Go for a stroll
Not every salty step needs a wetsuit, paddleboard or grand plan. Sometimes the best way to connect with Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is simply to put one foot in front of the other.
Whether you’ve got ten minutes between meetings, fancy a gentle family wander, or just want some fresh sea air and a hot drink afterwards, these short and easy walks are a great place to start. They’re accessible, close to the city and packed with the views, wildlife and coastal character that make Plymouth Sound special.
Plymouth Hoe and
the Barbican
A classical Plymouth walk.
Few places combine history, heritage and coastal views quite like Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican.
Start on the either end, enjoy panoramic views across Plymouth Sound, and wander around the cobbled streets and waterfront of the Barbican. There are plenty of places to grab a drink or bite to eat along the way. For an extra salty stop, wander over to the new coffee pod at Tinside Lido, pick up something warm and enjoy one of the best views in the city.
Why it’s salty: The sea has shaped Plymouth for centuries, and nowhere tells that story quite like this route.
Royal William Yard, Devil’s Point and Firestone Bay
A stroll with sea views around every corner.
Start at Royal William Yard and follow the waterfront towards Devil’s Point and Firestone Bay. It’s a short, mostly level route with plenty to see along the way. Watch ferries cross the Sound, spot seabirds overhead and take in views across to Mount Edgcumbe.
Firestone Bay is a great place to pause and watch the water, while the wider area has plenty of places nearby for a coffee, snack or well-earned treat after your walk.
Why it’s salty: Big views, open water and one of the easiest ways to feel connected to Plymouth Sound.
Jennycliff
Clifftop views without the long walk.
Jennycliff offers one of the best coastal viewpoints in Plymouth. The gentle paths and open green space make it ideal for a relaxed wander, while the sweeping views across Plymouth Sound are hard to beat.
Bring a flask, find a bench and watch boats come and go. If you’re lucky, you might even spot seabirds diving offshore.
Feeling a little saltier? Jennycliff also connects to the South West Coast Path, with routes stretching towards Bovisand and beyond. So if you’re enjoying your stroll and feel ready to level up to the Take a Hike stage of the Salty Scale, this is a great place to start. Whether you walk for ten minutes or tackle a longer stretch of coastline, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and plenty of opportunities to connect with the sea.
Why it’s salty: The Sound stretches out in front of you, and when you’re ready, the coast path invites you to explore even more of it.
Ernesettle Creek
Nature on your doorstep.
A quieter option away from the city centre, Ernesettle Creek provides easy walking routes overlooking saltmarsh and estuary habitats.
It’s an excellent place for wildlife spotting and a reminder that Plymouth Sound National Marine Park reaches into communities across the city.
Why it’s salty: Saltmarshes are some of our most important coastal habitats and a haven for birds and marine life.
Blagdon’s Meadow
Woodland, estuary and wildlife all in one walk.
If you enjoy peaceful paths and plenty of wildlife, Saltram is a great choice. Its accessible routes weave through parkland and alongside the River Plym, offering beautiful views without needing to venture far.
Keep an eye out for wading birds, fish in the shallows and seasonal changes across the landscape. There’s also somewhere nearby to pick up refreshments if you fancy turning your stroll into a longer visit.
Why it’s salty: Fresh water meets salt water here, creating an important home for wildlife.
Radford Park
A hidden green escape close to home.
With rolling green hills, peaceful paths and views across Hooe Lake, Radford Park is perfect for a gentle stroll close to the water. It’s easy to forget you’re still in the city as you wander through the park, watching the landscape change with the tide.
Take your time exploring the park’s historic features, enjoy the wildlife around the lake and find a quiet spot to pause along the way.
Why it’s salty: Radford Lake and Hooe Lake are shaped by the tides, bringing the influence of the sea deep into the heart of the community. The nearby South West Coast Path is never far away, making this a great place to connect with Plymouth’s blue and green spaces.
Share Your Salty Stroll
Got a favourite view, a wildlife spot, or the perfect seaside coffee stop? We’d love to see it.
Tag Plymouth Sound National Marine Park in your photos on social media and show us where your stroll has taken you. Whether it’s a wave crashing against the rocks, a peaceful waterside moment or a salty sunset, your adventures help inspire others to get outside and connect with the sea.
Looking for your next salty step?
Head over to the Salty Scale for more autumn and winter inspiration. From gentle walks and wildlife watching to volunteering, citizen science and community events, there are plenty of ways to stay connected to Plymouth Sound all year round.