Cove-hopping in Devon
Devon is heaven for cove-hopping. Expect expansive views from the South West coast path and cooling dips in secluded coves. Pack your wild swimming kit and join Outdoor Swimmer Magazine’s Rowan Clarke for an adventure.
Cove-hopping is one of Rowan’s favourite ways to explore nature. Walking the beautiful Devon Coast Path, dipping in secret coves that can only be reached by foot. She shares her very best Devon cove-hopping adventures.
Walking and wild swimming are two of the most enjoyable, beneficial ways to enjoy exercising the natural environment. You get so many physical benefits and, perhaps most importantly, huge mental health benefits too.
Cove hopping brings walking and wild swimming together. Plotting a route along the coast path, you’ll enjoy magnificent views, wildlife and fresh air, stopping off at secluded coves for exhilarating cold water dips.
Devon has some of South West England’s most picturesque, dramatic and wild coastlines. Beyond the usual tourist traps and seaside towns, you’ll find wilder places at very southern tip of Devon and North Devon’s Exmoor coastline between Lynton and Coombe Martin.
when the water’s warmer.
You’ll need comfortable clothes, sturdy walking shoes or boots, and a hiking rucksack containing:
Swimwear
A lightweight towel
At least one extra warm layer (more if the weather’s cooler)
Weatherproof layer if wind or rain is forecast
A beanie hat or peaked cap (season dependent)
Suncream
Water
A flask of tea if it’s cool out
Plenty of snacks
Your OS Explorer map
Outdoor Swimmer has more information about what to pack for swim hiking here.
If you’re walking with friends, take two cars, parking one at the finish of the walk and then driving the other to the start. Otherwise, plan a circular or out-and-back route – leaving the shorter or easier part of the walk to last if possible.
Cove-hopping Walks in Devon
Here are two of Rowan’s favourite point-to-point walks with three to four swims along the way finishing at a good pub.
North Devon: Valley of the Rocks to Heddon’s Mouth with 4 Wild Swimming Coves
This stunning walk starts at 1km west of Lynton in the dramatic Valley of the Rocks. Expect a moderately challenging, undulating walk with beautiful views – the sea is impossibly blue on a sunny day.
Park your car in the Valley of the Rocks car park here before setting off west. The first bay is only 800m from the car park, just off the roundabout.
Wringcliff Bay
A tiny sand and shingle cover nestled beneath towering cliffs of the Valley of the Rocks, this incredibly beautiful bay is the most secluded on this walk – and you will often have it to yourself. After your dip, climb the steep path and continue west towards Lee Abbey.
Lee Abbey Bay
A bigger shingled cove with sand at low tide, this lovely beach is flanked by rocks and overlooked by Lee Abbey. Walk down the road by the car park to the beach and then back up to continue walking west.
Woody Bay
Either follow the coast path around the headland (an extra 1km), or continue along Sir Robert’s Path before taking the footpath through the woods down to Woody Bay. Here, you can swim in the sea, but the gorgeous tidal pool is best. It’s hidden behind a big rock about halfway across the beach.
Heddon’s Mouth
After a pretty demanding section of coast path, the hidden cove is tucked at the end of the Heddon Valley. Once a smuggler’s cove, you may well enjoy your final dip alone. After your swim, you’ll walk 1.5km back up the valley for a well deserved drink at the fabulous Hunter’s Inn.
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Go to the shopSouth Devon: Gara Rock to East Prawle with 3 Secluded Swimming Coves
You could pick any stretch of coast path along this section of the South Devon coast path and find gorgeous, hidden swimming coves. Expect dramatic rock formations, golden sand and crystal clear water.
Start this route with coffee and cake at the lovely Gara Rock hotel, before walking 750m east to the first beautiful beach.
Gara Rock Beach
Rocks tower either side and it’s a scramble down to this beautiful beach. At high tide, you can find places to jump into the water. After your dip, continue east along the coast path.
Moor Sands
Perhaps its other name, Venerick’s Cove is more suited as you’ll only find sand at low tide. This pretty beach is only reachable by the coast path, so you might have it to yourself.
Maceley Cove
This tiny, sheltered, sandy beach sits just below Gammon Head – it’s one of the most magnificent hidden coves you’ll find.
After your swim, continue east to Prawle Point Lookout at the most southerly point in Devon, 60m above sea level with 240° views. It’s the base for Prawle Point National Coastwatch (NCI) station, and its Visitor Centre. From here, you can walk into the village of East Prawle, where you’ll find the wonderful Pig’s Nose Inn.
For more information on wild swimming, check out outdoorswimmer.com
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By Rowan Clarke
Rowan Clarke is the lead features writer for Outdoor Swimmer magazine.
You can follow Rowan’s adventures on Instagram @_finsandgoggles_
