Compass Trail
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Compass Trail
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The Compass Trail is a beautifully scenic walking route along the Devon coast that offers a great chance to take in some stunning views of the English channel and some interesting historical monuments. The route begins at the historic Dartmouth Castle and the Church of St Petrox, leading you uphill along the cliffside for gorgeous views over the water. This walk is great for a quick weekend excursion, thanks to its relatively short overall length that only requires a few hours.
Getting there
To reach the trailhead for the Compass Trail from the Dartmouth North Embankment Terminal, drive southwest on Newcomen Road for 0.6mi and turn left onto Castle Road, following it for 0.1mi. Keep left for another 0.1mi along Castle Road, making a slight right to arrive at the car park in 0.2mi.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | Year-Round |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Average |
| Crowd Levels | Moderate |
| Route Type | Lollipop |
Compass Trail
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Compass Trail Description
The Compass Trail is a popular walking route near Dartmouth due to the amazing local history that can be found at the trailhead, as well as the breathtaking views along the South Devon coast. Setting out from the car park, you will immediately be greeted by the immense 14th Century fortification known as Dartmouth Castle, as well as the 12th Century Church of St Petrox. After exploring the area, follow the trail southwest to begin climbing uphill, working your way past Compass Cottage to reach the top of the cliff for some stunning views overlooking the English Channel and Compass Cove. From here, you will pass by Little Dartmouth and descend the hillside, working your way to the northeast along the coastal terrain for the return leg back to the trailhead.
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