South West Coast Path

The famous South West Coast Path transforms a relaxing and idyllic visit to the English Riviera and South Devon into an exciting walking adventure. The whole 630-mile coast path is the UK’s longest national trail and it meanders along some of the most spectacular coastline in the country with plenty to see and do on the way.  Put your best foot forward and prepare to discover Devon's Beautiful Bay through a series of fascinating walks taking in wonderful woodland, secluded coves and peaceful countryside surroundings. 

The coast path stretches along the entire length of the English Riviera, South Devon’s beautiful bay and a designated UNESCO Global Geopark, where you’ll find 22 miles of coastal path through some stunning Geopark scenery with spectacular vantage points and naturally formed cliffs and landmarks.   

UNESCO Global Geopark

Did you know that the English Riviera in South Devon has designated UNESCO Global Geopark status? It is just one of seven geoparks in the entire UK and 140 worldwide and celebrates our incredible geology, landscape and heritage. A Geopark is a place where you can touch a very special part of the Earth’s story and be amazed by the extraordinary landscapes, mountains, coastlines, places and people. UNESCO Global Geoparks share the story of our Planet. 

Stretching right across the entire 22 miles of breath-taking coastline, there are many points of interest with 32 individual geo sites and 3 gateway visitor centres (Kents Cavern, Berry Head National Nature Reserve and Seashore Centre, Goodrington) covering a story of three geological time periods.  It’s incredible to think that ‘our’ rocks were formed millions of years ago at the bottom of a warm tropical sea and then scorched by the equatorial sun.  Discover the area’s 400 million years of history with a Geopark themed walk.  

England’s Seafood Coast

The English Riviera is also known as England’s Seafood Coast and is home to the world-famous Brixham Fish Market, the biggest fishing port in England by value. Over £40 million worth of high-quality fish is landed and auctioned each day with a varied catch including Brixham crab, Dover sole, lemon sole, lobster and the renowned Elberry Cove Mussels. The fish market runs a hugely popular early morning tour where you can watch the auction taking place and learn about the delicious fish and shellfish that is served at some of the top tables across the country and internationally, as well as the local restaurants dedicated to serving the best local produce.

You’ll love the 22 miles of breathtakingly beautiful coastal footpath here in the English Riviera’s UNESCO accredited Global Geopark and you can stroll sections or walk the whole route from Brixham through Paignton and Torquay to Babbacombe Bay.  There are many bus services to get you or return you to your start point so pull your boots on and give it a go!

There is a detailed 7-day Seafood Coast Trail Itinerary, which is downloadable (see link below) and to whet your appetite here are a few of the highlights:

Day One – The Seafood Coast Trail

On day one, which starts at Babbacombe you’ll enjoy a walk on one of Britain’s highest cliff top promenades, sample some fresh fish and chips at the award winning, Hanbury’s and take a trip on a historic funicular railway with Babbacombe Cliff Railway to Oddicombe Beach. Stop off at Cary Arms & Spa, a boutique hotel with a stunning beachfront location and the epitome of coastal chic. Enjoy a local ale and line-caught seafood before heading to Wellswood village to visit the world renowned Stone Age Caves at Kents Cavern, a gateway site to the English Riviera Global Geopark.

Day Two – The Seafood Coast Trail

Today you’ll start at Torquay Harbour and experience the 1.9 mile loop with dramatic views from Daddyhole Plain. Look out for the magnificent limestone arch known as London Bridge, visit a wartime lookout post that’s now home to protected horseshoe bats. Cross the Millennium Bridge to the start point of the walk and meet some puffins, seals and penguins at Living Coasts, a coastal zoo and aquarium. Take a five-minute walk around the harbour to sample some superb seafood at Rockfish.

Day Three – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day three gets going in the authentic and charming fishing port of Brixham where traditional Brixham trawlers bring in the finest daily catch.  There are bookable tours of Brixham Fish Market’s exciting auction but you’ll need to be there by 6am sharp.  Tours include the live fish auction plus a hearty breakfast.  Now you’re ready to hike towards Torquay heading through woodland, along secluded coves and crescent shaped sandy beaches, past historic viaducts and along spectacular cliff tops. There are refreshments to enjoy at Broadsands and don’t miss the Cantina Kitchen and Bar at Goodrington before getting your first view of Paignton’s historic pier and then on towards Torquay.

Day Four – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day four offers a change of pace.  It starts in Torquay with a suggested Round Robin Tour of Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes via steam train, riverboat and bus.  In ‘yachtie’ Dartmouth you can stroll out to the stunning riverside castle before hopping a ferry across the water and picking up a steam train for the ride back to Paignton. Here you can hit the beach then walk or take the bus back to your start point. This evening we’re recommending Michelin starred dining with some of the finest seafood around at The Elephant restaurant in Torquay.

Day Five – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day five takes in the quintessentially English thatched village of Cockington near Torquay with a 450-acre country estate with a Green Flag awarded park and 16th century manor house. Enjoy the narrow lanes, quaint cottages and idyllic tearooms. Watch the glassblowers, ironmongers and craftspeople creating handmade gifts in their studios before heading to the Lutyens-designed Drum Inn for a glass of ale or locally produced cider.  The splendid Torre Abbey is next on the trail, here you'll discover an anicent monastery, packed with 800 years of local history and culture with an extensive art collection, interactive galleries and beautifully presented heritage rooms. An English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark key site.  Complete your dinner with a seafood dish and stunning coastal views at Pier Point restaurant.

Day Six – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day six soaks up Brixham’s panoramic sea views from the historic half-mile long breakwater and D-Day landing slipways.  Then you can walk up to Berry Head National Nature Reserve with its jaw-dropping views out to sea, its napoleonic forts and lighthouse and its amazing guillemot colony. You have every chance of spotting pods of dolphins and porpoises from the 200ft cliff top.  There are delightful refreshments to enjoy at the Guardhouse Café and then we suggest a stroll back into Brixham and a fascinating visit to Brixham Heritage Museum and a seafood snack at The Curious Kitchen.  

Day Seven – The Seafood Coast Trail

Day seven starts in Dartmouth with a walk round the Dartmouth Town Trail. Follow this with a ride on the Higher Dart Ferry and a hike along the stunning Dart Valley Trail to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s beautiful riverside residence (now run by National Trust).  You can return to Dartmouth by ferry before taking your pick of the wonderful seafood restaurants anywhere along England’s Seafood Coast.