Bus 93

Bus 162

From Kingsbridge Quay to Aveton Gifford

From Thurlstone to Kingsbridge

Map of route

This is a pleasant walk which takes in two villages,river views, beautiful beaches, cliffs and a golf course ! The walk extends to about four miles with some steep sections. A good pair of walking boots is recommended.

From Kingsbridge Quay take the 93 service to Aveton Gifford ( see timetable), get off outside the Fisherman's Rest pub and spend some time exploring the village.

From the pub walk to the main road round about and then turn left towards Kingsbridge. Cross the bridge ( be careful of the traffic in the centre) and at the far end you will find a little road and turning to the right, cross over and follow the road which turns into a mud track and starts to rise quite steeply. At the top of the track you will find a footpath marked on the left hand side, follow it.  The pathway starts to track the River Avon valley towards the mouth of the river ; you will follow some fields with pathways which eventually drop down to a small creek where you cross the water on stepping stones at high tide. The walk rises up a hill and to the right which takes you through some gentle woods and then along the hillside to Bantham. At the village you will find a shop and a pub for refreshments.

Proceed to Bantham beach and follow the path on the right hand side of the gateway which takes you around the headland ( or Ham ) and back to the main beach, there are some fantastic views across the Avon River and you will be able to see Burgh Island with it's famous Hotel . At the main beach find the Lifeguards building and there is a pathway which starts behind it and leads up the hillside to Thurlestone.  The cliffs provide some excellent views and you will find beautiful beaches below which are usually quiet. This pathway meets the Golf course and then runs alongside several holes until you find a pathway to the left which crosses the course to Thurlestone, you can take this path or alternatively continue following the coast until you reach the Golf Clubhouse.

Make your way up to Thurlestone Village where there is a shop and a pub for refreshments before you get the 162 bus back to Kingsbridge from outside the village shop. Thurlestone is an interesting village with an ancient church and main street.