Walk - Babbacombe Downs and Walls Hill

1.7 miles (2.8 km)

St Marychurch carpark TQ1 3LA St Marychurch carpark

Easy - The full walk is made up of an easy flat tarmacked surface across Babbacombe Downs for the first half. The second half is a short steep walk up to Walls Hill which may be too difficult for some, but the reward is lovely open views across Lyme Bay and well worth the effort.

The full walk (3 miles) is made up of an easy flat tarmacked surface across Babbacombe Downs for the first half and on reaching the end the walker can turn back or sit and relax at one of the many eateries. The second half is a short steep walk up to Walls Hill which may be too difficult for some, but the reward is lovely open views across Lyme Bay and well worth the effort.
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.
Checked by Tino Savas, SWCPA Volunteer - July 2021.

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.

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.

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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.

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Coastguard Cottage

01803 311634

Small, cosy cottage accommodatioon with all rooms en-suite and with wifi. Close to many amenities. A substantial breakfast is provided.

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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 Cimon

01803294454

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

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Silverlands Guest House

01803292013

Guest House

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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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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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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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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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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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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 Osborne Apartments

01803 209600

Luxury self catering apartments nestled in the heart of the English Riviera with stunning sea views.

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Halekulani Devon

07507853207

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

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The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

07805 894522

Camping at The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm

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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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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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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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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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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.

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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

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Deckchair And Dreams

07734056272

Self catering accommodation sleeping up to 6 people

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The Thornhill

01626 773460

A warm welcome awaits you in our elegant Georgian building, situated on the seafront, comprising 10 comfortable well-appointed bedrooms, each furnished with flat-screen TV.

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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.

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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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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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 ODE @ Ness Cove

01626 873427

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

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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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Cockington Country Park

01803 520 022

Cockington Country Park is a beautiful mix of picturesque well-ordered garden landscapes, open parkland, rural countryside and substantial woodland.

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NCI Teignmouth

01626 772377

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Route Description

The Babbacombe Downs are the highest promenade in England and form a pleasant walk with wonderful views. Walls Hill is a limestone plateau on which there was an Iron Age fortification 2,500 years ago and later a limestone quarry. The area is an Ancient Monument and protected as a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Turn right out of the car park away from the crossroads, down Hampton Avenue. Follow the road round to the right.

Walk past the café and Cliff Railway on your left, and onto Babbacombe Downs.

This is the highest promenade in the UK, with excellent views down to Oddicombe Beach and along to Teignmouth and Dawlish. Walk past the famous Babbacombe Theatre, once owned by Max Bygraves and follow the road round to the right.

Turn left at the Divers Arms pub up Walls Hill Rd. Walk through the car park and onto the grass path on the left-hand side.

Walk down the big dip, past the cricket club on the left, and up the other side on the path through the trees. This part of the walk is up a steep grass hill and is graded Level 2.

Alternative path if wet: Adjacent to the car park, walk along the road and behind the cricket club onto the bumpy stone path which then becomes grass. Access to the path is to the side of a gate which has a 1 metre wide access, but has some large stones in the path. This part of the walk is Level 2 with 50 metres of Level 3.

Once on the grass path across the open Walls Hill, take the left-hand side which takes you nearer the sea. Past the shelter, and follow the perimeter fence around the headland.

From this point there are great views on a clear day across Lyme Bay to Exmouth, East Devon and on to Dorset. On the cliff side of the fence, you can see lots of rare wild flowers and plants at different times of the year, such as Small Hare’s Ear, Goldilocks Aster, Nit Grass, Little Robin and Early Meadow Grass.

Go to the far corner of the open downs to the start of a narrow path. A steep path and steps follow so go no further. Turn around and retrace your steps across Walls Hill, but this time towards the left-hand side through the trees.

At this point above the cricket square (in summer) at the bottom of a big dip, move right towards the cricket club for a less steep descent, though still a short Level 2 hill. Alternatively retrace your steps on the right-hand side and back down the stony path.

Walk back through the car park, turn right at the end of the road and back across Babbacombe Downs to the starting point. Here you will find lots of cafes, tea rooms and pubs.

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