Teignmouth/Shaldon South West Coast Path Walk, Teignmouth, South Devon
The South West Coast Path at Teignmouth/Shaldon
The Teign Estuary at Teignmouth and Shaldon is stunning. It's a great area for walking. You can head inland to Dartmoor National Park on the Templer Way or explore two very different coastlines south and north of this South Devon holiday hotspot. Head south and you're walking a very hilly and heavily wooded stretch of coast punctuated by pretty coves. Between Shaldon and Babbacombe, the South West Coast Path isn't usually very busy. Head north and you're walking by one of the UK's most beautiful rail routes on your way to one of South Devon's most popular holiday destinations at Dawlish Warren. Between Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren, there are plenty of big, long beaches, the terrain is relatively gentle and the area busy.
Walking the South West Coast Path south of Teignmouth/Shaldon
Start from Shaldon Beach. If you're coming from Teignmouth, take the Teignmouth/Shaldon Ferry from Teignmouth River Beach/Back Beach to Shaldon Beach. Walk east to the mouth of the estuary and The Ness pub.
The South West Coast Path climbs to The Ness viewpoint which provides stunning views across the water to Teignmouth, Teignmouth Pier and the East Devon coast by Exmouth.
Drop down to Shaldon Zoo and Smugglers Tunnel leading to Ness Cove Beach and then there's a gentle but steady climb to Shaldon Approach Golf Course above Bundle Head. Note that it's from here that you get one of the classic Westcountry views of red cliffs down to Teignmouth.
Walk along the busy A379 Teignmouth Road and very shortly you'll see a sign for the South West Coast Path on your left that drops and climbs to the car park at Labrador Bay. This is an RSPB nature reserve. There are information boards and you'll usually find an ice cream van on site.
You are at the beginning of a very hilly section with steep climbs and descents. It's hard walking.
The South West Coast Path takes you to Maidencombe Beach. It's overlooked by the 'Beach Cafe'. The Thatched Tavern is inland in Maidencombe.
The path then passes along clifftops to Watcombe Beach. It's hilly and the walking gets the blood pumping. There's a cafe/bar and seating area above the beach. You'll also find public loos on site.
The final stretch of coastline to Babbacombe is heavily wooded. It takes you to Petitor Road and the A379. You then descend to the back of Oddicombe Beach and the bottom of Babbacombe Cliff Railway. We'd recommend continuing around the beautiful bay to The Cary Arms at Babbacombe Beach and Harbour for a drink.
Take the bus back to Teignmouth/Shaldon.
Walking the South West Coast Path north of Teignmouth/Shaldon
The coastline north of Teignmouth/Shaldon has an entirely different vibe to the hilly and heavily wooded southern stretch.
Start from Teignmouth Pier on the seafront. If you're coming from Shaldon, take the Teignmouth/Shaldon Ferry from Shaldon Beach to Teignmouth River Beach/Back Beach and then wander along to the pier on the seafront.
Follow Teignmouth Beach and the railway line all the way up to Hole Head. The path snakes around headlands and takes you to the northern end of the very pretty Coryton's Cove (Beach). You pass The Cove Cafe before coming to Boat Cove (Beach) with its views up the coast to Dawlish and Langstone Rock.
From there, you're back to following the beach and railway line through Dawlish to Langstone Rock at the northern end of Red Rock Beach. You pass behind this rocky headland and are in Dawlish Warren.
We'd recommend diverting to Dawlish Warren Beach and Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve.
Take the train back to Teignmouth.
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