Outer Hope is one of Hope Cove’s two sandy beaches in the South Devon National Landscape. As the smaller, northern beach, it is also known as Mouthwell Sands. The tides change the visible beach area and the rocks along the shore; the harbour and coastal landscape are also connected to the area’s maritime history.

Beach and Tides

At high tide, only a small section of Outer Hope beach remains; at low tide, more beach and rocks are exposed. The water level therefore changes how much shore lies ahead of you. The mix of sandy and rocky areas is well suited to exploring rock pools. If you plan to include these in your visit, time your beach visit around the changing tides rather than expecting the same stretch of shore to remain visible.

The beaches at Hope Cove have seasonal lifeguards, and the water quality is rated excellent. Facilities at the Hope Cove beaches include toilets, beach restaurants and bars, and shops selling beach essentials and refreshments. The Kiln, a small ice cream parlour, is also right on Hope Cove beach.

Swimming, Surfing and Diving

Hope Cove is a popular spot for sea swimming in its relatively sheltered bay. Hope Cove is also popular for surfing, although it does not have consistently large waves. For diving, Hope Cove has reefs and four wrecks. Conditions therefore vary depending on your interests: the sheltered bay is a defining feature for swimming, while for surfing, it is important to bear in mind that large waves are not consistent.

Harbour and Maritime History

Hope Cove Harbour in Outer Hope has a tide-dependent boat launching facility; harbour instructions apply. The harbour provides moorings for seaworthy vessels. Launching is tide-dependent, while the moorings are intended for seaworthy vessels.

The breakwater at Hope Cove Harbour was completed in 1925. The sheltered twin coves of Inner Hope and Outer Hope are also part of the coast’s history: this stretch of the South Hams coast offered natural protection for small-scale fishing. The Pilchard Cellar, also known as the Cellars, is a rustic building at the harbour. Lobster pots and fishing gear make it a fitting subject for photographs.

The Sea Captain’s Houses are an important testament to Hope Cove’s past. Ashleigh and Tarqua are the only surviving examples of houses built in the 19th century by wealthy captains of seagoing fruit schooners from Salcombe. Local coastal history also includes the fact that eight coastguards and their superior were initially housed in the buildings at Shippen in Outer Hope.

Traces at Bolt Tail

As you climb from Hope Cove to Bolt Tail, you pass the remains of an Iron Age hillfort. The fort at Bolt Tail is about 2,500 years old. The Iron Age Bolt Tail Camp has an earth rampart that runs 274 metres along the neck of the headland and is up to 4.6 metres high.

For route planning: the “Hope Cove, Bolt Tail & Bolberry Down” circular walk ends at Outer Hope Car Park.

Discover more destinations: Swimbridge, East Putford, Woody Bay, Ottery Saint Mary, Cornworthy, Newton Saint Petrock, Buckfastleigh, Croyde

For the main travel overview: Devon.