Walk - Brixham Breakwater

1.1 miles (1.8 km)

Brixham Harbour - TQ5 9AF Brixham Harbour

Easy - Predominantly level.

A gentle, predominantly level walk along the breakwater with panoramic views across the harbour and Torbay. There are two stretches of a gradient. The harbour edge does not have a handrail or barrier. There are toilets and plenty of car parking at the start or end of the walk. A cafe provides both refreshments and a panoramic view of Torbay.

To download our Access guide click here, where you can find additional mapping and photographs showing gradients, path surfaces and other detailed information such as parking and toilet provision.

Easy Access

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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.

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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Berry Head Hotel Ltd

01803853225

AA 4 star Hotel & Apartments with stunning sea views at the waters edge. Bistro & Restaurant, Indoor Pool on the Coastal Path.

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Brixham Holiday Park

01803853324

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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Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat

01803221255

Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat offers lodge holidays and lodge ownership in a fabulous location, adjacent to the South West Coast Path, just 1.5 miles from the coast and Brixham harbourzstunning

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South Bay Holiday Park

01803 853004

Set above the bustling town of Brixham, this lively holiday park has an action packed entertainment programme & childrens' adventure playground. Direct path to the delightful St Mary's Cove and the SW Coast Path. Range of chalets and caravans.

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Beverley Holidays

01803 843887

Award-winning holiday parks offering unforgettable camping, lodge and caravan holidays in Paignton at the heart of the English Riviera.

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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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Mercure Paignton

01803 229444

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.

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The Miggi

07447091133

Vegan, LGBTQ+ friendly, book-themed guesthouse, just 100m from Coast Path. Dogs very welcome. Cruelty-free, plastic-free toiletries. Big beautiful breakfasts included!

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Roadtrip Tavern

07954991583

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.

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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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Kingsholm Guesthouse

01803391760

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

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Dartside Holidays

01803 832093

Dartside Holidays offers riverfront apartments with views and parking—a perfect Dartmouth stop for South West Coast Path walkers

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Waterfront House

01803835654

We have been awarded gld in the best bed and breakfast in Devon and silver in the best bed and breakfast n the south west . Set in a breath taking spot on the harbour

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The Torcroft

01803 298292

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

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Eight Bells B&B

07813 803472

Variety of breakfasts with a stunning view. On waterfront, a few minutes from the Coast Path. 1 double, 1 family room. Both ensuite. Sleeps 6 max.

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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.

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The 25 Boutique B&B

01803 297517

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

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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.

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

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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Harbour Light

01803 229000

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

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Ebb & Flow

01803752335

An independently run cafe in Kingswear with a spectacular view! Serving breakfast from 8am and a range of homemade cakes and light lunches

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Kings Arms at Strete

01803 770027

Community pub on South West Coast Path with stunning views

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Bespoke Coffee Shop

01803 839035

Specialist coffee shop serving Voyager coffee, organic teas, single origin hot chocolates, sourdough toasties and locally sourced cakes and treats.

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Flapjackery Dartmouth

01822 258008

Stop off and treat yourself or stock up for your trip along the Path with these delicious, award winning, gluten free flapjacks in a variety of flavours.

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The Crab

01803 832998

Waterside Bar with superb views, open 7 days a week.. Selling excellent section of beers, wines and hot/cold drinks. Bring your own food invited.

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Salcombe Dairy Shop & Café, Dartmouth

01548843228

Our ice cream and bean to bar café is set in the beautiful coastal town of Dartmouth. It’s an irresistible spot for walkers in need of sustenance.

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Coastal Trail Cafe

01803 832093

Stop by Coastal Trail for refreshments and quality outdoor gear—ideal for South West Coast Path walkers seeking a quick break or essentials

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Dudley's Cafe

01803222294

Family run cafe. We are conviently located close by to the Lower Ferry and the South West Coast Path. Food and drink served all day from all menu's.

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Bayards Cove Inn

01803 839278

Just a stone's throw from Bayard's Cove, this historic 14th century inn offers an all day seasonal menu in its cafe bar and restaurant and seven luxurious rooms. A perfect base from which to explore Dartmouth and the Path.

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Dartmouth Castle Tearooms

01803 833897

A great pit stop on the coastal path at Dartmouth Castle. Stop off for a hot drink and snack. Enjoy on the outside terrace with excellent views of the mouth of the river.

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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.

Shoalstone Seawater Pool

01803302024

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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NCI Torbay

01803 411145

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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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Sea Kayak Devon

01803 362007

Experience Devon's stunning coastline by sea kayak. Let our guides take you on an unforgettable journey. Individuals, groups, families. No experience necessary.

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Discover Dartmouth at the Flavel Cafe

01803 839530

Lively arts cafe in centre of Dartmouth with information about things to, where to go and places to stay in the area. Or for more information on line please visit www.discoverdartmouth.com

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NCI Froward Point

01803 262173

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Route Description

Leave the car park - fee payable – and move the short distance from the car to the start of the walk. The ground is flat and tarmaced. The pathway is concreted along the whole of the walk.

To your left can be seen the Torbay Lifeboat Station. Brixham Lifeboat Station was opened in 1866 but since 1924 it has been known as 'Torbay'. The lifeboat station was granted the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Torbay on 29 April 1988. Since 2005 it has operated an all-weather lifeboat and an inshore lifeboat. For the period 1875 to 1923 Torquay also had a Lifeboat Station located at the 'Ladies Bathing Cove' (now known as Beacon Cove) close to the Imperial Hotel.

To your right is Breakwater Beach. It has won many awards, including the Breakwater Beach Blue Flag, Quality Coast Award, and is a Marine Conservation Society Good Beach Guide Recommended Beach.

There is a plaque commemorating the American servicemen who left here, from the slipway for the D-Day landing beaches in 1944. As part of the D-Day preparations, a concrete "hard" was built inside the breakwater down which tanks and other vehicles were embarked before the final departure at the end of May 1944. Shortly before this took place, two houses in Berry Head Road were demolished so that the US Army's largest transporters could turn into the assembly area. The occupants of the properties were given just a few days to leave. "Churchill Gardens" occupies the site today.

There are 2 gradients – the first is about 1 in 4 with a height gain of 5 metres.

The second gradient has a rise of about 1.5 metres in its 10-metre length.

There are metal, backless seats placed at regular intervals all along the walk. However, be careful to not go too near the edge as there is no handrail or barrier between you and the harbour water. There is a regular placement of lifebelts.

Towards the lighthouse, there are the remains of an abandoned pier. The Americans constructed the pier and slipway in WW2.

Brixham was subjected to a number of air attacks during World War 2. On 14 July 1940, a daylight raider dropped 4 bombs at Brixham and "sank a liner", according to the German News Agency. This was, actually, the coal hulk London City, which sank at her moorings. She was later refloated, only to be sunk a second time on 27th February 1941. On this occasion too, the German High Command reported a major success. During a raid in 1942, the London City was "sunk" for the third time.

During the war, over 1,000 small vessels were built or repaired at Upham's shipyard. The old Jackman's Yard on the north side of the Breakwater was also used for a while. The Central Diving School of HMS Vernon was relocated to Brixham and trained frogmen and other specialists for underwater operations in Europe and elsewhere.

The lighthouse at the end of the breakwater marks the necessity to turn around and go back to the start of the walk.

A lighthouse was established here in 1878 - the current one was built in 1916. It is 9 metres high, painted white and has a lantern and a gallery. For maintenance purposes, it is accessed via a small door on its side.

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