With the forthcoming film release of Raynor Wynn's heart lifting memoir The Salt Path, the South West Coast Path is soon to take centre stage. The Millbrook Inn at South Pool is at the head of the Salcombe estuary close to Britain's most loved national trail. It offers a stunning place to stay, with a unique combination of excellent food, luxurious accommodation, and the opportunity to explore the 'salt path' and all the incredible and rare marine, bird and wildlife that thrive on the coastal inlet.

With its backdrop of patch work fields, high banks awash with flowers, and the romantic creek that ebbs and flows gently towards Salcombe, the Millbrook Inn is at the heart of an idyllic village, where food, nature, coastal beauty, and community spirit converge for an unparalleled stay.

Here are 6 reasons to book ahead and enjoy a unique stay at the Millbrook Inn

1. Excellence in food at the heart of the Millbrook Inn

The Millbrook Inn's kitchen showcases a commitment to expert craftsmanship, steering clear of clichés in favour of an authentic approach to fire-infused cuisine with a commitment to sustainability evident in every bite.

As you step through the door, the delicious aroma of wood smoke envelops you, setting the tone for The Millbrook's commitment to fire, flavour, warmth, and tradition. 

The Millbrook Inn's menus are dictated by Fowlescombe Farm, a 500-acre organic pasture for life farm owned by the same family, providing slow-grown meat, vegetables, and herbs.

This proper English pub is small in size, but huge in stature and shouts  loudly beyond the patchwork fields. Its wood fire, well-trodden flagstones, scrubbed tables and low beamed ceilings not only warms the surroundings but also fuels the reputation that extends far and wide.

In collaboration with Rare & Pasture, also based at Fowlescombe Farm, the Millbrook Inn sources charcuterie that adds another layer to its food offering.

The farm's commitment to organic practices creates a thriving ecosystem, making it not just a supplier but an integral part of the Millbrook experience.

2. Luxurious accommodation - Land and Sea Cottages

The Millbrook Inn offers two beautifully restored cottages, Land and Sea, offering luxurious accommodation.

Positioned just steps away from the inn, these cottages provide a luxurious place to stay and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. Both cottages are dog-friendly, ensuring a complete family experience during your stay, and available from £225 per night.

• Land: Accommodating up to four guests, Land features two beautifully appointed bedrooms, meticulously designed bathrooms, a high-spec kitchen, and access to a private sun-soaked garden, along with convenient private parking.
• Sea: Sea is designed for four guests, offering two Superking bedrooms, spacious open-plan living areas, a comfortable sofa bed, a high-spec kitchen, and direct access to a private garden, along with private parking.

Both cottages are equipped for self-catering, with guests also able to enjoy an exceptional experience of dining at the Millbrook Inn, just a stone's throw away.

3. The Salt Path and South West Coast Path adventures

The South West Coast Path is the star of the show, offering mesmerising walks. Perhaps you'll choose to walk to East Portlemouth, ferrying across to Salcombe, and beyond. This iconic path is immortalised in the best-selling book "The Salt Path," a tale of resilience and inspiration during a 630-mile journey which will soon be released as a film.

The Millbrook Inn's location allows visitors to tread the same path as Raynor and Moth Winn, experiencing the magic and inspiration of nature along the South West Coast - a walk into the heart of the ancient, weathered landscape of cliffs, sea, and sky.

Spring is the perfect time to walk the path, often dry and sunny but not yet too hot.

The South West Coast Path website has a wonderful section explaining the best walks with dogs with printable maps.

4. Wildlife lovers' haven - Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary

Nature enthusiasts will find solace in the Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Diverse bird species, from cormorants and herring gulls to seasonal visitors like grebes and goldeneye, grace the estuary's rich mudflats. During low tides, spot curlews, little egrets, and grey herons, creating a captivating display of wildlife.

The estuary's ever-changing landscape, from shimmering mudflats to expansive water, is a testament to its ecological richness. Tidal creeks with salt marshes and reedbeds add to the estuary's charm, while oak-wooded valley sides and hedge-patterned farmland create a picturesque fringe along the water's edge.

This is a bird spotters delight with access to the creek at various points, and just down from the Millbrook, at the head of the creek, there are benches where you can sit, and quietly watch the nature around you.

5. On the water to the Millbrook Inn - April to October

For the adventurous spirits, embark on a paddleboarding journey from Salcombe to the Millbrook Inn, hire a boat from Salcombe or jump in a kayak, grab your paddle and go. With two tides a day filling the estuary, this marine system hosts rare habitats and species, creating a unique backdrop for your paddleboarding adventure. From eelgrass beds to the presence of seahorses, dolphins, seals, and even basking sharks, every paddle brings you closer to the estuary's hidden wonders.

Paddleboards, boats and kayaks can all be hired from Salcombe providing a thrilling and unconventional route to enjoy a high tide meal at The Millbrook Inn.

6. Nostalgic sojourn - stepping stones, timeless memories and a boat journey amidst a cacophony of sound from the bird life

A trip to The Millbrook Inn is not just a visit; it's a journey into nostalgia. Dr. Krystine Batcho's research highlights the profound impact of reconnecting with the past, offering solace during times of change. The iconic stepping stones, just a few paces away from the pub and cottages, evoke memories of carefree childhoods and exploration.

With echoes of 'Swallows and Amazons,' hire a boat from Salcombe and come up on the high tide, to the pontoon, and alight for a short walk to The Millbrook. Amidst a chorus of birdlife, this nostalgic journey promises a moment of reflection and connection with the timeless beauty of the surroundings.

For more information and reservations, please visit The Millbrook Inn.

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For further information please contact Lucy Johnson lucy@rawfoodaddrinkpr.co.uk / 07866497976