- Difficulty
- Easy
Moderate
- Start
- Brixham
- Finish
- Babbacombe
- Length
- 13.2 miles (21.2 km)
- Summary
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.
- 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.
- Nearest car park
Brixham, Churston Cove, Broadsands, Goodrington Sands, Paignton, Torquay and Babbacombe.
- Nearest toilets
Brixham harbour, Churston Cove, Broadsands, Goodrington Sands, Paignton seafront, Torquay harbour, Meadfoot Beach and Babbacombe.
- Nearest refreshments
You can buy locally produced food for a picnic at the beginning of the day in Brixham from The Brixham Deli on Fore Street and Tutti Fruitti on Bolton Street, where you will find a great selection of ice creams and patisserie. Further on, refreshments and a wide range of restaurants, shops, pubs and cafes are available throughout the Torbay resorts of Paignton and Torquay.
