Walk - Brixham to Babbacombe

13.2 miles (21.2 km)

Brixham Babbacombe

Easy - Moderate

If you are expecting the walk through the English Riviera to be a trudge along pavements, you are in for a pleasant surprise. You may not actually spot any of the famous coral fossils of Hope’s Nose, but you cannot fail to notice the extraordinary geology along this stretch of coast. The Path passes around the limestone peninsula of Berry Head and wave cut platforms of red sandstone at Shoalstone into the thriving fishing port of Brixham where your walk begins. The hustle and bustle of Brixham’s port is soon left behind as you head through woodland and past some lovely beaches to emerge on the edge of Paignton.

The Path along Paignton and Torquay sea fronts is very easy as it runs along promenades, from which you can easily find refreshments and other distractions. From here on, views of the rich red Devon sandstone rocks towering above the sea draw you through the urban landscapes with a promise of exhilarating cliff walks ahead. Leaving bustling Torquay harbour behind, the Path becomes surprisingly rural and rugged, passing golden beaches and headlands on its way to the gardens of Babbacombe Downs.

There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

The Cary Arms Hotel & Spa

The Cary Arms & Spa “Inn on the Beach” exudes charm, style and comfort of a boutique hotel. Seaside English Heritage dining with chic rooms include dog-friendly accommodation.

The Cimon

The Cimon, a gorgeous Victorian villa, a few minutes walk from the Coastal Path, restaurants and attractions. Muddy boots welcome. Seasonal outdoor heated pool & bar.

The 25 Boutique B&B

Funky 5-star adult-only boutique B&B, (twice named “Best B&B in the World”) located in easy walking distance of the coast path, restaurants, tourist attractions & harbour

The Cleveland Bed and Breakfast

Consistently rated one of the 'best bed & breakfasts' in Torquay, The Cleveland is ideally located for access to the South West Coast Path and all local amenities.

Garway Lodge Guest House

Enjoy a 4 Star Award-Winning guest house bed & breakfast. Situated in Torquay. Early Breakfasts are available upon request.

Haytor Hotel

Elegant and welcoming Victorian villa, offering delicious breakfasts, a peaceful night's sleep. 4 mins walks from harbour and beach.

The Osborne Apartments

Luxury self catering apartments nestled in the heart of the English Riviera with stunning sea views.

Rose Court Holiday Apartments

Rose Court are self contained holiday apartments with free Parking set in a delightful Victorian villa with glorious gardens, 5 minutes from the South West Coastal Path.

Castle Retreats

Castle Annexe offers super-king or twin beds in a cosy, one dog friendly setting, nestled within historic St Marychurch.

Coastguard Cottage

Small, cosy cottage accommodatioon with all rooms en-suite and with wifi. Close to many amenities. A substantial breakfast is provided.

Sea Breeze Guest House

We are a Bed and Breakfast with views across Babbacombe Downs and the Jurassic coast. We offer large ensuite rooms, fabulous breakfasts and refreshments on our terrace.

Mercure Paignton

Experience the true English Riviera at Mercure Paignton Hotel, a seaside haven on Paignton seafront, your gateway to Devon's stunning coast and countryside. Enjoy sea-view rooms and unforgettable experiences.

Roadtrip Tavern

I have a loft space that is divided into 4 separate pods and is open plan like a dormitory and is specifically for SWCP Walkers.

Earlston House Hotel

A 9 room dog friendly B&B with excellent reviews, super views, very close to the South West Coast Path and a large hot tub to relax in.

Halekulani Devon

Halekulani Devon Homestay for discerning guests with spa, private use heated pool, tennis and pristine views.

The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

Camping at The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

Sea Tang Guest House

Friendly, family run guest house located a few steps form the sea with beautiful views across Torbay.

Berry Head Hotel Ltd

AA 4 star Hotel & Apartments with stunning sea views at the waters edge. Bistro & Restaurant, Indoor Pool on the Coastal Path.
You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Three Degrees West

Three Degrees West is a daytime cafe & takeaway on the stunning Oddicombe Beach in Babbacombe on the outskirts of Torquay. Inside & outside dining right beside the sea.

Harbour Light

Light-filled, rustic tavern with a terrace offering bay views, plus a menu of pub classics.

The Guardhouse Cafe

Home-made seasonal food, cream teas and delicious coffee, all served with a smile and stunning views from our cliff-top Napoleonic Fortress. Open all year.
What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

English Riviera Tourist Information Centre

Find all the information you need about accommodation, things to do and places to go to enjoy your visit to the English Riviera.

Shoalstone Seawater Pool

Shoalstone Seawater Pool is a great place to swim and paddle, and picnic on the green looking across the Bay. Shoals Café serves breakfasts, lunches and evening meals.

Interactive Elevation

Highlights

  • Watching the trawlers coming and going in Brixham harbour.
  • Enjoying the many fine rock formations that have led to this section of Coast being designated an Unesco Geopark. The geopark consists of 32 sites which between them cover 3 geological time periods and no less than 400 million years of earth history. Raised beaches and drowned forests tell of changing sea levels while the distinctive Torbay limestones are a record of coral-filled tropical seas. The South West Coast Path is the ideal way to view and discover much of the geopark as about three-quarters of the sites lie along its route. These include Babbacombe Cliff, Hope’s Nose, Berry Head, Sharkham Point and Walls Hill.
  • Fishcombe Cove: it was on this small, secluded shingle beach that William of Orange landed a crew of 20,000 men in 1688. A statue to him stands at Brixham Quay.
  • Exploring the rock pools on the long sandy beach of Broadsands. Look out for the steam trains crossing the viaduct. You may want to take a visit to the Seashore Centre where you can find out more about the local marine life. Entrance is free.
  • Playing the slots on a traditional seaside pier at Paignton. The pier, which is 780 ft (236 metres) long, was first opened to the public in 1879 and has hosted many forms of classic English seaside entertainment including the famous Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera HMS Pinafore.
  • Keeping a look out along the seafront for the commemorative plaques along Torquay’s Agatha Christie Mile. The famous crime writer was born in Torquay in 1890 and went on to base many of her books around the English Riviera.
  • The view from the 350 million-year-old Devonian limestone of Hopes Nose across to Thatcher’s Rock and the many nesting seabirds.
  • Walking through the woodland around Black Head.
  • Babbacombe: a small village in its own right, Babbacombe offers a quieter alternative to the bustle of Torquay. The pier, which was built in 1889, is often populated by fishermen. Views from Babbacombe Downs reach out across Lyme Bay to Dorset, and Portland Bill is even visible on clear days.
  • Walking from Babbacombe Downs to Oddicombe Beach and taking a ride on Babbacombe’s historic cliff railway.

Shorter option

Paignton (5.6 miles, 9.1 km).

Longer option

Continue to Maidencombe (an additional 3.1 miles, 5.1 km).

Public transport

The nearest train stations are Torquay and Paignton, from where you can catch buses to Brixham and Babbacombe. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train station and bus stop symbols, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Parking

Brixham, Churston Cove, Broadsands, Goodrington Sands, Paignton, Torquay and Babbacombe.

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