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.

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

Rose Court are self contained holiday apartments set in a delightful Victorian villa 5 minutes from the South West Coastal Path

Rooms At Babbacombe

Rooms At Babbacombe offers stylish room only and B&B accommodation, as well as a stunning self-contained, self-catering holiday cottage.

Castle Retreats

Castle Annexe offers super-king or twin beds in a cosy, one dog friendly setting, nestled within historic St Marychurch.

Coastguard Cottage

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

The 25 Boutique B&B

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

Haytor Hotel

Elegant and welcoming Victorian villa, offering delicious breakfasts, a peaceful night's sleep. 4 mins walks from harbour and beach.

Parkdean Resorts Torquay Holiday Park

Just 15 minutes’ drive from the waterfront, Torquay Holiday Park has the perfect mix of on-park activities and accommodation choices .

The Osborne Apartments

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

The Clifton at Paignton

Steve and Freda look forward to welcoming you to the Clifton, which is ideally located, just off the sea front. Around the corner from shops and stations. Within easy reach of Dartmoor.

Clinmore House

Situated in the coastal town of Paignton, Clinmore House is a bed and breakfast comprising of four bedrooms (three doubles and one twin) and off street parking.

Longmeadow Farm Campsite & Self Catering Accommodation

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.

Earlston House Hotel

A 9 room dog friendly B&B with excellent reviews, super views, very close to the South West Coast Path and a large hot tub to relax in.

Farthings B&B

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

Brunswick House

Located in a quiet spot close to the Teignmouth to Shaldon Ferry, Brunswick House offers single, double and family rooms and a hearty, locally sourced breakfast.
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

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.

Harbour Light

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

Cafe ODE @ Ness Cove

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

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.

Interactive Elevation

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).

  1. Turn right out of the car park away from the crossroads, down Hampton Avenue. Follow the road round to the right.
  2. 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.

  1.  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.
  2.  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.

  1.  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.
  2.  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.
  3. 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.
  4.  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.
  5.  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.

Public transport

Bus stop next to the car park on Babbacombe Rd. No. 22 bus to the Strand Torquay with a regular service. Also No. 122 open top bus to Paignton in summer months.

Parking

Public  long stay car park at the start, managed by Torbay Council with ‘normal’ charges.  There are 2 disabled spaces.

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