Torcross to Dartmouth on the coast path, with breakfast at Alf's

The South West Coast Path from Torcross to Dartmouth is a good example of how varied the Devon coast can be in a single day. The path starts flat and easy along the shingle beside Slapton Ley, the county's largest natural freshwater lake and a National Nature Reserve, and then becomes more demanding as it climbs around headlands towards Dartmouth. The full route is roughly 10 miles (about 16 kilometres), and the official route notes call it rugged in places.

Along the way you pass Strete Gate, Blackpool Sands and the village of Stoke Fleming, which is around 5.9 miles (9.6 kilometres) from Torcross. Refreshments are available early on in Torcross, then in Strete and Stoke Fleming, which have pubs and shops. Blackpool Sands has a café, and Dartmouth Castle has tearooms near the end. Walkers who have written about the route mention some stretches along roads, especially around Stoke Fleming, so don't expect an uninterrupted clifftop.

Because the walk is linear, the practical question is how to get back. The simplest plan is to walk it in this direction by starting in Dartmouth: have breakfast at Café Alf Resco on Lower Street (it opens at 7am, according to the café), then catch a bus to Torcross and walk back to Dartmouth, arriving in the afternoon. Buses link Dartmouth with Slapton, Strete and Torcross, but timetables change, so check before you travel. Totnes is the nearest mainline train station.

At the end, Dartmouth's harbour is the reward, and you can cross to Kingswear on the ferry if you want to extend the day.

Check current path conditions, closures and transport before you set out.

Landfall Editorial. Details compiled from public sources. Please check with the business before travelling.