Wembury Beach - Crownhill Bay

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 9.1km out-and-back trail offers a quintessential South Devon running experience, connecting the iconic Wembury Beach to the secluded Crownhill Bay. While the course features a modest 41m of total ascent, don't let the stats fool you; the terrain along this stretch of the South West Coast Path is beautifully varied. You will enjoy roughly 5km of paved surfaces, but the coastal segments introduce technical, uneven footing that keeps your agility sharp. Runners are rewarded with expansive views of the English Channel, the Great Mewstone, and the rhythmic sound of Atlantic swells hitting the rugged cliffs.

Local runners cherish this area not just for the sea air, but for its rich maritime and natural history. Wembury is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a Marine Conservation Area, famous for its rock pools. As you head toward Crownhill Bay, you’ll pass through landscape managed by the National Trust, which serves as a vital corridor for local wildlife. Historically, these paths were frequented by coastguards watching for smugglers; today, they provide a peaceful escape for the Plymouth running community looking to trade city pavements for salt-sprayed coastal trails.