Torquay South West Coast Path Walk, Torquay, South Devon

Torquay South West Coast Path Walk, Torquay, South Devon

The South West Coast Path at Torquay

Torquay is an amazing place. Packed with visitor attractions, the stretch of coast path running east and north of central Torquay is remarkable. Huge views open out across Tor Bay to Brixham and Berry Head at the southern end of The English Riviera. The South West Coast Path heading west and south is a treat when combined with a ferry trip back to Torquay from Brixham.

 

Walking the South West Coast Path east and north of Torquay

The relatively short section of coast path from Torquay around to Babbacombe is up there with the best on the South West Coast Path. The views across Tor Bay and then Babbacombe Bay are awesome. You can also stop off at fascinating places like Hope's Nose or take a shot detour to the superb Kents Cavern.

From central Torquay, pass behind Torquay Harbour and Living Coasts. The path climbs behind The Imperial Hotel and Peaked Tor Cove (Beach). You then walk along a cool stretch of path to Daddyhole Plain before descending to Meadfoot Beach. Stop at Meadfoot Beach Cafe for a drink.

Follow Meadfoot Sea Road and Ilsham Marine Drive to Thatcher's Rock Green. Wander down to Thatcher Point for views of Thatcher Rock and Tor Bay.

The South West Coast Path then takes you past Hope's Nose. We'd recommend taking a detour out to the point.

Ilsham Marine Drive loops towards Black Head where the South West Coast Path runs along wooded clifftops to Anstey's Cove (Beach). Drop down to the beach and Anstey's Cove Cafe.

The coastal path runs above Redgate Beach to a wide, grassy area by Long Quarry Point. It then enters the eastern section of Babbacombe where it drops down to The Cary Arms and Babbacombe Beach and Harbour. Follow the path to Oddicombe Beach and either take the cliff railway up to central Babbacombe or yomp up the zig-zag path. Note that Babbacombe Model Village is nearby.

Take the bus back to Torquay or walk the A379 via the superb Kents Cavern.

 

Walking the South West Coast Path west and south of Torquay

Alternatively, follow the seafront from central Torquay past Torquay Princess Gardens and Torquay Princess Pier to Torre Abbey Sands (Beach). Note that the superb Torre Abbey is located behind this beach.

Walk along the busy A3022 past Corbyn's Beach and Livermead Sands (Beach) to Preston Sands (Beach). You'll see Paington Pier ahead of you.

The South West Coast Path runs along the seafront behind Paignton Pier and Paignton Beach until you get to Paignton Harbour. From there, loop around Roundham Head for amazing views down Goodrington Sands (Beach).

You pass by Goodrington Park and Splashdown Quaywest and South Sands Cafe at the southern end of Goodrington Sands (Beach).

The path follows the line of the Dartmouth Steam Railway track until you come to a viaduct by Broadsands Beach. Turn left under the viaduct and then right along the back of the beach until you come to a wide, grassy area overlooking Broadsands Beach. The views are superb.

Continue to Elberry Cove (Beach) and Churston Cove (Beach) to the northern part of Brixham. Proceed to Brixham Inner Harbour where you can buy a ticket to return to Torquay by ferry.