Brownstone, Froward Point and Coast Path Circular

Brownstone, Froward Point and Coast Path Circular is a 2.8 mile loop trail located near Dartmouth, Devon, England that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and bird watching.

Length2.8 miElevation gain810 ftRoute typeLoop

Description

Waypoints (10)

Getting There

A delightful, yet in places steep and rugged, walk taking in Dartmouth "day mark", the Coastguard Lookout Point (including the disused WW2 gun batteries) and a fairly demanding stretch along the South West Coast Path before returning uphill across fields to the starting point. Dogs can roam free for much of this walk, however, across the fields (the final section of the walk) there are warnings that livestock are present and dogs should be kept under control. Sections of this walk have steep drops down to the rocks and sea below. Whilst these are not sheer cliffs (at least not right next to the path) a fall from here could result in life changing injuries (or worse) and young children should be closely supervised. Due to the steepness of parts of this walk, although it totals just three miles, it will feel longer. Allow a couple of hours to take your time and enjoy the views! Note of caution - when this walk was tracked, the gate at Waypoint 8 ("Stile") was locked with a chain and padlock. This means you will have to lift your dog over the stile to continue the walk. If your dog is agile enough to scramble a stile (with or without assistance) then this should not be a problem.

Start to Path to Daymark

Set off from the car park, taking the lane in the picture. The lane is initially an easy walk, being metalled and level. Very soon after the car park, you will notice the day mark which is a stone tower, built about 150 years ago to guide seafarers to the entrance to the river and the port of Dartmouth.

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Path to Daymark to Coastguard Point

The road continues along past the day mark. If you want to take a closer look however, there is a gate next to the sign and a path which takes you to it. Take a walk around and look inside. Continue along the road, which soon becomes quite steep and which leads down to the coastguard lookout and gun emplacements.

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Coastguard Point to Left Turn

When you reach the buildings at the coast guard lookout, take a look around the lookout area. The remains of the gun emplacements and the accommodation blocks date back to the second world war and were used to protect the harbour approaches from invasion. The coast watch lookout is the building with the radar unit on the roof. The staff are welcoming and happy to chat with visitors and explain what they do. Why not drop in and say hello? Once you have finished looking around, if you would like to miss out the next section which is quite steep, retrace your steps about 50 yards to the signpost for the footpath for Brixham and this will join up with way point 4 ("Gate") otherwise.... Find the narrow path which runs down from the left side of the lookout and follow it down, zigzagging to join the South West Coast Path. Turn left so that the sea is to your right.

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Left Turn to Gate

Follow the path along which soon starts to rise again quite steeply and rejoins the main path where you turn right. Soon after this, there is a gate. After you pass through this gate, ponies may be present - so please take care with dogs.

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Gate to Mewstone

Carry on along the path, enjoying the views of the Mewstone (pictured) and Eastern Blackstone beyond.

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Mewstone to Bench

Follow the path along, with various views along the way. At the next waypoint there is a bench where you can take a rest. It's worth taking this opportunity because between this waypoint and the next one, the path soon becomes steep.

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Bench to Signpost for car parks

Continue along the path, which soon rises steeply, until you reach a signpost for the car parks. Look back from this point and you will see the view and the path you have followed.

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Signpost for car parks to Stile

Climb the steps from the signpost and pass through the gate into a field. Please observe any signs erected by the farmer about keeping dogs on leads as there may be livestock present. The public footpath runs alongside the left hand hedge and there is a trough part way up where your dogs can get a drink. Keep to the left and continue onwards up through the fields to the five bar gate and stile. Occasionally the gate might be padlocked, so you may need to help your dog over the stile.

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Stile to Road

Carry on up through the fields, keeping to the left hedge. Presently you will pass the Coleton Fishacre National Trust property in the dell to your right and then, soon after this, you will reach Coleton Barton Farm ahead. Do NOT go through the gate into the farm. Instead, just before the gate, branch left along the footpath, through the kissing gate and follow the remainder of the footpath (100 yards or so) to the road.

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Road to End

At the road, turn left and walk the hundred yards or so to bring you back to the car park where the walk began.

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From the B3205 Hillhead to Kingswear and Dartmouth road, take the turning for the Coleton Fishacre National Trust property. Follow the lanes through to the gate to Coleton Fishacre (post code TQ6 0EQ) but instead of going through the gate, turn right and continue for a couple of hundred yards to Brownstone National Trust Car Park (OS Grid ref SX 90436 50967). Park here and the walk starts along the lane leading from the far end of the car park. Near the gate through to the lane, there is a trust box for paying your £2.00 parking charge.

Weather

UV Index

Daylight

Reviews (8)

Photos (50)

Activities (5)

Completed (12)

Cathryn Holmes

March 19, 2021

Hiking

We extended this walk a little to explore the WW2 batteries which was fascinating. Be warned, the walk along the coast is hard work, with many very steep inclines. Not for the feint hearted!

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Ellis Sharp

October 22, 2020

Hiking

Great walk, very steep at points and a nice mix of footings. Last downhill was lovely down the road past the Daymark.

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Emily Cousins

October 13, 2020

Walking

Stunning views, easy to follow and really quiet. Only challenge we had was having to exit a field on the way back next lots of cows and we had our dog with us so were a bit worried but we found a slight detour. Would definitely recommend this trail to others in the area.

Daniel Fawcett

September 29, 2020

Hiking

Easy to follow trail, fairly busy. Happy it was a little shorter than our normal trails after doing the climb back! Nice views to make it worthwhile, as well.

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Cathy Duggan

August 23, 2020

Hiking

Stunning views out to sea and loved the WW2 historical buildings along the way. Very steep on way back to car park but we managed fine. You will definitely break a sweat! Dog loved it too!

jan jan

June 24, 2015

First to Review

You need to be quite fit to do this walk! Very steep in places and very hilly

Lisa Williams

January 11, 2021

Hiking

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Max Earl

February 2, 2020

Hiking

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