5 Prettiest Places on the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary
The ebbs and flows of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary are one of the most characterful features of this corner of the South Hams. From Salcombe’s sparkling harbour to its bridging point five miles inland at the market town of Kingsbridge, this treasured waterway reveals secret creeks and inlets. Follow the walking trails that weave along the shoreline or take to the water and paddle the gleaming channels – there’s an adventure for everyone.
Did you know that the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary is the only one of the South Hams’ five estuaries to be fed by a series of small streams, making it unique to the area? It’s also classified as an SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), and is home to all manner of marine life, from snails and crabs to wading birds, otters, even dolphins and basking sharks in the deeper waters.
Here are five of the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary’s prettiest and lesser-known spots for you to explore on your South Devon holidays.
The tranquil waters of Bowcombe Creek
As the tide retreats from Kingsbridge Harbour and the boats on the pontoon sink down to rest on the glistening mud bed, the shoreline is revealed. Follow the shingle strand below the picnic tables at Britton’s Fields and the towering trees that grow from the banks of Embankment Road to arrive at the New Bridge and its five stone arches. This historic landmark dates back to the 10th century when it was a drawbridge and once navigated by barges loaded with cider, timber, flour, limestone and slate.
On balmy summer days children enjoy plunging from the bridge into the cool waters and paddleboarders regularly glide beneath it headed for the historic causeway close to the old corn mill. Walkers also arrive at the creek from the fields behind Kingsbridge Rugby Club or the old bridal way that runs up Jackson’s Hill. You can walk along the embankment road to the lookout point (found midway) which has a display board with information about the types of wildlife you should look out for, including rare greater horseshoe bats (spotted feeding along the sunken trees at dusk) and kingfishers that flash along the banks. There’s a grassy area close to the slipway at the mouth of Bowcombe Creek where you can sit on the benches and admire the estuary views towards the water corridor known locally as “The Bag”.
The creek forms part of a popular circular walk from the historic market town of Kingsbridge which takes in the green lanes. If you’re walking along the foreshore back into town, you’ll pass the Crabshell Inn a popular waterside venue where you can enjoy a bite to eat.
Birdwatching at West Charleton Marshes
Bird enthusiasts travel from miles around to the quiet reed beds of West Charleton Marshes to catch sight of some of the region’s most celebrated waterbirds. Follow the path from Marsh Lane, in the village of West Charleton (a mile from Kingsbridge), which will lead you across the grassy plains to the bird hide located at the shoreline where you’ll be able to enjoy views of both the estuary and the marsh. Sightings vary with the seasons, but the best time to bird watch is about five hours either side of high tide on the rising water levels. Shelducks, brent geese, mallards, curlews, redshank and dunlins are all regular visitors to the creek and marsh during winter, and if you’re really lucky you might spot some rarer visitors such as spoonbills, bittern, marsh harriers and even ospreys.
The peaceful wends of South Pool
It’s been described as “the loveliest of waterways in the district”, a charming creek that winds its way inland from Scobel Point all the way to the idyllic village of South Pool. Southpool Creek is one of the estuary’s hidden gems, sailors regularly making pilgrimages to the Millbrook Inn in the heart of the village. There are several enchanting walks around the parish, but if you’ve arrived by boat be mindful of the tide times.
Not far from the creek, around the headland past Ditch End, lies the picturesque village of East Portlemouth and its scattering of beautiful beaches. Across the harbour waters is the seaside town of Salcombe, with its rich maritime history and narrow medieval streets. This stretch of the estuary is a particularly vibrant habitat where eelgrass provides a nursery for fish and seahorses.
Stunning views from Snapes Point
Enjoy panoramic views of the coastal pastures and estuary when you walk around one of the area’s most beloved headlands. Across the water from Southpool Creek and the golden bays of East Portlemouth, this lovely walk can be found by way of Batson Creek (not far out of Salcombe), with wildlife enthusiasts regularly reporting sightings of cirl buntings, chiffchaffs and blackcap warblers. Watch the sailing boats tack and trim the estuary, billowing their jibs towards Tosnos Point.
There are two circular trails to explore, a shorter route that follows a two-mile path to Snapes Manor and a longer passage that encompasses Snapes Point. Visitors particularly like to walk the point during the off-season when its nice and quiet, however the summer months provide vibrant colours and scenes to invigorate the senses.
The mesmerising Bolt Head peninsula
Footed by craggy rocks, Bolt Head provides one of the South Devon coastline’s most dramatic vistas. Follow Cliff Road out of Salcombe, passing the town beaches of North and South Sands and pick up the undulating lane towards the subtropical gardens at Overbecks. The South West Coast Path then runs above the turquoise waters of Starehole Bay and the famous wreck of the Herzogin Cecile tall ship, eventually sunk after striking the Ham Stone off Soar Mill Cove in 1936. The rugged headland reaches its most seaward point at Bolt Head before snaking westwards towards the sweeping trail known as The Warren. Gaze back towards the glistening mouth of Salcombe Harbour and the far-reaching jut known as Prawle Point, Devon’s most southerly tip.
Take a look at our exciting list of holiday cottages located in the South Devon coastal towns of Salcombe and Kingsbridge.