The best walks and hikes around East Allington

Yes, you can explore the inland South Hams on a delightful circular walk that begins right from the village. A popular route starts at Efford Corner and follows a bridleway past farms and between traditional hedgerows. It descends into a valley known for birdwatching before looping back, offering lovely views of the area's characteristic rolling hills.

The trails offer a lot of variety. You'll find peaceful walks through a rural landscape of rolling hills, small woodlands, and fields connected by thick hedgerows. A short drive away, you can access the more dramatic and rugged cliff-top paths of the South West Coast Path, which provide stunning sea views.

Many of the inland paths through fields and woodlands are great for walking with dogs. Andrew's Wood is a particularly popular spot for dog walkers. However, it's important to keep dogs on a lead, especially near livestock which is common in the area, and for safety on the coastal cliff paths.

For an easy and accessible walk, the area around Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is ideal. The Slapton Sands Memorial – Salcombe Dairy Beach Cafe loop from Slapton is a flat, 2.6-mile (4.1 km) stroll that combines the unique shingle beach with paths alongside the freshwater lake, which is great for spotting wildlife.

For a more strenuous day out, the Path to Start Point Lighthouse – Beesands Beach loop from Stokenham is an excellent choice. This 11.6-mile (18.8 km) route is considered difficult and follows a rugged, spiny section of the South West Coast Path, rewarding you with dramatic scenery and views of the historic lighthouse.

The region is a haven for wildlife. On inland walks, you might spot the cirl bunting in the hedgerows. The Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve is a hotspot for birdwatching, home to species like Cetti's Warblers and Great Crested Grebes in its reedbeds and woodlands.

While having a car provides the most flexibility for reaching coastal trailheads like Start Point, some areas are accessible by public transport. Bus services connect the larger towns like Kingsbridge and Dartmouth with villages along the coast, including Slapton. It's best to check local bus timetables for the most current service information.

There are several car parks along Slapton Sands. The Slapton Sands Memorial Car Park is a common starting point for many walks, including the Slapton Sands Memorial – Little Old Place loop from Slapton. Another option is the car park at Torcross at the southern end of the beach, which also provides good access to the nature reserve.

Yes, the View of Beeson Sands loop from Chillington is a great option. It's a 6.3-mile (10.2 km) moderate hike that takes you through the countryside and provides rewarding views over the coastline towards Beesands, combining inland paths with coastal scenery.

Absolutely. Many villages in the area have traditional pubs that are popular with walkers. The Fortescue Arms in East Allington is a well-known starting or finishing point for local circular walks. Similarly, villages along the coast like Slapton and Beesands have pubs conveniently located near the South West Coast Path.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning variety, from the peaceful, rolling inland hills to the dramatic coastal paths. The well-maintained trails and the beautiful views over both the countryside and the sea are frequently mentioned as highlights.

There is a wide selection of routes to explore. You can find over 200 trails around East Allington, ranging from easy lakeside strolls and moderate countryside loops to difficult, full-day coastal treks.