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 Cary Arms Hotel & Spa

01803 327110

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.

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The Cleveland Bed & Breakfast

01803 297522

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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Kingsholm Guesthouse

01803 714539

A beautiful Edwardian house in Torquay. 200m to restaurants and 300m to harbour. No.22 bus, which runs from Dawlish Warren to Paignton, a few meters away

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The Osborne Apartments

01803 209600

Luxury self catering apartments nestled in the heart of the English Riviera with stunning sea views. Leisure facilities including tennis courts and indoor/outdoor pools

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Rose Court Holiday Apartments

01803 327203

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.

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Headland View Boutique B&B

01803 312612

Newly refurbished B&B, each room with fabulous comfortable bed and luxury ensuite. Full hot breakfast served in your room or if you have a sea-view room, on the balcony.

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Sea Breeze Guest House

01803 322429

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.

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Devon House Guest House

01803 528080

A lovely period Guesthouse with victorian features. 5 minutes walk to the Coast Path. Single night stays welcome.

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Le Chat Gris

Beautiful modern lodge in the heart of Marldon village, Devon.

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Brixham Holiday Park

01803 853324

Nestled just 150 yards from the nearest beach, Brixham Holiday Park boasts an idyllic setting in the breathtaking landscape of South Devon

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Sea Tang Guest House

01803 854651

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

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Smugglers Hotel & Restaurant

01803 853050

Family owned and run hotel with a rich smuggling past, steps away from Brixham Harbour. Perfect for hungry walkers. Live fire grill in the heart of the restaurant serving the very best SW beef & fish, served 7 days a week alongside a full Bar & Cocktails

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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.

Harvester Beacon Quay

01803380004

Family‑friendly waterfront restaurant in Torquay serving fresh grills, unlimited salad and classic British dishes with relaxed harbour‑side views

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Three Degrees West

01803 311202

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.

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Harbour Light

01803 229000

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

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Cafe Rio SUP & Kayak Hire

01803 317737

Our refurbished beach café, offers a great range of local fresh food, luxury ice cream, barista coffees, teas, cold drinks, cakes & snacks, perfect for breakfast or lunch

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Old Market House

01803 856891

Overlooking Brixham harbour and operating across two floors, our restaurant serves a delicious menu that showcases fresh, locally sourced food.

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The Guardhouse Cafe

01803 855778

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.

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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

01803 211211

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

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NCI Torbay

01803 411145

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Shoalstone Seawater Pool

01803 302024

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.

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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.

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.

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