Walking on the English Riviera

Devon’s beautiful English Riviera is the perfect spot for a truly memorable walking holiday with 22-miles of South West Coast Path at our helm, giving breath taking views and lots of exciting treasures to discover along the way.  Whether you enjoy the coast or prefer exploring Devon’s countryside and hidden networks, walkers are welcome.

With the flat expanse of seafront and promenade in Torquay and Paignton, these resorts are enjoyed every year by thousands of people arriving in the resort on holiday, whether with young families or the older generation that just enjoy a gentle amble along the prom.  Both are accessible resorts for walkers, and travelling companions that may use mobility aids, prams or pushchairs.

Walking holidays on the English Riviera can be enjoyed at any time of year too, with each season offering a different perspective of the landscape.  In fact, the National Trust has put together a list of the Best 5 Winter Walks on the English Riviera to inspire you if you are visiting us out of season.

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 being part of England’s Seafood Coast with a thriving fishing industry based in the historic and 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.

The Agatha Christie walk is also popular with many visitors, and takes you to notable points in the life and loves of the famous crime writer.

The Blue Plaque Heritage Trail

The English Riviera Civic Society have produced a guide to the many blue plaques that you will find throughout Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.  Too many to do in a day, you could set yourself a challenge if you are on holiday for a week to find them all! Each plaque commemorates a famous person or place from authors, to the location of historical events.  You will find amongst them the inspiration for the hit TV series Fawlty Towers, the birthplace of Agatha Christie, and the siting of the world premier of the Pirates of Penzance! Great fun for adults and children alike

Guided Walking Tours

If you would like a guided tour, or, in particular, are coming with a group, you can pre-book a guide.  Janet Coles specialises on walks and hikes across South Devon and is a fluent speaker of French too.

Coleton Fishacre hold guided countryside walks several time a year, included in their general admission cost, with the next one being 19th July, then again on 23rd August.  These walks take approximately three hours and take you to Pudcombe Cove, along the South West Coast Path to Ivy Cove, and back to Coleton Fishacre via Coleton Camp.

Group Walking Holidays in Devon

Shearings offer walking holidays to the English Riviera, where walkers travel to the region by coach from various pick up points across the country, stay at one of the English Riviera’s group travel hotels and enjoy the freedom of roaming, as well as other activities, meals and entertainment.

Torbay Council have a selection of guides routes, which can be found on their website.