The Salcombe Art Walk
“Reflections and Estuary Life”
"While my North Cornwall work is driven by the power of the Atlantic swell, my heart has always belonged to the shifting crystalline channels of Salcombe. Over the last twenty years, I’ve walked these paths with a sketchbook in hand, watching how the tide transforms the estuary from a deep navy ribbon to a shimmering mosaic of sandbars and turquoise pools. This 'Art Walk' is my personal invitation to see Salcombe through an artist’s eyes—a journey through the reflections that define the South Hams."
Stop One: Victoria Quay
The Architecture of the Tide.
"Start your walk at Victoria Quay, where the harbour truly comes to life. This isn't just a view; it’s a masterclass in maritime colour. The quay is lined with characterful local boats and the elegant, traditional Salcombe Yawls—their varnished hulls and rhythmic movement on the water are a constant source of inspiration.
Artist’s Tip: Look at the way the sunlight dances off the polished wood and the bright white hulls. In my studio, I don't just use blue paint to capture this; I use layers of translucent glazes to mimic that 'shimmer' of the fleet. Because our 3D-scanning technology at Logical Choice Newquay maps the physical texture of my brushwork, you can actually see the 'lift' of the paint where I've captured the white-water wake of a passing boat. It brings the bustle of the quay right into your home."
Stop 2: The East Portsmouth Ferry
Crossing to east portlemouth from salcombe
"Step aboard the small passenger ferry and make the short trip across the blue channel to East Portlemouth. For me, this is where the perspective truly shifts. While most people head straight for the coastal paths, I love to sit on the beach here with my sketchbook.
There is a wonderful, rhythmic energy to the passengers queuing on the sand, waiting to jump onto the return ferry. It’s a scene of anticipation and holiday life that I’ve captured in my painting ‘Adventure Calling’.
Watching the ferry cut through that specific 'Salcombe Turquoise' is a lesson in colour. When I’m with my print partner, Logical choice, I use our 3D-scanning process to ensure that the physical 'wake' of the boat and the texture of the shoreline in my prints feel as tangible as the sand beneath your feet at East Portlemouth. It’s about more than a view; it’s about capturing the movement of the estuary."
Discover Devon - The Ultimate Guide
Whilst I have your attention, I wanted to give a quick shout out to a lovely friend called, Dani. You might know her from instagram as
She’s created an extensive guide to Devon, with lots of places to walk, relax, stay etc. Here’s a little about her guide below.
“I have spent the last four years since moving back to Devon spending every spare moment I have exploring. I've made it my mission to find the most beautiful beaches, sought out epic hiking trails, found the best spots to paddle board, explored the charming towns and villages and tried out some amazing restaurants and cafes. With two coastlines and one National Park, Devon has so much beauty to explore!
I created this guide because I want to share all my favourite spots with you. I know it can be overwhelming when you don't know a place well but want to ensure that you're not missing out on anything! Each spot on my map has been curated based on my knowledge and experience, so you can trust in the recommendations provided.
I also offer a bespoke trip planning service, if you need that extra assistance in making sure your trip is perfect for you.
I hope you love exploring the maps and itineraries as much as I have enjoyed getting out on adventures to build it!”
“Please check out her guide below, I know she’s poured so much love into this for you to enjoy! Holidays are short, with this guide you will have everything you need for a truly unforgettable holiday or day trip”.
Stop 3: Mill Bay
The Artist’s Sketchbook
"After landing at East Portlemouth, wander along the shoreline to Mill Bay. This is a place for slow observation. I often spend hours here sketching the interplay between the ancient rocks and the rising tide. My print ‘Millbay Manoeuvres’ was born from these quiet moments—capturing the transition from the emerald tree line to the golden sand. It’s a piece that brings the calm of the morning tide into any room."
Stop 4: Sunny Cove
Confetti on the Sand
"Continuing south, you reach Sunny Cove—perhaps the most loved beach in the estuary. I prefer to find a high vantage point above the cove. From here, the beach transforms into a mosaic of 'confetti colours'—the bright pops of sunbathers' towels and the bobbing white hulls of boats at anchor. Painting this from above allows me to capture the vibrant, holiday energy of Salcombe. It’s a celebration of summer life, where the 24k gold leaf in my work mimics the sun’s reflection on the water."
Stop 5: The Hipple
Salcombe’s Secret Beach
"If you time the tide just right, the 'Hipple' reveals itself. This sandbar is Salcombe’s best-kept secret. As the water retreats, it leaves behind a perfect, rhythmic ripple in the sand—a texture I am obsessed with capturing”.
“I recently watched a solo kayaker pull his boat up onto this temporary island, a lone figure against the vast expanse of the estuary. It’s these fleeting moments of solitude that define my work. In my prints, you can actually feel the ridges of those sand ripples, preserved forever in museum-grade detail."
The Secret Beach
Finding Stillness at The Hipple
"Our walk concludes where the water decides. Reaching the 'Secret Beach' at the Hipple is a gift from the tide. As the sand ripples emerge, I find a stillness here that is rare anywhere else in the South Hams. Whether I am painting that solo kayaker or the geometric patterns of the sand, this is the soul of my Salcombe collection.
Bringing this walk into your home isn't just about a picture of a beach—it's about capturing that moment where the land and sea hold their breath. Each 3D-scanned print is crafted to ensure you can feel every ripple and every grain of sand under your fingertips."
“If you enjoy the hidden corners of Salcombe, you’ll love the wide open energy of my Cornish Collection”
