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.

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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 Clifton at Paignton

01803 556 545

Steve and Freda look forward to welcoming you to the Clifton, which is ideally located, just off the sea front. Around the corner from shops and stations. Within easy reach of Dartmoor.

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The Cleveland Bed and Breakfast

01803297522

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.

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Garway Lodge Guest House

01803 293126

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

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Haytor Hotel

01803 294708

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

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The Commodore

01803 553107

Beautiful, clean seafront 'Room Only' accommodation, with shared kitchen and living/dining room (Subject to COVID19 restrictions)

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Westbury Guest House

01803 851684

A 14th century Georgian Guest House with great charm and character. Short level walk from the harbour, pubs and restaurants.

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Brixham House

01803 853954

Lovely, friendly bed and breakfast approx 10 mins from swcp, fabulous breakfast, happy to accept 1 night bookings all year!

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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.

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.

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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.

Visiting Torquay’s coastal zoo Living Coasts, where you can get nose to beak with a penguin and have an underwater view of puffins hunting for fish. For admission details tel: 01803 202470.

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.