Woman walking dog

By Foot

Royal William Yard is about half an hours' walk from the City Centre. Access into the Yard is through the pedestrian arches at the main gate, as well as via the striking 63-step staircase that links the Yard and Devil's Point.

Take a look at our site map to view the walking routes around the Yard.

Walking the South West Coast Path?

Royal William Yard has two features that link it to the South West Coast Path: the award-winning Western King steps at Devil's Point and the suspended boardwalk along the water's edge at the entrance. Together they allow uninterrupted access along one of Britain's most spectacular walking trails.

The boardwalk – also known as ‘Admiral’s Walkway’ – is a suspended pathway that runs from the main entrance to Royal William Yard and wraps around part of the perimeter of the historic Grade I listed site.

At the other side of the site is the impressive steel staircase - nicknamed the 'Stairway to Devon,' - that connects Royal William Yard to Devil's Point. The iconic, award-winning structure cuts dramatically through a 12-metre high defensive wall and penetrates a 1-metre thick limestone fortification. It features a concealed glass viewing platform offering stunning views across the Tamar Estuary to Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall. At night, LED lighting bathes the structure in changing colors, creating a dramatic visual display against the historic Grade I listed site.