Walking

Devon’s beautiful English Riviera is the perfect spot for a truly memorable walking holiday with 22-miles of South West Coast Path giving breathtaking views and lots of exciting treasures to discover along the way.  Walking is one of the most popular holiday activities here, with stunning routes along idyllic Tor Bay and beyond.  The whole area is a UNESCO-accredited Global Geopark noted for its exceptional beauty.

Of course, this doesn’t have to be tackled all in one day! Bite-sized chunks of the route can be undertaken at your leisure, and along the way you’ll get to see such Geopark highlights as Berry Head National Nature Reserve, ancient woodlands near Brixham, over 20 beaches and fantastic sea views. Here are some examples to whet your appetite:

Torquay to Meadfoot Beach

The walk begins on the South West Coast Path behind the Imperial Hotel in Torquay with some dramatic views of the sea and through an area once cultivated by Victorian gardeners but now managed as a wildlife conservation area by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.  Don’t miss the spectacular London Bridge rock arch and glorious Daddyhole Plain, a great viewpoint.  Head down the slope to Meadfoot Beach for a welcome rest and a nice cup of tea and a scone at the beach café.

Broadsands Beach to Paignton Harbour

With wonderful views of the picturesque steam train and astonishing panoramas of the Bay, this walk starts on the sandy crescent of Broadsands Beach on the outskirts of Paignton. It then heads under the historic viaduct, over the oddly shaped hill named Sugar Loaf, past Oyster Bend and along Goodrington Beach.  You can then head up over Roundham Head with its beautiful gardens and drop down to historic Paignton Harbour for some well-earned refreshments.

Berry Head National Nature Reserve

You can walk up from Brixham to Berry Head National Nature Reserve, the English Riviera’s most important wildlife site. It has absolutely jaw-dropping views of the sea on 3 sides and seals and porpoises can often be seen off the headland.  Towering 200ft over the southern end of the Bay, it has an important lighthouse, restored Napoleonic forts and an excellent visitor centre.  Don’t miss the hugely popular Guardhouse Café and the bird hide, from where you can observe the reserve’s famous guillemot colony. It is possible to continue along the South West Coast Path all the way to Kingswear on the River Dart but you will need to be equipped for a proper hike as it’s about 10 miles.

The Famous Seafood Coast Trail, a 7-Day Itinerary

The English Riviera is renowned as England’s Seafood Coast with a thriving fishing industry based in picturesque Brixham.  There is a suggested 7-day itinerary to discover the best of this remarkable area.  You can even book an early morning visit to the Fish Market’s daily auction followed by a scrumptious fish breakfast.