(S/E) Start walkthrough seaward side car park signed ‘Link to Coast Path, Dartmouth Castle 2½m’. Follow field edge path down. Through kissing gate, head to the right of bench and bear left along the coast path.
(1) Dropdown through the valley beyond Compass Cove, following ‘acorn’ waymarker. Towards the bottom of the valley, ignore the stile, and continue along the path, then through a gate. The path eventually passes through the woods. Bear right where the path joins lane.
(2) Here you have a choice. Option one is to continue down the road. Alternatively, turn immediately right upon joining the road, down the footpath. Turn right at waymarker and follow the coast path down steps and above the sea. This route enjoys fine sea views but involves several flights of steps and some ‘up and down’. The route emerges past a picnic area to the road. Turn right and immediately right again as directed below to rejoin the main route. Turn right down steps signed ‘Coast Path, Dartmouth Castle’ to visit the castle, tearooms and toilets.
(3) To return, retrace your route back up the steps and turn left along the road.
(4) Follow the road, passing a sign reading ‘Access to Compass Cove Cottages and Coastguard Station’.
(5) Where the road ends, go straight on through the gate and follow the bridleway. Continue straight through Little Dartmouth Farm and back to the car park.(S/E)