Walk - Babbacombe to Exmouth

14.4 miles (23.2 km)

Babbacombe Exmouth

Easy - Strenuous at first and then easy

A truly varied walk awaits as you set off from the hustle and bustle of Torbay and pass into a more rural, rugged landscape which then leads to more urban areas ahead. The twisting Path between Torquay and Shaldon has several tiring ascents and descents as it passes through open fields and high, thick woodland before easing on the descent to the mouth of the Teign.

After a short ferry crossing you can enjoy easy walking along Teignmouth’s promenade, which offers a rest after the more strenuous stretches earlier in the day. The Path follows part of the National Cycle Network on the way to Dawlish Warren, which includes some road walking. Train enthusiasts will particularly enjoy this section. Take time to look out for the wildlife of Dawlish Warren’s National Nature Reserve before taking the second ferry crossing of the day over the Exe Estuary to Exmouth, where you can find a good cafe or restaurant for a well deserved rest.

Dogs on the coastpath

Report a problem

Safety advice

Printable map

Share this page:

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.

Deckchair And Dreams

07734056272

Self catering accommodation sleeping up to 6 people

Visit website

London Inn

01626 872453

Large modern double bedroom with luxury en-suite bathroom, situated above a beautiful Georgian coaching Inn. Minutes from the beach and amenities. Single Night Stays Welcome.

Visit website

Farthings B&B

01626 872860

Located on the edge of the beautiful village of Shaldon on the South Devon coast. Built in 1797 and still retaining its original character Free wi-fi. Hearty breakfasts

Visit website

Longmeadow Farm Campsite & Self Catering Accommodation

07800795532

Where the coast meets the country. Relaxed camping on a family farm, two shepherd's huts and three self catering cottages. Ideal for those exploring the Coast Path.

Visit website

The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

07805 894522

Camping at The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

Visit website

Halekulani Devon

07507853207

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

Visit website

Rose Court Holiday Apartments

01803327203

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.

Visit website

Sea Breeze Guest House

01803322429

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.

Visit website

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.

Visit website

Silverlands Guest House

01803292013

Guest House

Visit website

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.

Visit website

The Cimon

01803294454

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

Visit website

The Torcroft

01803 298292

The Torcroft is an award winning elegant Victorian villa, fully refurbished to a high standard, minutes from Torquay seafront & harbour.

Visit website

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.

Salty Dog Kiosk

07850 243 292

Relax in the sun where smugglers ran contraband off the beach into the night. Great coffee, proper scones & ice creams. 10am-4pm every day.

Visit website

Cafe ODE @ Ness Cove

01626 873427

Sustainable cafe located at Ness Cove. Family friendly food that doesn't cost the earth.

Visit website

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

Visit website

Daisy's Tea Room

07793209045

Traditional Tea Room serving tea, coffee, light lunches, cream teas and lots of cake!

Visit website

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.

Visit website

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.

Laura Wall Art & Illustration

01626774343

Award-winning art gallery and lifestyle store featuring coastal themed art and products by award-winning artist, Laura Wall.

Visit website

NCI Teignmouth

01626 772377

Visit website

Highlights

The views ahead from Babbacombe Downs to the classic red Devon sandstone cliffs edged by the South West Coast Path.

The historic cliff railway above Oddicombe Beach that runs during the summer.

The fantastic views across Babbacombe Bay from The Valley of the Rocks above Watcombe.

Looking out for cirl buntings in the carefully managed fields beyond the village of Maidencombe. Thanks to the restoration of hedgerows and the work of farmers, who leave their fields with winter stubble, these rare birds are returning to the Devon coast.

Walking round The Ness and enjoying the views to Shaldon, the Teign and East Devon and Dorset beyond.

Taking the foot ferry from Shaldon to Teignmouth. A ferry has operated here since the 13th century. Note the black and white pattern on the boats: a design which has been used for the past 300 years. If the ferry is not running you can take the fairly short journey over the bridge into Teignmouth.

Teignmouth: in this historic port and holiday town you can either watch the boats coming and going from one of the harbourside inns or head straight for the Victorian pier and the traditional seaside entertainment along the promenade. More facilities are to be found off route in the centre of town.

The Parson and Clerk Rocks at Holcombe Head: a curious legend tells of how an ambitious Dawlish priest and his clerk became lost during a storm after visiting the Bishop of Exeter. Needing a guide, the priest foolishly declared that ‘the devil himself’ would do and the pair were immediately greeted by a mysterious man who led them straight into the sea to their deaths. Look out for the Salty Dog kiosk.

Devon’s railway heritage: following the route of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s mainline, which passes through five impressive tunnels on its way round the coast.

Looking out for dolphins near the red rock stacks of Langstone Rock.

Taking the ferry from near Brunel’s ‘atmospheric railway’ pumping house at Starcross across the Exe Estuary to Exmouth.

Find somewhere to Eat & Drink, Sleep or Do