If You Would Like to Take Part in the Walk, the Details Have Been Provided Below, So Please Come Along and Join In

If you would like to take part in the walk, the details have been provided below, so please come along and join in.

We will be making a prompt 7.30am start from Kingswear.

(Please note: other than the starting point from Kingswear, the leaving times from Brixham, Paignton and Babbacombe are estimates).

Saturday 7th April 2018

Total Distance: 26.4 miles (divided into four legs)

Starting point: Kingswear

Depart 7:30am Kingswear – Brixham (11 miles)

Depart 12:30pm Brixham – Paignton (6 miles)

Depart 3:00pm Paignton – Babbacombe (7.5 miles)

Depart 6:00pm Babbacombe – Watcombe Beach (1.9 miles)

Finishing point: Watcombe Beach

The timings above are approximate and hopefully at each point I will be ahead of schedule.

This will allow me to take any necessary breaks, so if you wished to take part in a single leg of the walk please arrive 30 minutes before the time stated above. All maps are included, and have been provided by South West Coastal Paths and include a variety of information.

For your own copies of maps they are available for £2 each from www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

How to join

If you require any further information please contact: [email protected]

Exploring The South West Coast Path

Man Sands and Sharkham Point Exmouth  Dawlish  Walk 54 Teignmouth  Dartmouth & Babbacombe  Kingswear Paignton  to

Brixham  Brixham Dartmouth Kingswear

Torcross Dave Westcott   Salcombe

Practical Details

In this guide, the black boxes are walking instructions in the Kingswear to Brixham direction, and the red boxes are walking instructions in the Brixham to Kingswear direction. Background information is in green boxes.

Parts of the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path sometimes need repair and maintenance. Occasionally there is a cliff fall which results in a diversion from the described route. Always follow the diversions, which are well signed. A good tip before you set off is to check the up to date information about the Coast Path with the South West Coast Path Association, using their website given at the end of this leaflet.

The South West Coast Path Guide suggests that Walk 54 is from Dartmouth to Brixham. From a practical point of view, Kingswear makes a better starting / finishing point. The parking is easier and there is a regular bus service from Brixham to Kingswear.

Refreshments: Kingswear, inland at Coleton Fishacre (NT opening), Berry Head and Brixham.

Toilets: Kingswear, inland at Coleton Fishacre (NT opening), Berry Head and Brixham.

Parking: Kingswear (large car park by the marina), Berry Head, Brixham, (and Brixham Park and Ride).

Bus: Stagecoach No. 18 / 18A bus connects Kingswear and Brixham every half hour, hourly on Sundays.

Kingswear to Brixham Park at Kingswear and follow the Coast Path to Brixham. From the harbour, walk up The Strand and then Fore Street. Turn right towards a large car park, toilets, and the bus terminus. Catch the No. 18 / 18A bus to Kingswear. Brixham to Kingswear Park at Kingswear and catch the No. 18 / 18A bus to Brixham. The bus stop is by the large turning circle (called Kingswear Banjo) before the road narrows as it descends to the ferry. Return by walking from Brixham to Kingswear. Alternative Use one of the car parks in the Paignton / Goodrington area as a base. It is then possible to get a bus to and from Brixham (No. 12, every 10 minutes) or Kingswear (No. 120, hourly but not Sundays).

Length: Almost 11 miles. About 5 - 6 hours. Difficulty: Strenuous.

Exploring Kingswear

Kingswear is a small town, often overshadowed by its larger neighbour, Dartmouth. However, there is a delightful creek to have a picnic beside – when the tide is in.

The railway came to Kingswear in 1864 and the train station is the terminus of the Paignton to Kingswear steam railway.

You can watch the trains arriving from the footbridge and the station itself is worth a visit. Coal was imported here and taken by rail to the ‘gas works’ at Torquay and the power station which was at Newton Abbot during the first half of the 20th century.

There are several commemorative plaques on the wall by the ferry slipway giving you a flavour of the history of Kingswear and Dartmouth. (Be careful of the vehicles using the ferry itself).

The river was the base for the recovery of secret agents and allied airmen from France during the Second World War. The large building next to the station was the Royal Dart Hotel. The Royal Dart became ‘HMS Cicala’ from where these clandestine operations were organised.

‘Brookhill’ (circa 1820) is a large house you pass along the Coast Path from Kingswear. It was used as a base for the Free French Navy during WW 2. Philippe de Gaulle, the son of General de Gaulle (the Free French Forces leader) was stationed at Kingswear du ring the war.

Lieutenant Colonel H Jones of the Parachute Regiment,1 was a resident of Kingswear. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry during the Falkland Conflict in 1982 and is remembered both by a plaque by the slipway and at Warren Woods.

Waterhead Creek The Royal Dart

Kingswear to Warren Woods (0.9 miles)

The path begins from the ferry slipway – just below the railway station. Go through the arch by the toilets and climb Alma Steps by Kingswear Priory. (It says ‘Coast Path Brixham 10ml’). It is unlikely that there was a priory here; however, the church had connections with Totnes Priory in the 12th century and it could have possibly been the home of a monk at one time. It is now a private house. The church, with a typically Norman tower (used as a lookout), is set inland to guard against raids from the sea. You reach Beacon Road and then turn right.

Walk along Beacon Road gradually climbing until it joins with Castle Road – a minor road. Follow this road for just over ½ mile, passing ‘Brookhill’ on the right. The road curves left inland with the Coast

Path signed ‘Froward Point 1 ¼ m’ down steps on the right at Warren Woods. Notice the commemorative plaque to Lieutenant Colonel H Jones who died in the Falklands War.

Go down 65 steps, then across the track that leads to Kingswear Castle (private), followed by 88 more steps to reach Mill Bay Cove with a disused castellated mill. The path turns right at a minor road then left opposite the ruined mill, to climb steps at SX 894503 ‘Warren Cottage’.

Coleton Camp refers to the P Scabbacombe Paignton to WW 2 installations which were (NT) Sands Bench Kingswear Steam around here. The radar unit (Pebbles) Railway was dismantled in the 1950s. FP FP & Bus P (NT) Waterhead Creek Bench Stop Brownstone Coleton Camp car park (NT)

P FP at SX 921511 Path follows a narrow Kingswear Scabbacombe Head Bench  road from Kingswear P to the start of Warren Coleton Woods Fishacre (NT) Priory Post at & WC FP at 894503 SX 918508 Brookhill Warren Cottage Ivy Cove

Gommerock Fort Military Daymark Road Pudcombe Cove Kingswear FB & (Bench & Viewpoint) Dartmouth Castle Mill Bay Gate & Bench Cove Bench Post at Kelly’s Cove SX 909499

Newfoundland Old Mill Bay Cove Outer Froward Point Bench & Inner Froward Mew ½ mile Viewpoint Point Stone

Kingswear Castle (from Dartmouth) Dartmouth Castle from Beacon Road

Daymark inland from Froward Point Mill at Mill Bay Cove and Coast Path 3 Kingswear Castle

The castle was built between 1491 and 1502 and together with Dartmouth Castle served to protect the river. Although it was used initially, with advances in military tactics and gunners it fell out of use and was in ruins until it was rescued in 1855 by Charles Seale-Hayne for his summer residence. Seale- Hayne endowed an agricultural college at Newton Abbot which ran until 2005. The castle now belongs to the Landmark Trust as a holiday cottage (sleeping 4). Nearby at Gommerock Fort a chain was anchored and stretched across the estuary to protect the harbour.

Warren Woods to Froward Point (1.3 miles)

The path through the woods (largely Monterey Pines) is fairly level with one or two glimpses across to Dartmouth. Eventually you emerge from the woods above Newfoundland Cove (no access) with a good bench on the other side of the cove.

The path goes down, then along before climbing to reach Inner Froward Point, Higher Brownstone

Battery and a National Coastwatch Institution station, as well as an exhibition area in part of the old battery buildings.

From here there are two options, but before you set off follow the track inland towards the car park to see the 25 metre high Daymark, a navigation aid built in 1864.

1. The Coast Path goes down steps on the right (west) side of the Coastwatch station and makes its way through the WW 2 battery and eventually curving left to pass searchlight emplacements almost at sea level overlooking the Mew Stone. Just before the second searchlight emplacement (at a post SX 902495) the path turns up to climb steadily to reach the higher path onward towards Pudcombe Cove.

2. The higher path inland climbs away from the coast towards Higher Brownstone car park. A short distance up the track there is a finger post on the right ‘Link to Coast Path Brixham 8 ½ m’. Follow this path to join with the lower path coming up from the search light emplacements.

At Froward Point – in front of Coastwatch Lower Coast Path at Froward Point

The Daymark

Inland from the battery is the Daymark - a hollow stone structure built in 1864 by the Dart Harbour Commissioners as a daytime navigational aid. It is still in use today by local boats.

4 Brownstone Battery

During WW 2 there were several military installations in this area including an experimental radar station and a large gun battery. The Higher Brownstone Battery (named after a local farm) was built in 1942 as part of Britain’s coastal defence. It once housed two searchlights and two guns and 230 soldiers. The remains of a small railway from the ammunition store to a gun emplacement can be seen. Searchlight Emplacement

Pudcombe Cove to Kingswear (3.4 miles)

The path now meanders its way down and up to Outer Froward Point and then Inner Froward Point with a couple more seats to give you a breather. As you approach Inner Froward Point you reach a broad grassy area with good sea views. Here there is a choice of routes.

To the left, the Coast Path drops to sea level and passes a searchlight emplacement of the WW 2 Brownstone Battery, before climbing via steps to the National Coastwatch Institution lookout which was once also part of the Brownstone Battery.

Instead of dropping to sea level, you could continue straight on to meet a ‘road’ by a finger post that tells you it’s ‘8 ½ miles to Brixham’; turning left here takes you down to the Coastwatch building. Turning right takes you towards the Higher Brownstone car park and passes the Daymark.

From Inner Froward Point the path passes another WW 2 building (on your left) before a down and up to reach a bench with views over Newfoundland Cove. You soon pass another bench before entering some woods – ‘The Warren’.

After a while you descend 86 steps to reach Mill Bay cove before climbing 88 steps to a track (to Kingswear Castle – Private) and then another 65 steps to a narrow road. Notice the memorial plaque to Lieutenant Colonel H Jones at the top.

Turn left here, and follow the road into Kingswear. When you come to a fork always bear left – it is well signed. Eventually you descend Alma Steps and reach the slipway of the Kingswear to Dartmouth Ferry.

Outer Froward Point Pudcombe Cove 5

Coleton Fishacre & Pudcombe Cove

Coleton Fishacre is a delightful art deco house, owned by the National Trust, and was once the home of the D’Oyly Carte Family.

The story goes that Lady Dorothy D’Oyle

Carte was sailing past in the family yacht and

happened to notice this valley. She and her husband, Rupert, had the house built between 1922 and 1926. Coleton Fishacre Gardens

Rupert was the son of Richard D’Oyly Carte who was a very successful businessman and the owner of the Savoy and Claridges Hotels in London.

He was also a great supporter of Gilbert and

Sullivan and their works are often known as

the ‘Savoy Operas’, first performed at the Savoy theatre.

At Pudcombe Cove you may be able to see the remains of a tidal swimming pool

Coleton Fishacre belonging to the D’Oyly Carte family.

Scabbacombe Sands and beyond towards Berry Head The Mew Stone from Coleton Fishacre Gardens

The Mew Stone (largest) Shooter Rock (medium one) and Shag Stone (the middle Scabbacombe Head one) are great nesting sites. 6

Froward Point to Scabbacombe Sands (2.9 miles)

After a short while the Coast Path bears right and then passes around Outer Froward Point and continues on close to the coast. However there is a higher inland route that cuts across the headland. Both routes meet by a small stream and bench above Old Mill Bay.

You pass a post (at SX 909499 ‘Kelly’s Cove’) and after 550 yards you reach an inland path up some steps signed ‘Car Parks’ before reaching some trees. Descend to a viewpoint over Pudcombe Cove with the NT property of Coleton Fishacre inland through a gate a little further along. Coleton Fishacre is definitely worth a visit in spring / early summer.

At Pudcombe Cove the Coast Path crosses a small stream and bears right to reach a gate. Just before the gate is a bench with a view over the tidal swimming pool in the cove below. The path continues (past a path inland to ‘Coleton Camp – parking’ at SX 918508) and after a further ½ mile you reach a finger post at SX 921511 just before Scabbacombe Head.

Follow the Coast Path ‘down’ towards the coast and towards Scabbacombe Head. (The ‘straight on’ path takes you inland to Coleton Camp).

Once round Scabbacombe Head you pass a finger post and another path inland to Coleton Camp and then turn right (by a bench) and descend steeply to Scabbacombe Sands.

Scabbacombe Sands to Pudcombe Cove (1.7 miles)

The climb up from Scabbacombe Sands is steep, but as the Coast Path turns left (seaward) there is a bench to enjoy the view. The path passes a finger post pointing inland to ‘Coleton Camp car park’ and then curves around Scabbacombe Head. You climb by a zig-zag path to reach a finger post at SX 921511 at ‘Scabbacombe Head ‘ – there is a seat half way up under a tree.

The finger post at the top indicates a link back to Coleton Camp. The Coast Path continues and after a further ½ mile you pass another path inland to Coleton Camp car park.

As you approach Pudcombe Cove through a gate there is a viewpoint over the cove – notice the tidal swimming pool. Just past the viewpoint, you meet the path from the National Trust gardens at Coleton Fishacre.

Turn left and continue to another viewpoint with seats before climbing up out of the trees to meet a gate. Just past is a stone seat and a little further on is an inland path to ‘Car Parks’.

Scabbacombe Sands Long Sands from the Coast Path 7 Coast Path Southdown Cliff Man Sands Sharkham Point

Man Sands from above Crabrock Point

Scabbacombe Sands to Man Sands (1.2 miles) Southdown Cliff

As you cross the footbridge at Sharkham Scabbacombe Sands there is a path Post Point on the right to the beach, but the Kingswear 6 miles Coast Path continues through a gate, on the left, just before the Man Lime Kiln ‘Woodhuish’ NT sign. Sands White Cottages Crabrock Point It climbs to the cliffs above Long P (NT) at Sands, passing a path to parking at 5 bar gate at Scabbacombe SX922530 Scabbacombe Lane, and continues Lane Southdown Cliff Crabrock Point on a fairly level path until it descends around the back of Seat Crabrock Point to Man Sands, about ¾ hour from Scabbacombe Long Sands FB Sands. Scabbacombe Sands

As you approach Man Sands you ½ mile pass behind some white cottages Seat (former coastguard cottages – now Scabbacombe Head holiday cottages).

Go through a gate in a wall, turn left then right and then descend some steps to reach the beach by a lime kiln.

Cross the beach at Man Sands and begin the steep climb to Southdown Cliff – the steepest climb of the route.

The path levels out before there is a steep zig-zag section down to the fairly level approach at Sharkham Point- ¾ hour from Man Sands. There are lots of paths around Sharkham Point – the Coast Path keeps close to the edge.

Man Sands Coast Path on Southdown Cliff Sharkham Point to Scabbacombe Sands (2.5 miles)

From Sharkham Point the walk now gets tough. Once through the kissing gate (and past the NT sign) bear left – closest to the coast.

Eventually the path climbs steeply, a zig-zag path to the top of Southdown Cliff. Then you descend steeply to Man Sands, with a lime kiln at the west end of the beach and former coastguard cottages above. The good news from the post on the beach is that Kingswear is 6 miles.

Now the path climbs some steps to the right of the lime kiln and reaches a track (to the cottages). Turn left, then quickly right up steps and through a gate in a wall. Continue up a field through a field gate in a stone wall.

Head straight up the slope in front of you (ignoring the paths to the left) to reach a five bar gate at SX 922530. The path continues up and eventually levels out above Long Sands.

Another steep descent takes you down to the footbridge at Scabbacombe Sands (with a path to the beach). From the footbridge it’s a steep climb up to a seat before the path turns left.

Sharkham Point to St Mary’s Bay (0.4 miles)

Walk around Sharkham Point following the coast until you pass a seat on the right just before a kissing gate. After the kissing gate turn right along a rough track above St Mary’s Bay. Follow the path around St Mary’s Bay avoiding paths off to the caravan site.

Towards Man Sands from Southdown Cliff 9

St Mary’s Bay to Berry Head (1.5 miles)

As you enter the Berry Head National Nature keep right (close to the coast) until you reach South Fort, one of two Napoleonic Forts built between 1795 and 1806. Walk left, inland around the walls to the entrance to the fort – worth a visit.

Follow the path keeping right towards the coast until you meet the tarmac track going right into North Fort and straight on for Brixham (by a finger post SX 941564 ‘Berry Head’). To visit Berry Head, and the lighthouse, walk through the entrance to North Fort, past the Guard House (Cafe) and on to the lighthouse. To continue to Brixham, return to the entrance to the North Fort.

St Mary’s Bay St Mary’s Bay - Carving Rocket Post & Sharkham Point (The Rocket Post was replaced in 2015)

Berry Head

Coast Path

Berry Head Lighthouse Entrance to North Fort

Guard House (Café) North Fort 10 FP at Berry Head Berry Head SX 941546 Shoalstone Hotel Pool Breakwater The limestone headland of Beach Seats with Berry Berry Head is a National amazing views Head Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Over 500 species of plants P & including orchid and WC Country Park Guard House Goldilocks Asters are found P & WC Cafe here. Also, bats, guillemots, fulmars, terns, pipits and North Fort shearwater are just a few of

Brixham the birds that can be seen. Holiday South Fort Camp Originally there was an Iron Age Hill Fort here, but the fortifications you can see Berry Head Lighthouse were constructed between 1795 and 1806 to protect The lighthouse is said to be Torbay against attack during both the highest and St Mary’s Bay lowest in the country. the Napoleonic Wars. Highest because it is on top of a 200 ft cliff (most are at The North Fort is largely sea level) and lowest as it is Sharkham complete with its powder short and squat (any higher Point magazine, guard room and and it would be too Several seats frequently obscured by most of the fortifications. offering you mist and fog). Lots of the South Fort is in views in both directions ruin and a bit overgrown. ½ mile The stone for the fortifications came from the

Berry Head Hotel (now disused) quarry on the west side of the headland.

The hotel was built about 1803 as a military hospital for the The lighthouse was built in forts at Berry Head. In the 1820s it became the home of Rev 1906 and has a range of Henry Francis Lyte, the vicar of All Saints Church Brixham. about 19 miles. From Berry He wrote many hymns including ‘Praise my Soul the King of Head you can see 700 square Heaven’ and his most famous ‘Abide With Me’ which was miles of sea. written in the hotel grounds. As well as being reported to have been played at the sinking of the Titanic, it has been played at the FA cup final since 1927 when it replaced Irving

Berlin’s song ‘Alexander’s Rag Time Band’.

The house remained in the family until 1949 when it was converted into a hotel.

Berry Head Hotel

Berry Head to Brixham (1.4 miles)

From the entrance to North Fort follow the Coast Path (initially a tarmac surface) until the tarmac road curves right; here turn left to follow the path through trees to reach Berry Head Road. Turn right past the Berry Head Hotel and follow the road as it curves left to reach a car park on the right. Go through the car park to join a tarmac path by the Shoalstone outdoor pool.

This path joins Berry Head Road once more where you turn right. Just past a small grass area with trees there are some steps down to Breakwater Beach. Cross the beach and follow the marina and harbour into Brixham.

From Berry Head you can see 700 square miles of sea

Brixham to Sharkham Point (3.3 miles)

From Brixham Harbour walk to the right and keep walking until you reach the marina and a long breakwater. A finger post here directs you up the slope to the road, but if the tide is low continue on through the car park to meet Breakwater Beach (cafe). Cross the beach and climb some steps to reach the road by a grassy area and seats on your left.

Turn left here and walk along the road a short distance to a house called ‘Ladycliffe’ opposite the

‘Rockberry Holiday Flats’. Here turn left and follow the coast to reach Shoalstone open air pool (P & WC). Leave the top left corner of the car park and follow the road past the Berry Head Hotel where just after, on the left is a kissing gate and path (& sign) leading up to Berry Head Country Park. The path climbs through trees and eventually emerges by some seats with amazing views over Torbay.

Continue along a tarmac road to reach a finger post at SX 941564 pointing out towards Berry Head. Exploring the forts and Berry Head itself is well worth doing and will take you an hour or so.

After the finger post cross the grass (not along the tarmac road) to reach a path opposite between low hedges. This path makes its way to South Fort (passing close to the car park and toilets) but just before the wooden footbridge across the moat into South Fort you need to turn right and walk around the fort. South Fort is worth a visit, but there is no way through.

Now head left to reach a path close to the coast and continue on as the path winds its way around the Holiday Camp (avoiding any paths that lead into the camp) to reach above St Mary’s Bay where there are some steps leading down to the beach and a great wooden carving of St Mary!

Soon after the carving the path goes sharply left through a kissing gate (with a seat beyond) onto the area of Sharkham Point. After a short while you reach Sharkham Point itself.

Brixham

Brixham was once the home of one of the largest fishing fleets in England and it still retains a large fishing fleet today. In the harbour is a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s ship the Golden Hind which was built for a television series in 1963. Sir Francis Drake was the first person to circumnavigate the globe in the Golden Hind from 1577 to 1580.

Brixham Harbour Brixham Harbour – The Golden Hind Ideas for Shorter Walks

1. Kingswear to Froward Point (Half Day) Park at Kingswear and follow the Coast Path to Froward Point – 2 miles one way. Explore Brownstone Battery. Return the same way. The path is steep in and out of Mill Bay Cove. No toilets after Kingswear.

Alternatively At Froward Point go inland past the Daymark to Higher Brownstone Farm and then follow a footpath left back to the Coast Path close to Kingswear Castle.

2. Coleton Fishacre (lots of walks from NT car parks nearby).

Spend half a day exploring the NT property – excellent. Half Day walking. Walk down to Pudcombe Cove and turn right (west) and follow the Coast Path to Froward Point and the Brownstone Battery (1 ½ miles) . Return the same way or walk up the military road, passing the Daymark, to reach Higher Brownstone car park. Walk along the road to the entrance to Coleton Fishacre.

3. Park at Berry Head Explore the forts and the Country Park.  Walk to Sharkham Point and back (about 1 hour each way - level).  Walk to Brixham and back (about ¾ hour each way).

Additional Information

Brixham 487.5 142.5 South Haven Minehead Point 476.7 153.3 Dartmouth Distance shown are in miles 13

About these Guides Key to the Maps

SW Coast Path This is walk number 54 of the 71 walks that cover the South West Coast Path from Minehead on the Other Footpaths edge of Exmoor, to South Haven Point at the entrance to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Roads

The maps are not road maps although some roads Very minor roads are shown in brown. The maps show the Coast KG Kissing Gate

Path (in red) with some linking footpaths (dotted red), but circular walks are not generally shown. FP Finger Post Although the maps are not drawn to scale, some approximate idea of scale is given on each map. FB Footbridge Brief suggestions for shorter walks are given although the instructions are not comprehensive. NT National Trust

South West Coast Path Association

The South West Coast Path Association has, since 1973, been working on behalf of all users of the

Coast Path, be they long distance walkers or afternoon strollers. It is in no small way the result of our efforts that the 630 mile long Coast Path is the superb experience it is today.

Management of the Coast Path is the responsibility of Natural England, Devon and Dorset County Councils, Cornwall Council, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and the National Trust. The Association thanks them for their work in maintaining the route.

Caution: Please remember that much of the route is on cliff tops. Those who manage the Coast

Path want to keep it safe for everyone, so please do not leave the path at any point to the seaward side. In some places cliff tops can be unstable and dangerous for the unwary.

Dogs: It has been known for dogs to go over the cliff edge. Please keep your dog under control.

Information included in this booklet is believed to be accurate and is given in good faith. Advice given however, should not over-ride your personal decisions which should be taken into account regarding the state of the weather and your own capabilities.

In no event shall the South West Coast Path Association be liable for any personal injury or loss suffered as a result of using this publication.

This booklet is one in the series of 71 published by the South West Coast Path Association. For membership information plus other publications and mementos, please see our website at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Love the South West Coast Path? Help us look after it by becoming a member

Land’s End and working back up the south Cornish coastline, through pretty fishing villages and past distant tin mines, south Devon resorts and onto the Jurassic coast, ending in Dorset.

It costs roughly £1,000 for every mile of this glorious Path to keep it open, safe and clearly signed, we’re asking for your support to help us look after and love the Path.

Whether you use it to walk the dog, have family picnics, to escape on holiday for some fresh sea air or enjoy it as a serious walker, if you love it, please help us protect it.

If you love walking the Path, please think about supporting us to improve and promote it. By becoming a member, you are helping us conserve every mile you experienced. Full details are online at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk or by telephoning us on 01752 896237.

We receive funding from a number of sources and a large portion of this is raised through events, challenges and fundraising. With your support we can continue to make the South West Coast Path the nation’s favourite for generations.

Other Resources Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL20 ‘South Devon’ . Croyde Walking Map ‘Dartmouth’. Excellent, and easy to follow. www.croydecycle.co.uk ‘Walks, wildlife and History – Dartmouth and Kingswear’ – Circular Walks. National Trust. A-Z Adventure South West Coast Path No. 4 ‘South Devon’.

Other Internet Links Stagecoach Bus No. 18 / 18A http://www.torbaybusroutes.co.uk/buses.php

Acknowledgements Steve Church and the South West Coast Path Association for checking the instructions and additional material. November 2016

www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Drive Registered Charity Number: 266754 15

Exploring The South West Coast Path

Torbay from Waterside

Exmouth 

Dawlish  Teignmouth  Walk 55 – Part 1

Babbacombe  Brixham Paignton  to

Brixham  Paignton Dartmouth Kingswear

Torcross  Dave Westcott  Salcombe

Practical Details

In this guide, the black boxes are walking instructions in the Brixham to Paignton direction, and the red boxes are walking instructions in the Paignton to Brixham direction. Background information is in green boxes.

This is the first part of Walk 55, an almost 13 mile walk from Brixham to Babbacombe. Making two shorter walks is very easy although it could easily be completed in one walk as it is not very strenuous and a lot of the walk is along pavements. The remainder of the walk is described in a separate booklet, Walk 55 – Part 2, Paignton to Babbacombe.

Refreshments: Brixham, Broadsands (seasonal), Goodrington, and Paignton.

Toilets: Brixham, Broadsands (seasonal), Goodrington (seasonal) and Paignton.

Parking: Brixham, Broadsands, Goodrington and Paignton.

Bus: A regular bus service (Stagecoach No. 12) runs between Paignton and Brixham. The bus leaves Paignton from the bus station which is along Torbay Road off the sea front, by the train station. In Brixham, the bus terminus is in the car park behind the harbour between Middle Street and Fore Street. Alternatively you can park in one of the car parks in the Goodrington area and catch the No. 12 bus to either Paignton or Brixham which runs along the Dartmouth Road (A 379).

Length: 5 to 6 miles. 3 to 4 hours depending on how long you sit and enjoy the views.

Difficulty: Easy / Moderate.

Brixham Harbour - Golden Hind Brixham – New Fish Market

Brixham

Ships, sailing, smuggling and fishing have been associated with Brixham from the time of the

Vikings. It is an ancient fishing port and was an important boat building centre. Today it retains a

large fishing fleet and has an impressive new Fish Market which was opened in 2009.

1 From Brixham and Berry Head it would have been possible to see the events surrounding the

Spanish Armada in 1588 and from here some of the landing craft left for the D Day landings in 1944.

Before the Armada, Sir Francis Drake became the first man to circumnavigate the globe in the ‘Golden Hind’ between 1577 and 1580. The replica in the harbour is great to explore especially with children.

William of Orange

Charles II died in 1685 and his brother became King James II. James was a committed Catholic, and was king from 1685 to 1688.

He was keen to restore the Catholic faith in England. (Henry VIII had established himself as Head of The Church of England in 1534)

This was not popular with the country or with

Parliament, so a group of ministers made an approach to the Dutch William, Prince of Orange who was married to James II's daughter Mary.

William was also the grandson of Charles I, as his mother was Charles's eldest daughter, who had married the Dutch Prince of Orange*. Brixham – William of Orange

Although born in the Netherlands, William therefore had two claims to the English throne, through his wife and his mother, both Protestants, as was he.

In 1688 William III landed at Brixham on 5 November, in 463 ships and with a large army. He moved on to Exeter and later London where he succeeded in becoming King William III of England.

This was the last successful invasion of England and known as ‘The Glorious Revolution’. William III and Mary II were crowned King William III and Queen Mary II in 1689. James II fled to France.

[*Orange came from the town in southern France, originally a principality, which passed in the 16th century to an ancestor who became the father of the modern Dutch kingdom.}

Brixham to Fishcombe Cove (0.75 miles)

The Coast Path leaves from the left hand side of the harbour and goes along to the left in front of Crab Quay House. Soon you pass a car park on the left (Oxen Cove), and then a large building on the left. This was the former Astra Zeneca Environmental Laboratory now part of Plymouth University.

The steps lead up into Battery Gardens – a Second World Ward gun battery with a contingent of 150 during the war.

The lower path takes you down into Fishcombe Cove whilst the higher path takes you to Fishcombe

Road leading down towards the Brixham Battery Heritage Centre. (Worth a visit – but limited opening)

2 ½ mile

Churston Cove Elberry Cove Fishcombe Cove

The Golf Grove Course Marina Harbour  Brixham Battery Battery Heritage Centre Gardens P Berry Head Churston Plymouth Court Churston University Building ‘Golden Hind’ & Ferrers William of Orange Statue N0. 12 Bus Stop Brixham

Battery Gardens

Battery Gardens was a WW 2 Gun Battery built in 1940. Much of the history of the Battery is on display in the Heritage Centre (occasional opening). As well as an excellent Heritage Centre there are tunnels, gun emplacements, observation posts etc. to explore. There are several paths through the battery – from one end (up the steps after) to the other (the top of Fishcombe Cove by The Heritage Centre. See:- http://www.brixhambatteryheritagegroup.co.uk/ for opening times.

Brixham Leaving Brixham

Fishcombe Cove to Churston Cove (0.15 miles)

From the top of Fishcombe Cove (by the Brixham

Battery Heritage Centre) the Coast Path climbs between stone walls to reach a finger post and a metal kissing gate as you enter woods ‘The Grove’. The finger post points inland to ‘Greenway’, and right to ‘Paignton 4 ½ m’.

Go right and follow the Coast Path carefully as it descends into Churston Cove.

Battery Gardens 3 Battery Gardens Fishcombe Cove & Churston Cove

Battery Heritage Centre

Churston Cove to Elberry Cove (1.1 miles)

From Churston Cove the path climbs some steps and becomes a bit of a scramble before it reaches a viewpoint (on the right).

After a short while the path turns right and continues through woods to descend into Elberry Cove – about 30 minutes of steady walking.

Before Elberry Cove you pass through a set of

gate posts – possibly the boundary of the Churston Cove Churston Estate, who were once the owners of Elberry Cove to Broadsands (0.6 miles) the Bathing House in Elberry Cove.

The Coast Path leaves Elberry Cove and bears Cross the top of the stony beach at Elberry right and then through a metal kissing gate to Cove to the far side. follow close to the sea around a large grassy area with plenty of seats. Go through another metal kissing gate and on in to Broadsands.

Bathing House Elberry Cove

Elberry Cove

4 Elberry Cove

Elberry Cove is a quiet beach and one often used by Agatha Christie who lived at Greenway about 1 ½ miles inland. She even used this beach in one of her novels – ‘The ABC Murders’ investigated by Hercule Poirot. In the story Poirot arrives at Churston Station to investigate the third murder, Sir Carmichael Clarke who was killed as he took his evening walk on the Coast Path at Elberry Cove near Churston.

The Bathing House on the right corner of the cove is one of only two in the country. It included a sea fed plunge pool and the cold sea water could even be heated. On the top floor there was a room for relaxation and entertainment. The Bathing House once belonged to the Churston Estate and dates from about 1840 when Elberry Beach was the private beach of the Lords Churston. Lord and Lady Churston owned Churston Court in the village of Churston Ferrers – now the Churston Court Inn.

Broadsands to Churston Cove (1.7 miles)

The Coast Path leaves Broadsands by a slight slope to reach a metal kissing gate and a large grassy area with seats overlooking Torbay. Keep to the seaward side and the path goes through a metal kissing gate into Elberry Cove. Cross the stony beach noticing the Bathing House on the far side.

The Coast Path climbs into trees at the other side of the cove and remains through trees all

the way before descending steeply into

Churston Cove. It takes about 45 minutes to Broadsands Beach walk from Broadsands to Churston Cove.

Churston Cove to Brixham (0.9 miles)

Climb up the other side of Churston Cove and the path goes through trees until you reach a finger post ‘Paignton 4 ¾ - Brixham ¾‘and an information board about The Grove.

Follow the track on the left downhill to reach the top of Fishcombe Cove and the entrance to the ‘Battery Gardens Heritage Centre’. After the Centre, turn left into Battery Gardens and follow one of the paths through the gardens keeping close to the coast. The path goes down some steps, past a large building (part of Plymouth University) on your right, and into Brixham harbour.

The Viaducts at Broadsands

From Broadsands, looking inland you can see two viaducts. The larger one on the left is the Hookhills Viaduct and the Broadsands Viaduct is the one on the right that the Coast Path goes under. The Hookhills Viaduct was opened in 1864 and is 116 yards long and 85 feet high according to the plaque on it. Both viaducts were designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and still in use by the Paignton and Kingswear Steam Railway.

Hookhills Viaduct from inland Coast Path going under Broadsands Viaduct

Paignton Harbour Light ½ mile

Tunnel

WC Harbour

Cliff Road From Goodrington WC Roundham sea wall to the top of Gardens Roundham Gardens P there are several WC paths which zig-zag Inn on the Quay up the cliff face.

WC Goodrington

A3022 Bridge to Saltern Cove & Oyster Cove

Seats Waterside

Holiday Park

Seats

Viaduct & Post at SX893576

Broadsands Bathing House WC

Seats

Elberry Cove Golf Course

Paignton and Kingswear Steam Railway

Broadsands to Goodrington (1.5 miles)

From Broadsands to Goodrington the Coast Path follows the Paignton and Kingswear Steam Railway and you can’t fail to be impressed by the sight and sound of steam trains passing you by!

6 Walk along the promenade to almost the end before turning left up a tarmac lane and under Broadsands Viaduct to reach a road (Broadsands Park Road) and a post on the left (at SX 893576).

Immediately turn right up a set of concrete steps to reach a grassy area alongside the railway line. This gradually narrows to become a path that descends to Waterside Holiday Park.

It then climbs steeply (with a seat half way up) to reach the top of Sugar Loaf Hill (on OS maps). Soon you pass a bridge over the railway to Saltern Cove & Oyster Cove before descending to a road (Cliff Park Road). Then turn right under the railway and left onto Goodrington Promenade.

About half way along you have to walk to the seaward side of the Inn on The Quay (unless the tide is very low when you can walk on the sands).

Looking towards Broadsands from Sugar Loaf Hill Goodrington Sands from the Coast Path

Goodrington to Paignton (1.4 miles)

After the Inn on the Quay (once the site of a Naval Hospital) inland is a grassy area called Goodrington Park which has a fascinating history and includes ‘a Major’s grave’ and a Spanish style café. (See the information boards)

At the far end, the sea wall (and beach huts) go along under the cliffs. There are several paths up the cliffs to reach Roundham Gardens. Keep to the seaward side of the gardens until you leave where you should turn right into Cliff Road, then left. You pass a small garden ‘The Burma Star

Gardens’ with views over the sea. Cliff Road goes right then left becoming Roundham Road and reaching the harbour.

Just past the toilets turn right towards the Harbour Light Restaurant and go through the ‘tunnel’ to reach Paignton Esplanade. About half way to the pier, Torbay Road on the left leads to the railway station and a little beyond the bus station.

Goodrington

Goodrington Sands is a long sandy beach with a large building in the centre which is now a family pub. Goodrington has a large grassy park and a boating lake. During the Napoleonic Wars a hospital was set up here to treat the wounded and a burial ground was created in the park. Only one grave survives, that of Major Thomas Hill who died in 1815. The Naval Hospital was sold in 1822 and became a private house, then a catholic nunnery, then a hotel and now the Inn on the Quay.

Goodrington House Major Thomas Hill’s Grave

Cliff path to Roundham Gardens Goodrington - below Roundham Gardens

Paignton to Broadsands (2.9 miles)

Walk along the sea front towards the harbour and go through the Harbour Lights ‘tunnel’ into the harbour itself. Bear right and walk along the pavement of Roundham Road (passing the toilets).

Take the second left (Cliff Road) and walk along curving right then left, and then you pass a small garden on the left. The road then curves right once more and on the bend the Coast Path enters Paignton Harbour Roundham Gardens on the left.

Follow the path close to the seaward side until a path on the left takes you down the cliff walk to the end of Goodrington sea front. Walk along the sea front; pass the Inn on the Quay to reach the far end with the railway line on your right. Go down a few steps and under the railway.

After a few yards, turn left up a few more steps to join a tarmac path towards Broadsands. Continue straight along this path, passing a bridge over the railway on your left and then climbing Sugar Loaf Hill before descending into Waterside Caravan Park. The path climbs again before levelling out with good views over Broadsands.

The Coast Path reaches some concrete steps which take you down beside Broadsands Viaduct. Turn left and walk down a path to reach the end of Broadsands Beach where you turn right to walk along the front.

Paignton Sea Front & Pier Churston Court & Churston Ferrers Church

Churston Ferrers

The inland village of Churston Ferrers is delightful. Churston Court is an attractive Elizabethan house and now it is a hotel. It became the home of Lord Churston in the 19th century and was sold in 1967. He also owned nearby Lupton House.

The tower of the church dates from the 14th century while the main building is 15th century. The church itself was restored in the 1860’s. While Agatha Christie lived at Greenway she attended the church regularly. In 1955 she donated the royalties from her book ‘Greenshaw’s Folly’ to the church to create a stained glass window at the east end.

Ideas for Shorter Walks

1. Park in Brixham and explore the harbour. Walk along the Coast Path to Battery Gardens and visit the Heritage Centre. Return the same way.

2. Park at Broadsands. (About 3 ½ miles - half a day).

Walk along the Coast Path to Elberry Cove and on to Churston Cove. After the climb out of Churston Cove, you pass through trees until there is a finger post ‘Paignton 4 ¾ - Brixham ¾ ‘and inland to ‘Greenway via Churston Ferrers 1m’. Next to the finger post is an information board about The Grove. Follow the path inland (to Churston Ferrers) through trees to emerge into a grassy area and head straight across to join a track. Turn left and follow this track to a road, where you turn right and straight on at the next junction. This road (Bascombe Road) passes Churston Court and then goes in front of the church. As the road bears left and rises continue straight on along a narrow lane (Links Close). At the end of Links Close go right then left along a path which leads straight across Churston Golf Course into a few trees. You pass through a kissing gate to meet a track (Elberry Lane) where you

turn right and follow the lane gradually downhill, with bungalows on your left, back to

Broadsands.

3. Park at Goodrington and follow the Coast Path to Paignton up the cliff walk and through Roundham Gardens. Return the same way.

4. The number 12 bus runs all the way along the main road from Paignton to Brixham. You can use it to return to the start of your walk for almost any section if you decide not to complete the whole walk. In 10 – 15 minutes you can walk from the Coast Path to the main road where you can catch the bus. You could walk from:  Brixham to Broadsands and then on to Goodrington.

 Broadsands to Goodrington and then on to Paignton.

Towards Brixham from Sugar Loaf Hill Additional Information

Paignton 494 136 South Haven Minehead Point 488 142 Distances are shown in miles Brixham

About these Guides Key to the Maps

SW Coast Path This is the first part of walk number 55 of the 71 walks that cover the South West Coast Path from Minehead on the edge of Exmoor, to South Haven Other Footpaths Point at the entrance to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Roads

The maps are not road maps although some roads Very minor roads

are shown in brown. The maps show the Coast KG Kissing Gate Path (in red) with some linking footpaths (dotted red), but circular walks are not generally shown. FP Finger Post Although the maps are not drawn to scale, some approximate idea of scale is given on each map. FB Footbridge Brief suggestions for shorter walks are given although the instructions are not comprehensive. NT National Trust

South West Coast Path Association

The South West Coast Path Association has, since 1973, been working on behalf of all users of the Coast Path, be they long distance walkers or afternoon strollers. It is in no small way the result of our efforts that the 630 mile long Coast Path is the superb experience it is today.

Caution: Please remember that much of the route is on cliff tops. Those who manage the Coast Path want to keep it safe for everyone, so please do not leave the path at any point to the seaward side. In some places cliff tops can be unstable and dangerous for the unwary.

Dogs: It has been known for dogs to go over the cliff edge. Please keep your dog under control.

10 Information included in this booklet is believed to be accurate and is given in good faith. Advice given however, should not over-ride your personal decisions which should be taken into account regarding the state of the weather and your own capabilities.

In no event shall the South West Coast Path Association be liable for any personal injury or loss suffered as a result of using this publication.

This booklet is one in the series of 71 published by the South West Coat Path Association. For membership information plus other publications and mementos, please see our website at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Love the South West Coast Path? Help us look after it by becoming a member

The South West Coast Path, as you probably already know, is one of the most stunning walks in the world. 630 miles of changing scenery from the moorland start in Somerset, past the vast open stretches of north Devon beaches to the rugged cliffs of north Cornwall, sweeping around Land’s End and working back up the south Cornish coastline, through pretty fishing villages and past distant tin mines, south Devon resorts and onto the Jurassic coast, ending in Dorset.

It costs roughly £1,000 for every mile of this glorious Path to keep it open, safe and clearly signed, we’re asking for your support to help us look after and love the Path.

Whether you use it to walk the dog, have family picnics, to escape on holiday for some fresh sea air or enjoy it as a serious walker, if you love it, please help us protect it.

Other Resources Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL20 ‘South Devon’. ‘The South West Coast Path through Torbay’ available from the Tourist Information Office. AZ Adventure South West Coast Path No. 4 ‘South Devon’.

Other Internet Links Stagecoach No. 12 www.travelinesw.com

Acknowledgements Steve Church and the South West Coast Path Association for checking the instructions and additional information. January 2016

www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Drive 11 Registered Charity Number: 266754

Exploring The South West Coast Path

Torquay - London Bridge

Exmouth 

Dawlish  Teignmouth  Walk 55 – Part 2

Babbacombe  Paignton Paignton  to

Brixham  Babbacombe Dartmouth Kingswear

Torcross  Dave Westcott  Salcombe

Practical Details

In this guide, the black boxes are walking instructions in the Paignton to Babbacombe direction, and the red boxes are walking instructions in the Babbacombe to Paignton direction. Background information is in green boxes.

This is the second part of Walk 55, an almost 13 mile walk from Brixham to Babbacombe. Making two shorter walks is very easy although it could easily be completed in one walk as it is not very strenuous and a lot of the walk is along pavements. The first park of Walk 55 is described in a separate booklet “Walk 55 – Part 1, Brixham to Paignton”.

Refreshments: Paignton, Preston (seasonal), Torquay, Meadfoot Beach (seasonal) and Babbacombe.

Toilets: Paignton, Preston (seasonal), Torquay, Meadfoot Beach (seasonal) and Babbacombe.

Parking: Paignton, Preston, Torquay, Daddyhole Plain, Meadfoot Beach and Babbacombe.

Bus: Two different buses are needed. Both are regular and frequent services. Stagecoach No. 12 runs between Paignton and Torquay. The bus leaves Paignton from the bus station which is along Torbay Road off the sea front, by the train station. In Torquay the bus for Paignton leaves from the harbour (the Strand). Stagecoach No. 11 and No. 32 leave Torquay from the Strand for Babbacombe. At Babbacombe the bus stops are in the main road (Babbacombe Road) – the A 379.

Length: About 7 ½ miles; 3 to 4 hours depending on how long you sit and enjoy the views.

Difficulty: Easy / Moderate.

Paignton

Paignton is a popular tourist resort with a traditional Victorian pier built in the late 1870s. In the town, Oldway Mansion was once the home of the Singer family (of the sewing machine fame), and the world premier of Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ was held here at the Royal Bijou Theatre (now demolished).

The building near the train station was once the Paignton Picture House. It was built at the turn of the 20th century and believed to be the oldest cinema in Western Europe. It closed in 1999 and the long term aim is to restore it to its original condition. Paignton Zoo was opened in 1923 based on the collection of animals of Herbert Whitley. He had been collecting animals from a young age and developed a keen interest in their breeding. The zoo has been developed into a 21st century tourist

attraction.

In 1972 British Rail closed the railway line from Paignton to Kingswear and it was taken over by a private company to reopen it as a tourist attraction. In 2012 the company opened a new station at Agatha Christie’s ‘Greenway’.

Paignton Sea Front & Pier

The Redcliff Hotel – Paignton Sea Front

Paignton to Preston (0.4 miles)

If you come from the bus station, turn left and then right to cross the railway and walk down Torbay Road to reach the sea front. The walk begins on the sea front at Paignton.

Walking along past the pier you come to the fort-like building of the Redcliff Hotel. At most states of the tide you have to use the inland route by turning left along the B3201 (Marine Drive) for a short distance before you reach a grassy area on the right where you can re-join the coast at Preston sea front.

Walk along with the beach huts on your left until the grass behind the beach huts becomes a road with houses on the left. Where the houses end there is a path away from the sea through a grassy area (before the end of the promenade and beach huts).

Preston to Torquay (2.0 miles)

Follow this path and it soon turns sharp left over the railway (straight on before the bridge leads to

Hollicombe Beach).

Just after the bridge turn right through a gate into Hollicombe Gardens (which once used to be a gas works). The path through the tunnel on the right leads to the beach.

Leave the gardens through the impressive iron gates to join the Torbay Road where you turn right. It is now a noisy walk to Torquay.

A little diversion up Cliff Road (just before the Livermead Cliff Hotel) gives you some views towards Torquay over Livermead Beach.

Just before Torquay itself you reach the Preston Sea Front grassy area of Corbyn’s Head. From Corbyn’s Head you can walk down to the beach and all the way along the lower sea wall to Torquay if the tide is low. At high tide you have to use the path beside the road.

Corbyn’s Head

There was once a quarry here that was used to build nearby Torre Abbey in 1196. In

WW2 it was the site of an important gun battery. Hollicombe Beach

Torquay to Paignton (2.4 miles)

You can cross the harbour by the new bridge or walk around to explore the shops but eventually you pass the Princess Theatre and reach a slope down to the beach itself (or keep on the pavement if the tide is high).

If the tide is out you can follow a lower path (below the road) that takes you along just above the sand. Hollicombe Gardens

At the far end keep walking past the refreshment kiosk and up some steps to reach the grassy area of Corbyn’s Head, where there are excellent views over Torquay plus the National Home Guard Memorial. The next mile or so is very busy road walking along the A3022 Torbay Road.

After crossing the railway line bridge you descend and turn left through some iron gates into

Hollicombe Gardens (once a gas works). Ahead is a tunnel to a beach (which does link to the Coast Path if the tide is low), but turn diagonally right to leave the gardens by a much smaller iron gate and then turn left to cross the rail line once more and turn right.

The path on your left comes up from the beach.

You soon descend into Preston Sands and then walk around Redcliff (by the road) to reach Paignton sea front and pier.

Torquay from Corbyn’s Head

Torre Abbey & Gardens Torquay The Redcliff Hotel

The Indian / Gothic Hollicombe is spelt Rail Hollacombe on Redcliff Hotel was Line some maps Corbyn’s Head designed by retired Seats & WC Colonel Robert Smith in Hollicombe 1852 as his home. Gardens Living In the early 1800s there Coasts was a round tower here Livermead Head built in response to the ½ mile threat of a French Hollicombe Beach invasion. Robert Smith’s home was

originally called ‘Redcliff

Towers’ and he lived in it Paignton to Exeter Railway after he retired from the British Army in India. He was an engineer and artist and it is said that Preston Sands (WC) the red colour of the sandstone might have Redcliff (Hotel) reminded him of Delhi. It was later owned by the Singer family before Paignton Sands becoming a hotel in the

early part of the 20th

Paignton century. Redcliff Hotel from the Coast Path

Torre Abbey & Gardens

Torre Abbey was founded in 1196 and became the home of a group of priests known as the ‘White

Canons’, because of the colour of their habits. The Abbey suffered under Henry VIII’s dissolution and became the home of the Cary family (local landowners) for over 300 years. It is now a museum and art gallery run by Torbay Council. The ‘Spanish Barn’ was originally built in the 12th century and was used to house 397 prisoners from the Spanish Armada in July 1588.

4 Bowling Club Grand Entrance Torre Abbey

Torquay Gardens with the Spanish Barn behind Corbyn’s Beach

Torquay

Torbay has been, and still is, a place visited by the rich and famous. Agatha Christie modelled

Hercule Poirot on the fastidious Belgian refugees she noticed here. Oliver Heaviside (scientist) rode about on a brakeless bicycle. Rudyard Kipling and his wife explored the area on a tandem. Oscar Wilde completed some of his plays while staying at Babbacombe. William Pengelly was involved in excavating Kent’s Cavern. And John ‘Babbacombe’ Lee, convicted of murder, survived three execution attempts – to name but a few!

Towards the Spanish Barn As you walk around Torquay there are lots of things to notice.

The Rock Walk (Royal Terrace Gardens) is behind the Princess Theatre. It was once covered in

trees and shrubs. However, they posed a threat to the stability of the cliff so it was redeveloped

from 2007-2010. You can walk up the steps where you get great views of Torquay and Torbay.

The Victorian Fountain is in Princess Gardens, named after Queen Victoria’s daughter Princess Louisa.

The Pavilion was built in 1912 as a ‘Palace of Pleasure’ and was used as a theatre and music venue until the 1970’s.

The Millennium Bridge is in the style of the sails of a ship and spans the inner harbour.

The Clock Tower is known as the Matlock Memorial after Richard Matlock and built in 1902. It has been recently restored.

The Rock Walk

The Victorian Fountain

The Pavilion The Millennium Bridge

Cockington is a delightful village near Torquay set in parkland with an idyllic church and manor house (Cockington Court). The manor was owned by the Matlock family from 1786 until it was bought by Torquay Council in 1932.

Torquay has an inner harbour, a large marina and a pier where pleasure boats once arrived and departed. Princess Victoria visited Torquay with her mother in 1833 and later Queen Victoria came with Prince Albert in 1846. Also from here over 23,000 American troops left for Utah Beach in Normandy in 1944.

Torquay to Daddyhole Plain (1.2 miles)

Walk around Torquay sea front enjoying the views and the sights. Climb the steps of the Rock Walk (opposite the Princess Theatre), which was re-opened in 2010, and enjoy the views.

Walk out to the end of the pier and sit to enjoy the sunshine. Look over the harbour wall and imagine owning one of the luxury

yachts. You can even catch a boat to

Brixham! The Clock Tower

6 However, returning to the Coast Path, you can either walk around the harbour or cross the new bridge at the harbour entrance to arrive at the bottom of Beacon Hill. Before you climb the hill, notice the D Day memorial plaques on the wall at the bottom of the hill – in front of the Harvester.

Climb Beacon Hill, (notice the plaque to Elizabeth Barrett Browning) passing Living Coasts and overlooking Beacon Cove – where Agatha Christie once may have been seen. Beacon Hill soon becomes Parkhill Road and after a short while there is a right turning towards the Imperial Hotel.

Walk along towards the hotel entrance and when you are by the entrance continue straight on along a path between stone walls.

From the Imperial Hotel the tarmac path passes above Peaked Tor Cove, before reaching some steps up through a gap in a high wall on your left. Before you climb the steps, continue on round the corner where the path ends to see ‘London Bridge’ – a natural arch and named by the Victorians.

Climb the steps and follow the path as it meanders along with large houses hidden behind high walls on your left and steep drops to the sea on your right.

The path enters some trees and then climbs to reach a higher path (the Rock Walk) with more high walls and houses on your left. Pass through a castellated folly and eventually turn left up a few steps and through an arch to reach Daddyhole Plain and a National Coastwatch Institution tower.

½ mile

Coastwatch Tower on site of Imperial former Torquay Harbour Hotel Masters Weather Station Meadfoot Meadfoot Head Car Park Beach

Cafe & WC Daddyhole Plain Short footpath (at SX 928629) to This limestone plateau is named after ‘daddy’ – the London excellent viewpoint devil who was supposed Bridge to live in a cave at the Daddyhole Plain base of the cliff. Castle Tower Rock Walk Limited parking and (Folly) Several Seats several seats

Torquay - The Harbour Beacon Cove 7

Daddyhole Plain to Torquay (1.2 miles)

From Daddyhole Plain head for the National Coastwatch Institution Tower and go through an archway to join the Rock Walk along the edge of the cliff with spectacular views across Torbay.

This path goes through a ‘Castle Tower’ (folly) and then descends by some steps and a zig-zag path to reach a lower level.

After climbing a few steps, the path descends by more steps to reach a tarmac path where you turn right. If however, you turn left you go round a corner to reach a low wall. Ahead of you is ‘London Bridge’ – a natural arch.

Following the path around left past the top of Peaked Tor Cove you walk in front of the Imperial

Hotel to join Parkhill Road, where you turn left and walk down Beacon Hill to Torquay Harbour passing Beacon Cove and Living Coasts.

Coast Path to Daddyhole Plain Daddyhole Plain

Meadfoot Beach from Viewpoint

Daddyhole Plain to Anstey’s Cove (2.5 miles)

The path keeps to the seaward side of the car park before descending steps and skirting the edge of Daddyhole Road. (Before the road, there is a short diversion to the right to a great viewpoint.)

Next you pass a small car park, and then bear right down more steps to reach the road just above the toilets at Meadfoot Beach. Walk along the sea front to the Meadfoot Head car park at the far end.

Climb the steps at the back of the car park to join Ilsham Marine Drive and turn right and walk along the road. After a short distance of road walking the Coast Path goes off to the right and follows the coast around Thatcher Point to climb back to reach the road opposite the large modern ‘Orestone House’, named after the other large offshore rock. The finger post here is at SX 944634 ‘Area of Hope’s Nose’.

Here you turn right and walk up the road to a point where a path on the right leads to Hope’s

Nose (detour if you wish). Cross the road and climb a few steps to reach a raised path that runs above the road until it descends to the road again.

Cross the road once more and follow a path beside a house leading to the Bishop’s Walk. Follow the Bishop’s Walk (full of bluebells in the spring) with good views of Long Quarry Point, until you reach the car park and road down to Anstey’s Cove.

Anstey’s Cove to Daddyhole Plain (2.5 miles)

The Coast Path leaves the road on the left past the path to the beach, and enters the Bishop’s Walk. When you reach the end of the Bishop’s

Walk you come to a road (Ilsham Marine

Drive).

Cross the road and turn left up a grassy path to reach a path above the road and at the end you descend once more to the road. If you cross the road there is the entrance to Hope’s Nose with plenty of footpaths to explore if you Thatcher Rock from Meadfoot Beach have time.

Follow the road around the bend until you are opposite the large modern ‘Orestone House’.

Here a finger post (at SX 944634) directs you to Thatcher Point. The path hugs the coast and at Thatcher Point there is an excellent view (and a seat to rest a while).

After Thatcher Point the path climbs (passing a couple more seats) to re-join Ilsham Marine Drive which you follow, past ‘Kilmorie’ (large block of flats on the right) and then some traffic lights. Around Thatcher Point

9 After the lights you turn left and drop down some steps in to Meadfoot Head car park. From Meadfoot Head car park the path follows the sea wall along Meadfoot Beach past a cafe and toilets (both seasonal).

Just after the toilets the path climbs left up steps skirting the edge of a small car park and along a

short length of Daddyhole Road before climbing further to reach Daddyhole Plain itself. Just after you leave Daddyhole Road there is a post indicating ‘Viewpoint’ on the left – well worth a 5 minute detour.

Hope’s Nose

The Bishop’s Walk

Thatcher Rock

So called because of its shape. The sloping sides are supposed to be a thatched cottage with a thatcher working on the roof!

Thatcher Rock

½ mile

Bishop’s

Walk

Ilsham (Several rather dilapidated seats) Marine Drive

‘Orestone House’ Long Quarry Point & FP at SX 944634 Hope’s ‘Area of Hope’s Nose’ Nose P

Seats Small car park at

the end of Thatcher Point Meadfoot Beach Ore (Meadfoot Head) Thatcher Rock Stone

Anstey’s Cove

Anstey’s Cove to Babbacombe (1.3 miles)

{To visit Anstey’s Cove walk down the road and path but you have to return again as the path on through Redgate Beach is closed as it is unsafe}

From the top of Anstey’s Cove walk up the road a little way and turn right. The path climbs through trees to emerge onto a large grassy area called ‘Walls Hill’.

Keeping right you pass a barred path to Redgate Beach and Anstey’s Cove which has been closed for many years. Head inland to the left of a rather grand shelter through a wide gap in the hedge. (If you aim for the church tower, you will reach a car park and the road to Babbacombe Downs – not the Coast Path).

To follow the Coast Path, aim for the right hand corner to go through some trees and down to reach Walls Hill Road.

Follow the road down a short way before going right on a path that takes you to the road above Babbacombe Beach. Go past the ‘Cary Arms’ to reach the beach and harbour.

Follow the path below the cliff to reach Oddicombe Beach where you can catch the cliff railway up if you wish. The true Coast Path goes left from the raised beach path before Oddicombe and climbs to reach the road on a bend. Redgate Beach

At the next bend some steps take you up to pass under the cliff railway. The Coast Path goes right;

turning left takes you to the top of the cliff railway and Babbacombe Downs.

Oddicombe Beach (WC) The Bishop’s Walk ½ mile Henry Philpotts was Babbacombe Beach (WC) Bishop of Exeter from 1831 to 1869 and lived at Cary Arms Bishopstowe – now the Palace Hotel. He created the walk from Anstey’s Cove to Ilsham Marine Drive. Walls Hill Long Quarry Point Long Quarry

Redgate Beach This limestone quarry is at the base of Walls Hill, a Anstey’s Cove limestone plateau some 90m above sea level. The P quarry was worked in Victorian times and the stone used to build some Bishop’s Walk of the grand houses in Torquay.

Babbacombe to Anstey’s Cove (1.3 miles)

Starting at the Cliff Railway at Babbacombe there are several routes to Walls Hill.

The easiest way (though not the Coast Path) is from the railway, walk along the downs, past the theatre, along the road (Babbacombe Downs Road), turning left just past ‘The Old Coach House’ to reach Walls Hill car park beyond which is Walls Redgate Beach Hill itself.

However, to reach the Coast Path walk down the steps at the far side of the cliff railway building and pass through a tunnel under the cliff railway track. This path goes down some steps to reach the road to the beach on a bend.

Continue to the next bend (to the left) and head for a track straight across that leads down to the path between Oddicombe Beach and Babbacombe Beach.

If you continue to Oddicombe Beach you can still walk along the path between the two. The ‘beach’ path soon climbs some steps (on the right) and bears left to cross a wooden bridge to reach Babbacombe Beach.

Babbacombe Beach Walls Hill

Babbacombe Redgate beach from Walls Hill 12 The climb next is hard work. From the beach go past the ‘Cary Arms’ and turn immediately left in front of a holiday cottage to climb some steps.

The Coast Path continues to climb and is well signed. Eventually you reach the grassy area of Walls Hill. Walk across Walls Hill, through a gap in the hedge, past a shelter (on your left) to head for a fence on the far side of the grass. Here there is a notice explaining about the closure of the path down to Redgate Beach. Follow the fence round and keep left to enter some trees.

This path descends to the road to Anstey’s Cove. If you visit the cove you have to climb back again. {If you wish to see the spectacular Long Quarry Point you have to go down to Anstey’s Cove – best viewed in afternoon sunlight}

Ideas for Shorter Walks

1. Park at Babbacombe Downs and walk along the Downs and down to Babbacombe Beach. Follow the Coast Path along to Oddicombe Beach and return to the Downs by the cliff railway.

2. Park at Ilsham Marine Drive (in the area of Hope’s Nose). Follow the Coast Path along the Bishop’s Walk to Anstey’s Cove, or on to Walls Hill before returning the same way.

About 1 ½ miles to Walls Hill.

3. Park on Ilsham Marine Dive (opposite Thatcher Rock). Sit on the seats and enjoy the views. Walk down to the viewpoint over Thatcher Rock.

4. Park at Daddyhole Plain and follow the Coast Path into Torquay. Walk around the harbour and on to Abbey Gardens. Return the same way. (About 1 mile to Torquay Harbour). A Longish Walk

Follow the Coast Path from Babbacombe to Torquay and return by bus (3-4 hours walking).

It’s a longish walk but there are lots of seats to stop and enjoy the views as well as cafes and toilets (seasonal). About 5 miles.

Coast Path from Babbacombe Beach to Oddicombe Beach 13

Looking east from Babbacombe Downs Additional Information

Babbacombe

500.3 129.7 Minehead South Haven Point 137.1 492.9 Distances are shown in miles Paignton

About these Guides Key to the Maps

SW Coast Path This is part 2 of walk number 55 of the 71 walks that cover the South West Coast Path from Other Footpaths Minehead on the edge of Exmoor, to South Haven Point at the entrance to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Roads

The maps are not road maps although some roads Very minor roads are shown in brown. The maps show the Coast KG Kissing Gate Path (in red) with some linking footpaths (dotted red), but circular walks are not generally shown. FP Finger Post Although the maps are not drawn to scale, some approximate idea of scale is given on each map. FB Footbridge Brief suggestions for shorter walks are given although the instructions are not comprehensive. NT National Trust

South West Coast Path Association

Dogs: It has been known for dogs to go over the cliff edge. Please keep your dog under control.

14 Information included in this booklet is believed to be accurate and is given in good faith. Advice given however, should not over-ride your personal decisions which should be taken into account regarding the state of the weather and your own capabilities.

In no event shall the South West Coast Path Association be liable for any personal injury or loss suffered as a result of using this publication.

Love the South West Coast Path? Help us look after it by becoming a member

It costs roughly £1,000 for every mile of this glorious Path to keep it open, safe and clearly signed, we’re asking for your support to help us look after and love the Path.

Whether you use it to walk the dog, have family picnics, to escape on holiday for some fresh sea air or enjoy it as a serious walker, if you love it, please help us protect it.

Other Resources Ordnance Survey Explorer Map No. 110 ‘Torquay and Dawlish’.

‘The South West Coast Path through Torbay’ available from the Tourist Information Office. AZ Adventure South West Coast Path No. 4 ‘South Devon’

Other Internet Links Stagecoach No. 12 www.travelinesw.com

Acknowledgements Steve Church and the South West Coast Path Association for checking the instructions and additional material. January 2016

www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Drive 15 Registered Charity Number: 266754

Exploring The South West Coast Path

Teignmouth from The Ness

Exmouth 

Dawlish  Teignmouth  Walk 56

Babbacombe  Babbacombe Paignton  to

Brixham  Teignmouth Dartmouth Kingswear

Torcross  Dave Westcott  Salcombe

Practical Details

In this guide, the black boxes are walking instructions in the Babbacombe to Teignmouth direction, and red boxes are walking instructions in the Teignmouth to Babbacombe direction. Background information is in green boxes.

Refreshments: Babbacombe, Maidencombe (the Thatched Tavern), Shaldon and Teignmouth.

Toilets: Babbacombe, Watcombe (seasonal), Maidencombe (seasonal), Shaldon and Teignmouth.

Parking: Babbacombe, Watcombe, Maidencombe, Labrador Bay, Shaldon and Teignmouth.

Bus: A regular bus service (Stagecoach No.11) runs between Torquay and Teignmouth via Babbacombe. In Babbacombe the bus stop is in Babbacombe Road (A 379). In Teignmouth the bus stop for Babbacombe is by the ‘Sea View Diner’ in the Esplanade.

Ferry: The Shaldon to Teignmouth ferry runs throughout the year with shorter operating times in the winter. Check running times at www.teignmouthshaldonferry.co.uk or 07896 711822. If the ferry is not running, walking over the Shaldon Bridge is an alternative.

Length: About 6 ½ miles. 3 to 5 hours depending on how long you spend in the Thatched Tavern!

Difficulty: Moderate / Strenuous.

Babbacombe

th At the beginning of the 19 century Babbacombe was a small fishing village of just a few houses and the ‘Cary Arms’ in the small cove we know as Babbacombe Beach. There were no houses on what is now called ‘The Downs’.

In 1846 on her way to Torquay in the Royal Yacht (HMY Victoria and Albert), Queen Victoria stopped in Babbacombe Bay and intended to land. However, it was too wet so the Royal Party sailed on to Torquay.

She came again in 1852 with Prince Albert and their sons Edward and Alfred. A story is told that Prince Albert and the two boys landed at Babbacombe and visited Mrs

Whitehead who lived at ‘The Glen’, a large thatched cottage where the beach car park now is. Mrs

Whitehead was reputed to be a Lady in Waiting to Queen Victoria’s mother (Princess Victoria – Duchess of Kent). However, there is little evidence to support this.

What we do know is that the Whitehead family did live at ‘The Glen’ and that Emma inherited the house from her mother in 1871. John Lee was a handyman and was given a job at ‘The Glen’ as he was a relative of the cook and she ‘put in a good word for him’, even though he had been previously convicted for stealing.

John Lee left prison in early 1884 and was taken on a short time later.

In November of 1884 fires were discovered at ‘The Glen’ and the murdered body of Emma was found.

John Lee was the only man in the house at the time and was found to have a cut arm.

Although the evidence against him was circumstantial, he was arrested, charged and found guilty of the murder. Babbacombe Beach & ‘The Glen’ (circa 1850)

He was sentenced to be hanged at Exeter prison in February 1885. After three failed attempts, John Lee was dubbed ‘the man they could not hang’ and his sentence was commuted to life in prison. He was released from prison after serving 22 years and what happened to him after is uncertain.

Babbacombe Cliff Railway

The most likely start for this walk is from Babbacombe Downs from where you have great views along the coast towards Teignmouth.

Walk towards the Cliff Railway, go round the back of the ‘top station’ and down the steps on the left hand side (facing the sea) of the rail lines. About half way down there is a tunnel under the tracks which leads towards the road and beach (and the Coast Path west). Do not go through the tunnel but keep straight on and the path rises and bears left away from the cliff railway.

Those walking the Coast Path from the Torquay direction will come up from Oddicombe Beach. The path up follows the road under the cliff railway until (on a bend) it climbs up Oddicombe Steps to pass under the railway through a narrow tunnel. Turning left here takes you to the top of the railway, but the Coast Path goes right and climbs before descending through trees to a curve left up a grassy slope.

Cliff Railway

The cliff railway was opened in 1926 and connects Babbacombe Downs with Oddicombe Beach. It was installed by the Otis Lift Company and was refurbished in 2005/6, including two brand new cars. The two cars are electrically driven by powerful electric

motors. The Cliff Railway is open from February to October and well worth a ride.

The Cliff Railway with path shown (in the left picture) The full line is the Coast Path onward from Babbacombe towards Teignmouth The dotted line is the Coast Path under the cliff railway towards Oddicombe beach

Oddicombe Beach Teignmouth Exmouth

Looking east from Babbacombe Downs

Babbacombe Cliff Railway to Watcombe (1.9 miles)

Climb the grassy slope passing marker posts, go through a gate and then past more marker posts. As you climb the path curves left and eventually reaches the St Marychurch Road - the A379. Turn right along the pavement and when you reach a mini roundabout turn right along

Petitor Road.

At the end of the road you pass through a gate in some railings onto Petitor Downs (a small grass area with seats). The Coast Path turns left around Petitor itself and is well marked as it winds in and out through trees, turning right by a seat, and eventually descends to the Watcombe Beach road.

If you want to divert to Watcombe Beach turn right and go past the toilet block – it’s steep down and steep up.

Watcombe Beach There are several paths from WC Petitor Downs to Watcombe. The Coast Path is the one Seats shown and is very clearly signed along its route.

Smugglers A 379 Seat Hole

Post at SX 922660 St Marychurch Petitor Road Post at SX 922660 Model Village Post at SX 924663 Post ½ mile Petitor Downs

Petitor Point Gate Post Higher Downs Post at SX 925660 Road

Bus Cliff Railway Stop Oddicombe Beach There is a shortcut here which avoids Oddicombe Babbacombe Beach Beach

Babbacombe Oddicombe Steps Downs Road Project 2012

Site of ‘The Glen’ Around Babbacombe

Apart from the amazing Coast Path and the Cliff Railway there are other attractions at Babbacombe worth a mention.

The Model Village was opened in 1963 and is a very well established attraction. Bygones is a privately run museum of life over the past two centuries.

Kent’s Cavern is a very important prehistoric cave settlement site and is an amazing labyrinth of caves and open throughout the

year. It is close to Ansteys Cove. Also nearby Babbacombe is the hotel on which the BBC series ‘Fawlty Towers’ was based (now being redeveloped).

About these Guides Key to the Maps

SW Coast Path This is walk number 56 of the 71 walks that cover the South West Coast Path from Minehead on the Other Footpaths edge of Exmoor, to South Haven Point at the entrance to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Roads

The maps are not road maps although some roads Very minor roads are shown in brown. The maps show the Coast KG Kissing Gate

South West Coast Path Association

Management of the Coast Path is the responsibility of Natural England, Devon and Dorset

County Councils, Cornwall Council, Plymouth City Council, Torbay Council and the National Trust. The Association thanks them for their work in maintaining the route.

Dogs: It has been known for dogs to go over the cliff edge. Please keep your dog under control.

Information given in these guides is accurate at the time of writing and in no event shall the South

West Coast Path Association be liable for any personal injury or loss suffered as a result of using this publication.

Love the South West Coast Path? Help us look after it by becoming a member

It costs roughly £1,000 for every mile of this glorious Path to keep it open, safe and clearly signed, we’re asking for your support to help us look after and love the Path.

Whether you use it to walk the dog, have family picnics, to escape on holiday for some fresh sea air or enjoy it as a serious walker, if you love it, please help us protect it.

Other Resources Ordnance Survey Explorer Map No. 110 ‘Torquay and Dawlish’.

‘The South West Coast Path through Torbay’ available from the Tourist Information Office. AZ Adventure South West Coast Path No. 4 ‘South Devon’.

Other Internet Links Stagecoach No. 11 www.travelinesw.com

Acknowledgements Photo of The Glen and information about John Lee http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/terryleaman/Tiscali/John-Lee.html

Steve Church and the South West Coast Path Association for checking the instructions and additional material. January 2016

www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Drive

Registered Charity Number: 266754 15