4.5
(973)
8,937
hikers
292
hikes
Hikes around Modbury explore the landscapes of South Devon, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The region is characterized by rolling hills, tranquil river estuaries, and accessible sections of the South West Coast Path. The terrain offers a mix of coastal headlands, sheltered coves, and inland footpaths through rural countryside.
Last updated: October 26, 2026
3.0
(1)
23
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.
4.6
(16)
182
hikers
9.23km
02:35
180m
180m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

4.8
(8)
59
hikers
6.53km
01:51
130m
130m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
3.7
(3)
20
hikers
3.43km
00:55
40m
40m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
4.7
(3)
4
hikers
6.84km
01:53
120m
110m
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
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Here starts a handy little detour that allows you to avoid a rather nasty climb on the SWCP if your legs get tired. Just turn inland and follow the cow trail. Special thanks to the local who gave us the tip 😊
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Known by locals as either Mothecombe for the Western side and Wonwell Beach for the other side. Car Parking at Mothecombe is £6.50 in a field near the restaurant, and limited but free on the Wonwell side.
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You can wade across the river when the conditions are right and the tide is out.
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Over the style and to the right, be aware of cattle with young, in the next field at the top of the hill.
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Donkey Lane is a walled lane leading down from the church towards the new burial ground. It was originally a church path but now it belongs to the Parish as a Public Footpath.
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A view of Ugborough parish with Western and Ugborough Beacon to the northwest, and Brent Hill in the north.
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A view of Ugborough parish with Western and Ugborough Beacon to the northwest, and Brent Hill in the North.
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A kissing gate for accessing the public footpath leading to Fowlescombe Cross.
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Yes, Modbury is an excellent starting point for circular hikes. The town itself has a network of well-signposted footpaths and green lanes. For a longer coastal loop, the 15 km Erme Estuary Beach – Old Teahouse Ruin loop from Kingston offers a fantastic day out with varied scenery.
Most of the countryside trails and coastal paths around Modbury are great for walking with dogs. However, you will likely cross fields with livestock, so it's essential to keep your dog on a lead. Also, be mindful of restrictions on some beaches, especially during peak season. The inland woodland and river walks are often excellent choices for dog walkers.
Definitely. The region offers many shorter, flatter routes suitable for all ages. For an easy coastal walk with rewarding views, consider the View of Erme Estuary – Fenycombe Point loop from Mothecombe. At just over 5 km, it's a manageable and scenic option for a family outing.
Modbury provides easy access to the South West Coast Path, known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning sea views. You can explore headlands, sheltered coves, and sandy beaches. A popular moderate coastal route is the Fenycombe Point – Hoist Point Coastal View loop from Kingston, which includes some rewarding ascents to beautiful viewpoints.
The Erme Estuary is a highlight of the area, offering serene, unspoiled coastal scenery. Many trails follow its banks and provide beautiful views. The Meadowsfoot Beach to Beacon Hill coast path loop is a fantastic hike that showcases the best of the estuary and the nearby coastline.
The hiking is varied. Expect rolling hills, green country lanes, and some steeper sections along the coastal path. The area is part of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so the scenery is consistently impressive. While some coastal routes have significant elevation changes, there are also plenty of gentle inland and estuary walks.
For walks starting directly from Modbury, the main Poundwell Car Park is the most convenient option. Many of the popular coastal walks, such as those around the Erme Estuary, have their own small car parks near the trailhead in villages like Mothecombe and Kingston, but these can fill up quickly on sunny days.
Yes, the area is rich in history. One notable walk takes you to Blackdown Rings, the site of an Iron Age hillfort that offers impressive views over the countryside towards Dartmoor. You can also find ruins, such as the old teahouse on the Erme Estuary trail, that hint at the area's past.
The trails around Modbury are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 700 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal views, the unspoiled beauty of the Erme Estuary, and the variety of walks available, from easy strolls to more challenging coastal treks.
There is a wide selection of routes to explore. On komoot, you can find over 280 hiking trails around Modbury, with a good balance between easy, moderate, and a few difficult options to suit every fitness level.
Modbury is served by buses that connect it to nearby towns and cities like Plymouth and Kingsbridge. This allows access to the town itself and some nearby villages. However, reaching the start of more remote coastal or inland trails often requires a car, as public transport to these specific trailheads can be limited.
Yes, Modbury and the surrounding villages have several traditional pubs that are perfect for a post-hike meal or drink. Many walking routes, especially the circular ones, are designed to start and end in a village where you can find a welcoming pub to relax in.


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