Compass Cove

Compass Cove is a secluded sandy cove between Dartmouth and the headlands to the south, accessible only via the South West Coast Path from Little Dartmouth car park or by continuing from Sugary Cove along the cliff path. The cove has Grecian-quality water on a calm day, clear and shallow over pale sand and rock, with a small cave and rock formations at the edges that provide interest beyond the swimming. It carries an unusual historical footnote: one of the earliest Victorian transatlantic telegraph cables passed under the sea from this cove, though little visible trace of the Victorian cable house remains. The path access means visitor numbers stay manageable and the cove rarely feels crowded even in the height of summer.

Dogs are welcome at Compass Cove year round with no restrictions, and the foot-access-only approach keeps the atmosphere calm and unhurried. Landslip occasionally closes sections of the coast path in this area, so it is worth checking locally before setting out if a recent spell of wet weather has made the cliffs unstable. There are no facilities at the cove itself, and no parking nearby beyond the Little Dartmouth National Trust car park at the top of the path. The swimming is good for dogs with a taste for clear water, and the rocky edges of the cove provide thorough sniffing territory at low tide. A torch is worth having if you plan to explore the cave.