Torquay to Brixham Walk

8.7 miles (14 km)

This walk follows the South West Coast Path from Torquay to Brixham via Paignton. It's about an 8.5 mile walk with flat footpaths more most of the way. There's some moderate hill climbs as you approach Brixham and the option of extending the walk with a climb up to Berry Head Country Park if you have time.
On the way there's great views of the Torbay coast with a series of lovely beaches, coves and villages to enjoy.
The walk starts at Corbyn's Head on the sea front in Torquay, just a short stroll from the train station. You then head south to Hollcombe Beach and Paignton Sands which is a popular tourist spot with a pier and funfair.
The route continues to the pretty village of Goodrington where there's�a station on the�Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, a�water park, three beaches, and a nice park with a boating lake.
The route continues south to the interesting Saltern Cove. The area is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its diverse communities of intertidal plants and animals. It's also geoligically significant due to the limestone and sandstone present.
The next stage takes you past Broadsands Beach, another popular tourist spot. �Here there are great views of the�Dartmouth Steam Railway, which crosses two Brunel viaducts near the area.
You continue around Churston Point to Elberry Cove where you will find a shingle beach surrounded by woodland and fields. The path proceeds along Churston Golf Course to Brixham Battery and the marina. Here you will find a replica of�the Golden Hind,�best known for her privateering�circumnavigation�of the globe between 1577 and 1580, captained by�Sir Francis Drake.
You can relax and finish the walk on the marina and enjoy refreshments at one of the nice eateries. If you still have some energy then a walk up to Berry Head Country Park is a good option. The path will take you past Shoalstone Point and Ash Hole Cavern to the headland. It's a fantastic place for wildlife with a large Guillemot�colony to look out for on the cliffs.
To extend your coastal walking try the Brixham to Dartmouth Walk which visits the splendid Sharkham Point Nature Reserve and the lovely gardens at Coleton Fishacre.

Torquay to Brixham Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Torquay to Brixham Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Torquay to Brixham OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Torquay to Brixham Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Near the start you could try the popular Torquay Rock Walk. These elevated, Mediterranean style gardens command wonderful views across the town and the bay.
Head north from the town along the coast path and you can pay a visit to the lovely RSPB nature reserve at Labrador Bay near Shaldon. There's great views here and lots of wildlife to see including cirl buntings and dolphins.
On the northern side of the town you could visit the peaceful Brunel Woods. The site is named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel who loved the area and intended to set up home at Watcombe Park before he died. The John Musgrave Heritage Trail can be picked up in this area too. The waymarked trail runs from Maidencombe to Brixham, visiting several of South Devon's interesting historical sites on the way.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks page.