Soar Mill Cove

Soar Mill Cove is a small, quiet sandy cove that you have to earn. It is remote, and the beach is owned by the National Trust. It suits walkers who want a short beach stop on a coastal circuit rather than a full day with a windbreak and a cool box.

Getting there

A 0.6-mile walk down a steep path leads from Soar Mill Cove Hotel, where there is a car park with 40 spaces and charges apply. The other option is the circular walk along the South West Coast Path from Salcombe.

The National Trust’s Bolberry Down and Soar Mill Cove walk is a 4.5-mile circuit starting at Bolberry Down car park, with a shorter 4-mile option. Expect moderate climbs and uneven paths, muddy in winter. The route descends a zig-zag path to the valley bottom before reaching the cove. National Trust car parks in the Salcombe countryside take payment through the JustPark app.

There is no disabled access down to the beach.

Swimming and facilities

No lifeguard patrols the cove, and no facilities are listed on the beach itself. There are refreshments at the hotel and restaurant, and a nearby campsite. Barbecues are not permitted. Bring what you need and plan your return climb.

Dogs

There are no known restrictions on dogs at Soar Mill Cove. Dogs are welcome on the National Trust walk, but sheep and cattle graze along the route, so follow the onsite signage and take dog waste away with you.

Nearby

South Sands and North Sands are the two Salcombe beaches, each with a car park or ferry link and a cafe, and Bantham lies further west along the coast.