9k Run Stokenham: Picturesque Loop from Torcross

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 8.9km loop offers a quintessential South Devon running experience, blending the salt-air breeze of the coast with the rugged charm of the English countryside. Starting in Torcross, you’ll begin with a fast, flat stretch along the coastal path, running parallel to the Slapton Line with the freshwater ley on one side and the sea on the other. The challenge ramps up as you turn inland towards Frittiscombe, where the terrain transitions into a mix of trail and narrow country lanes. With 115m of ascent, the hilly mid-section provides a solid workout for the legs before rewarding you with a sweeping descent on a dirt track through Stokenham, finishing on a smooth tarmac glide back into Torcross.

Steeped in both natural beauty and wartime history, this area is much more than just a scenic backdrop. As you run past Slapton Sands, you are crossing the site of Exercise Tiger, a D-Day rehearsal that remains a significant moment in local heritage—keep an eye out for the restored Sherman Tank memorial at the Torcross car park. The route also skirts the edge of the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, the largest freshwater lake in the South West. After your run, locals recommend grabbing a post-run coffee or ice cream at the Torcross seafront, where you can watch the waves and recover in the heart of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.