Walk 138 Millbrook to Seaton (Cornwall)

Walk 138 Millbrook to Seaton (Cornwall)

(Second leg of English coastal walk – Broadstairs to Lands End)

Map: L/R 201

Distance: 13 miles or 20km approx

Difficulty: moderate

Terrain: coastal and cliff path

Access: Parking at both ends

Public transport: Buses run to and from Seaton and Millbrook to Plymouth – direct service every 2 hours

Parking may be available closer to the coastal path otherwise take the road out of Millbrook on to the coastal path to Tregonhawke. Walk from here to Freathy – the path follows alongside the road. Houses, bungalows and wooden buildings overlook the sandy beach.

Continue along to Tregantle Cliff where there is a choice depending on whether there is a red flag flying to show that the firing range is in use. The fort here was one of several built around Plymouth in the time of Lord Plamerston to deter the French from invading – 'Palmerston Forts'. In 1865 it had a barracks for 1000 men and 35 large guns. It is now a Royal Marine training centre.

After a mile or so descend into Portwrinkle which was formerly a pilchard fishing port. A few miles more cliff walking and you arrive at Downderry and its shingle beach. If it is clear enough, Eddystone Lighthouse can be seen 8 miles off shore. The original lighthouses were often mentioned in literature including Moby Dick.

The final stop is the attractive frontage at Seaton which is at the mouth of the River Seaton.   

Photos: Portwrinkle and Whitsand Bay; Seaton.