Walk the Bolt Tail to Bolt Head
The mass of land from Hope Cove to Overbeck’s, near Salcombe, is known as the Bolt Tail to the Bolt Head. It is a fantastic headland that can be walked in one day for a challenge, or can be taken in shorter circular walks. Let’s walk the Bolt.
My Bolt walk covered a 14-mile figure-of-eight route that started at the National Trust car park at Bolberry Down. It is free to NT members, or a reasonable charge for non-members. Bring some change; they say you can ‘PaybyPhone’ if you trust getting a signal.
My route goes as far east as Overbeck’s and Stink Cove. With stunning views high up over The Bar and up through the Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe takes a prominent position on the banks of the river. A shorter walk around Bolt Head could take a route into Salcombe, which is well worth a visit.
This area is an amazing holiday location. Take a look at these fabulous hotels and holiday properties in Salcombe and South Devon.
Take a look at these books and tourist resources for South Devon.
My route shown below is on Ordnance Survey, named Walk the Bolt.
Bolberry Down to Hope Cove
Out of the car park, head north back up the lane to Bolberry village. I took the lane heading west. Upon reaching the outskirts of Hope Cove, I headed inland to do an anti-clockwise walk around, taking in the delights of the village.
The next time, I will take the slightly longer route by taking the bridleway at North Bolberry and Higher Barton Farm. It heads a little further north to a crossroads and then heads west. The bridleway comes into the northern end of Hope Cove. Much better I think.
From the north of Hope Cove, walk south to take in the views of the harbour and beach on the right with all the shops, restaurants and interesting cottages on the left. There is a quirky restaurant with transparent pods to enjoy lunch or dinner, aptly named, The Lobster Pod Bistro. I’m on a promise to eat there on our next works outing.
Hope Cove to Bolberry Down
To the south of Hope Cove, pick up the South West Coast Path (SWCP), heading to Bolt Tail. As the path opens up out of the trees and shrubs, take in the views back over Hope Cove and the surrounding area. There is also a disused fort atop the headland according to Ordnance Survey. I hadn’t spotted that during my walk.
Turn the Bolt Tail headland to walk along the SWCP, which hugs the coastline. I love the names of the locations along the way – Hugh’s Hole, Slippery Point and Ferny Holes – to name but a few. Eventually, the path ends up back at the car park. Oceans Restaurant is just along the path from here. The food looks good on their website and they welcome dogs on leads.
Bolberry Down to Bolt Head Airfield
I did this section on a clockwise route, heading inland along the same path to Bolberry village once more. There is a right turn after 200 metres or so.
Just before the path takes a sharp left, there is a lane off to South Down Farm. Follow it down further and onto a public footpath across the fields to link up with the road near Furzdown Farm. Head in a SE direction where the road splits.
Continue walking on the road. As it turns in a southerly direction, there is Higher and Lower Soar to the right. Keep walking south. After about 200 metres there is a lane to the left. I didn’t realise there is an airfield here. I was at this point and heard a plane, thinking it was flying very low. This is the ex-RAF Bolt Head Airfield.
Continue walking along the path beside the airstrip. At the end, turn to the right and walk south and then SE to East Soar Farm.
East Soar Farm to Overbeck’s
East Soar Farm deserves a special mention. I was so taken aback seeing a fairly large, open barn with a few people sitting around. At first, I thought it was just something the farmer had provided for walkers to eat their own food. On closer inspection, there were hot and cold drinks, cakes, scones and jams. All sorts. It is an honesty box offering, so take plenty of cash. The farm is also an outdoor activity centre, so look them up. How amazing!
From the farm, walk initially south and then east out to the coast path and Sharp Tor. From here, walk north to Sharpitor and see the signs for National Trust Overbeck’s. I’m an NT member, so I popped in for a cuppa and a slice of cake. I didn’t have much time, but it looks like a great place to visit, especially if doing this as part of a shorter circular walk around Bolt Head or a visit to Salcombe. NT also have a Bolt Head circular walk that overlaps with much of my route.
Stink Cove to Bolberry Down
Yes, Ordnance Survey marks the point where my route turns the corner from Overbeck’s to the coast as Stink Point.
The SWCP takes a southerly direction to the coast-side of Sharp Tor. The scenery takes on a much more rocky landscape both above and on the coast. The path goes to the west and then drops south once more to Bolt Head. Look SE to Mews Stone and Little Mews Stone just off the coast.
Follow the SWCP and enjoy the views. I had underestimated the time this section would take, simply because there are lots of ups and downs – more than I had considered. I would like to spend more time admiring the views.
Of note along the way is Soar Mill Cove. It is a beauty of a beach with light-coloured sand and dramatic rocks all around. Being off the beaten track, there are few visitors. There is a car park near the beach, on the road to Lower Soar farm. So, another potential start and stop location for a short circular around Bolt Head if you pick up my route from Bolt Head Airfield above, or maybe take the NT walk.
From Soar Mill Cove, it is a further mile to arrive back at Bolberry Down car park.
Let me know if you do this walk or any part of it.
If you are new to walking and want to ease your way into it, read my article, A Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Walks.
Fancy a holiday break in this area? Book up with one of these hotels and holiday properties in Salcombe and South Devon.
While you are relaxing, indulge yourself with these books and tourist resources for South Devon.
Thanks for reading.
