and radar reflective. Super light, very small to carry yet should a member of your party fall, can be a lifesaver as you wait for a rescue.
Under the first aid kit heading, I always keep suncream, bug spray and lip balm handy in my rucksack, regardless of season. Living in Devon, the weather can be very unpredictable on Dartmoor and the Coast Path alike.
Water
Another obvious addition to my all important kit list is to make sure you have enough water.. As a former personal trainer and lifestyle and wellbeing coach, it’s something I would always chat with my clients about. Being well hydrated whilst exercising and going about your daily life is a key element to good health and well-being. When we’re dehydrated, we feel more tired and everything is that much harder, including concentration. So please make sure you keep your fluids up.
I’m a lover of the Chilly bottles, which not only keep your water cooler for longer (24 hours) They are reusable, so avoids the use of single use bottles, a win for me and the environment!
Snacks
Did I mention that my list was in no particular order ? Snacks are an important part of a hike! Homemade cookies or flapjacks always go down a treat. Essentially take with you something that’s of high protein, tasty and will replenish essential nutrients. You may want to consider snacks that don’t melt!
Walking can be seen as an activity that doesn’t burn many calories in comparison to other outdoor adventures. Don’t underestimate those inclines and calories burned whilst out in the great outdoors!
Money
I’d recommend taking actual cash and a card with you. I know this seems glaringly obvious but since our Lockdown days when cash became almost obsolete, some cafes and ferries have gone back to using cash only. I keep a little emergency fund of coins, notes and a card in my rucksack to I’m not caught out. Which brings me neatly onto the next on my list of 10 key items you’ll always see in my rucksack.
The Technical kit
It’s sounds very obvious but having not only a phone but a portable charger with me is crucial. When planning hikes, you have an idea of roughy how long you’ll be outside for, however not everything always goes to plan.
A hike may take longer than anticipated meaning your phone battery might not last the stretch. Without any means of communication, you won’t be in a strong position to request help or to let your loved ones know how you are. If you rely on the wallet application on your phone, you could also be in a tricky situation of being stuck without money too.
Having a phone with me, not only gives me piece of mind but also, allows me to take photographs to capture the precious moments. There are quite often seals and dolphins along the coast in the summer and if you follow me on instagram, you’ll know I’m a sucker for a sunrise and a sunset!
Essential Accessories
Never underestimate the power of a hat and a buff! (Some people call them neck tubes or snoods.) Whatever the season, these two accessories can be absolute winning pieces of kit. They provide you with extra protection from the elements and are small enough to pop back into your rucksack should you not need them.
Covering your head with a hood or hat is an easy way to conserve your body heat and stay warmer. In addition, covering your head with a light coloured cap in the summer, will keep you cool and help to discourage heatstroke and effects from the sun.
“Hiking and happiness go hand in hand (or foot in boot).”
Unknown Author
Spare Clothes
The weather in Devon, especially on Dartmoor, can be very unpredictable. On the Virtual marathon coastal hike last October, we literally had every season in one day. From driving rain, a big chilly wind and warm hot sunshine.
Base layers, waterproof trousers and wind proof jackets are essential pieces of kit to stay warm and dry. The key thing about base layers, is that the are thin and will keep you well insulated. When they aren’t required, they are small enough to roll up and put into your rucksack without taking up to much space and adding unnecessary weight and bulk.
“You need special shoes for hiking—and a bit of a special soul as well.”
terri guillemets
Socks
A top tip my Father in law shared with me, as I was preparing for my first ever marathon walk, was to take a spare pair of socks with me. “Change into a lovely fresh pair of socks half way into your walk. You and your feet will feel like new”
That advice has never left me and it’s a tip I now lovingly pass on. Socks from Bam are my absolute go to socks. I especially love their Technical walking socks for my walks and hikes. You’ll always find me in them and always with a spare pair for half way. Thanks John!
Map
I’m an old fashioned girl and personally feel that you can’t beat an old fashioned map! You never know when technology may fail you. A map will always be there should your phone or charger stop working. Ordnance Survey not only have a super range of maps but they also have a brilliant app.
Their maps and short walking guides are just what you need to be able to explore your area safely, plan your routes and know where your next refreshment stop may be!
Currently, I print off my route and laminate to attach to my rucksack, so I can check my distance and progress as I go along. A better option would be to use a lightweight case which is just the thing you need to keep your paper maps safe, clean and dry when you are out in all weathers.
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
Beverly sills
A Smile!
Last but no means least and very cheesy I know but come rain or shine, it really is a joy to be able to walk in our beautiful countryside. You’ll always see a smile on my face. I’ve always been a lover of walking and hiking but added walking into my daily routine during Lockdown. It became one of my one positive actions a day and I’ve not looked back.
I feel very lucky to be living in such a lovely part of the world with Dartmoor and the South West Coast path on my doorstep, so that’s why a smile will always be on my “10 items you always see in my rucksack” list!
Have I missed anything? What would you add on your list?
Let me know in the comments.
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Hi, I'm Claire
I’m the creator of Woman on a Mission, a lifestyle space dedicated to helping women bring more calm, confidence and balance into everyday life. Born from my own journey to slow down and live with greater intention, it offers inspiration around wellbeing, organisation, home and mindset, one meaningful mission at a time
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