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An 8-day driving loop from Exeter combining wild Dartmoor moorland with the best coastal towns of South Devon, including Plymouth, Salcombe, Dartmouth and Brixham.
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Published 28 Jun 2026
This 8-day loop from Exeter takes in two contrasting sides of Devon. First you head onto Dartmoor, crossing open moorland, scrambling granite tors and sleeping under dark skies. Then you drop to the south coast: the sheltered estuaries of the South Hams, the maritime history of Plymouth, the sailing culture of Salcombe, the medieval lanes of Dartmouth and the fishing-port character of Brixham. Daily drives stay under an hour, leaving time to walk, explore and eat well at every stop.
Best time: May to September
A compact cathedral city that makes a welcoming gateway to Devon. Spend your first afternoon at the stunning twin-towered cathedral and walk the medieval underground passages before dinner along the vibrant Quayside. The city's central location makes it the ideal launchpad for the moor and the coast.
A compact cathedral city that makes a welcoming gateway to Devon. Spend your first afternoon at the stunning twin-towered cathedral and walk the medieval underground passages before dinner along the vibrant Quayside. The city's central location makes it the ideal launchpad for the moor and the coast.
Cathedral entry is free; guided tours run at set times. The Quayside has the best dinner options. The Southgate car park is the most convenient overnight option.
The wild heart of Devon: granite tors, ancient clapper bridges, free-roaming ponies and skies with barely a light on the horizon. Base at Postbridge for two days on foot. Haytor Rocks is the easiest high-tor walk, while Grimspound Bronze Age settlement rewards a longer day out on the open moor.
The wild heart of Devon: granite tors, ancient clapper bridges, free-roaming ponies and skies with barely a light on the horizon. Base at Postbridge for two days on foot. Haytor Rocks is the easiest high-tor walk, while Grimspound Bronze Age settlement rewards a longer day out on the open moor.
Do not feed the wild ponies. Carry OS Explorer OL28 if walking beyond waymarked routes as mobile signal is poor across most of the moor.
Devon's most underrated city earns one night. Walk Plymouth Hoe for views across the Sound to Drake's Island, find the Mayflower Steps in the Barbican, and spend an hour at the National Marine Aquarium. The Barbican's independent seafood restaurants make this a satisfying overnight stop.
Devon's most underrated city earns one night. Walk Plymouth Hoe for views across the Sound to Drake's Island, find the Mayflower Steps in the Barbican, and spend an hour at the National Marine Aquarium. The Barbican's independent seafood restaurants make this a satisfying overnight stop.
Pre-book the National Marine Aquarium online to save on the gate price. The Barbican car park is the most central option for exploring the old town.
South Devon's most coveted coastal town: sparkling water, sheltered sandy coves and a pastel-coloured main street lined with seafood cafes. Use both days for South West Coast Path walks above the estuary, kayaking or sailing on the water, and day trips to North Sands and South Sands beaches.
South Devon's most coveted coastal town: sparkling water, sheltered sandy coves and a pastel-coloured main street lined with seafood cafes. Use both days for South West Coast Path walks above the estuary, kayaking or sailing on the water, and day trips to North Sands and South Sands beaches.
Parking is very limited in summer. Use Batson car park on the outskirts and walk down. The passenger ferry to East Portlemouth runs regularly and costs around £3 return.
Narrow medieval lanes drop steeply to one of England's finest natural harbours. Cross the river by ferry to Kingswear, visit 15th-century Dartmouth Castle where the Dart meets the sea, and watch tall ships in the estuary. A strong independent food scene makes this an easy night to look forward to.
Narrow medieval lanes drop steeply to one of England's finest natural harbours. Cross the river by ferry to Kingswear, visit 15th-century Dartmouth Castle where the Dart meets the sea, and watch tall ships in the estuary. A strong independent food scene makes this an easy night to look forward to.
The Higher and Lower Dart car ferries both take standard cars and run frequently until evening. Dartmouth Castle requires advance booking in peak season.
A working fishing port that has kept more grit than its English Riviera neighbours. The inner harbour is the most photogenic stop on the route: a horseshoe of colourful boats, fish merchants and old quayside buildings. Walk 15 minutes to Berry Head for sweeping views across Torbay and beyond.
A working fishing port that has kept more grit than its English Riviera neighbours. The inner harbour is the most photogenic stop on the route: a horseshoe of colourful boats, fish merchants and old quayside buildings. Walk 15 minutes to Berry Head for sweeping views across Torbay and beyond.
The fish market operates Tuesday to Saturday mornings and is free to watch from the quayside. Berry Head car park fills fast; aim to arrive by 9am on summer weekends.
The loop closes with a short motorway run up the A38 and M5. A final morning in the city is enough time for a coffee at the historic Guildhall Market before the train or drive home.
The loop closes with a short motorway run up the A38 and M5. A final morning in the city is enough time for a coffee at the historic Guildhall Market before the train or drive home.
Viewpoint
Haytor Rocks
The most accessible Dartmoor tor: a 400-metre walk from the car park leads to a granite outcrop with 360-degree views reaching to the sea on a clear day. Arrive at dawn to watch mist clear across the moorland below.
Activity
Dartmouth Castle
Guarding the mouth of the River Dart since the 1380s, this compact castle sits almost at water level. The chain mechanism that once stretched across the narrows to block enemy ships is still visible inside.
Viewpoint
Salcombe Estuary Coastal Path
The South West Coast Path above the Salcombe estuary offers some of the finest walking views in Devon. The stretch north of Bolt Head gives uninterrupted panoramas over blue water and green headlands to the open sea.
Food & drink
Barbican Seafood Quarter
Plymouth's historic Barbican quarter clusters the best dining on the route in one cobbled area, with independent restaurants serving Brixham-landed fish and locally sourced seafood steps from the old port.
Scenic Drive
B3212 Dartmoor Scenic Drive
The B3212 from Exeter to Postbridge crosses the full breadth of high moorland, passing tors and ancient field systems. The loop west via Two Bridges and Tavistock adds wooded gorges and granite bridges to the return run.
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