The Appeal of the South West Coast Path in Devon
Your luxury hiking tour can be tailor made for those who seek adventure without compromising on comfort. It’s for the traveler who wants to experience the rugged beauty of Devon’s coastline with all the pampering of a five-star resort. Imagine walking along paths where the sea meets the sky, where each step unveils a new scene from nature’s own art gallery. The South West Coast Path stretching over 630 miles of breathtaking coastline through Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. For the discerning traveler, this isn’t just a walk; it’s an invitation to immerse oneself in luxury, history, and unparalleled beauty. Our exclusive luxury hiking tours transforms this iconic trail into a journey of opulence and discovery.
At Cornwall DMC, the region’s only specialist destination management company, we can offer a full range of ground services including 5 star accommodation, transport, itineraries and local guides for group tours in Devon. We cater to small agencies with bespoke groups, couples and families, large tour operators from across the USA and Canada with programmes requiring room allocations and high end luxury FIT clients.
Here are some suggested routes that can be included in a longer hike or just pick and choose to mix with free days for relaxation and exploring all that Devon has to offer.
Walking Routes: Highlights from Torquay to Plymouth
Torquay to Brixham – Distance: About 7 miles.
Key Sites: Visit the picturesque fishing harbor of Brixham, explore the Berry Head nature reserve, known for its wildflowers and birdwatching.
Experience: A gentle start with panoramic views of the English Channel, followed by a gourmet picnic at Berry Head with local Devonshire cheeses, artisan bread, and sparkling wine from Cornwall.
Brixham to Dartmouth – Distance: Approximately 6 miles.
Key Sites: Cross the Kingswear Castle, a small fort built in 1491, and take a ferry across the River Dart to Dartmouth, famed for its naval college and historic waterfront.
Experience: Stay at a luxury hotel or B&B in Dartmouth with sea views, enjoy a private dining experience with a chef showcasing local seafood like fresh Dartmouth crab.
Dartmouth to Salcombe – Distance: Roughly 12 miles.
Key Sites: Traverse through the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, passing through Hope Cove and enjoying the sight of Start Point Lighthouse.
Luxury Element: For the ultimate in luxury a helicopter transfer from a remote section back to Salcombe for an exclusive spa session overlooking the estuary.
Salcombe to Plymouth – Distance: Around 20 miles, can be split into multiple days.
Key Sites: Walk through Bigbury Bay, see Burgh Island with its famous Art Deco hotel, and conclude at Plymouth, the city with deep naval history.
Highlight: A private tour of Burgh Island Hotel, including a cocktail-making class with a master mixologist, followed by dinner in one of the island’s historic rooms.
Luxury Touches: Elevating Every Step
Gourmet Picnics: At select clifftops, we set up gourmet picnics featuring local Devon produce. Think of smoked Devon duck with a selection of artisan cheeses, paired with a vintage from nearby vineyards.
Coastal Luxury Accommodations: Each night is spent in meticulously chosen B&Bs or boutique hotels or a clifftop retreat offering unparalleled views of the English Channel. These are not just places to sleep but experiences where each detail is curated to reflect the heritage and luxury of Devon.
Cultural Immersion: Beyond the walk, engage in private historical tours, visit artists’ studios in Salcombe, or partake in a traditional Devon cream tea with scones freshly baked in-house by our local partners.
What we offer:
We’d be pleased to answer any questions you have or to discuss the possibility of creating bespoke travel products for you or your clients