The South Hams Way
22 - 26 October.
First multiday hike for Kieran, Rosannah more experienced. Keen to try a local trail (we live on Dartmoor) to get out in our local area, but also to have an easy way home if required. We also liked the fact it is a brand new route, only officially opened on 11 October 2025.
Due to time of year, using our van was essential to overcome the lack of ferries on the estuary crossings, which work on a seasonal basis. We used our car and van to leapfrog locations, to ensure that we walked the full route, and had our van to sleep in each night. Our van was fully stocked with everything we needed for the hike. When crossing estuaries we kept as close to the ferry crossing locations as was safely and legally possible.
Day 1 (Totnes -> Ivybridge) - Took the train from Ivybridge to Totnes for our start (0830 BST). A good morning walking through Dartington and Buckfastleigh, but then horrible weather made the afternoon difficult (south Brent and open Dartmoor). Kieran had a dodgy pasty, which put the hike in jeopardy, but pulled through!
Day 2 (Ivybridge -> Noss Mayo) - A shorter day than planned, but due to the challenges on Day 1 were necessary. Walking through lots of farmland (including lots of cows!) and wooded areas. Another very soggy morning, but cleared up in the afternoon for our arrival into Noss Mayo.
Day 3 (Noss Mayo -> Hope Cove) A fabulous day walking on the South West Coast Path. Lots of estuary crossings to navigate today, which added to our time.
Day 4 (Hope Cove -> Strete Gate) Another beautiful day's walking on the Coast Path. The only working ferry of the route was used from Salcombe to East Portlemouth. We spotted a Peregrine Falcon at Start Point!
Day 5 (Strete Gate -> Totnes) A final push! We saw dolphins just outside Dartmouth which was very exciting! We then turned away from the coast path back inland through farms and woodlands, which were very hilly! A big effort saw us reach the finish at 16:18 (GMT). A fair few blisters, aches and pains, but very happy to have finished the route!
Very enjoyable route overall, we particularly enjoyed the coast path section.
We documented the journey on https://www.instagram.com/roaming_with_rosannah/ for friends and family to follow. We hope that more people will try this awesome new route!