South Sands Beach – Salcombe Castle (Fort Charles) loop from Salcombe

Hiking trails & Routes

South Sands Beach – Salcombe Castle (Fort Charles) loop from Salcombe

Easy

4.6

(5)

173

hikers

South Sands Beach – Salcombe Castle (Fort Charles) loop from Salcombe

01:55

6.73km

150m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

South Devon National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Hotel

Get Directions

87 m

South Sands Beach

Highlight • Natural Monument

There are certainly many highlights here, the special being the South Sands Ferry. There is no dock at the South Sand. A kind of tractor drives into the water there, where the ferry then docks. Very picturesque!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

777 m

The Winking Prawn Café

Highlight • Cafe

The Winking Prawn is an attractive, family-run beach cafe and a real Salcombe institution. The cafe has developed a reputation for delicious lunches since it opened in 1997. It's renowned …

Tip by

1.13 km

Salcombe Castle (Fort Charles)

Highlight • Historical Site

Salcombe Castle, or Fort Charles, was built by Henry VIII to defend against French and Spanish invasion. The ruins stand on a rocky outcrop at North Sands and can be explored with a little bit of scrambling.

Tip by

2.15 km

Salcombe War Memorial

Highlight • Monument

Nice seating area below to enjoy the views of the harbour too.

Tip by

2.57 km

Salcombe Art Club

Highlight • Other

local artists with regular exhibitions

Tip by

4.12 km

Victoria Quay

Highlight • Structure

It's well worth running along the waterside paths rather than the main road. The views across the Kingsbridge Estuary are gorgeous. It is easy to see why this is such a popular location for sailing and other watersports.

Tip by

4.56 km

View of Salcombe Harbour

Highlight • River

Salcombe Harbour is home to both fishing boats and pleasure crafts with plenty of holiday makers enjoying time on yachts, paddle boards and kayaks.

If you are very lucky you …

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6.73 km

End point

Hotel

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.45 km

2.66 km

550 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

4.92 km