Teignmouth to Torquay

This walk starts on the seafront in the popular resort of Teignmouth and after crossing the River Teign to Shaldon, continues over the cliffs through Maidencombe and Babbacombe to Torquay. Rugged in parts, the route includes some steep sections. It does however provide stunning views of Lyme and Tor bays as well as some interesting stopping points.

The Walk
Starting from The Teignmouth Pavilions, turn left and cross the zebra crossing into Den Road, continue passing the Post Office on your left. Turn second left into Bank Street, passing the Co-op on your left. Continue across the road into Teign Street this is pedestrianised, until you reach the end.

Cross the road to Willow Street which is a narrow lane. Bear left and this will take you over the railway line. Turn left along the pathway, at the end of which, descend the steps. Walk along Alexandra Terrace to the end, and you will come to the edge of Bitton Park.

Walk along the pathway through the bottom of Bitton Park. Continue along the pathway between the rugby club and railway line. At the end of the rugby club grounds, walk to the right to go past the water pumping station.

Then turn left, and follow the path until you have reached the bridge.

The River Teign is crossed either by means of a ferry or via the road bridge. The ferry operates from Teignmouth’s “Back Beach” and is reputedly the oldest of its type in England. Running on demand, there is no timetable and the hours of operation are subject to season, weather and tides. Do not be tempted to cross the river yourself, it is deep and the currents are strong. Instead reach Shaldon by means of the number 22 bus or by walking via the road/footpath and river bridge.

Immediately after crossing the bridge turn left and follow Riverside and the Strand (where the ferry lands) and on to the Ness Headland. The coast path runs alongside the pitch and putt course continuing to climb to Labrador Bay, an RSPB reserve. With excellent views towards Babbacombe and Hopes Nose to the South, Exmouth and the Jurassic coast to the North, the path crosses meadows and woodland before descending to the village of Maidencombe. Here, there is a small beach, a cafe and an Inn. There is also a steep lane leading to the main road (A379) for the number 22 bus on to Torquay or back to Teignmouth.

The path is signed from Maidencombe car park along a lane and then through woodland to Watcombe, and on to Petitor with it’s OS Triangulation Point. Here, cliff falls mean the original path has been diverted along the quiet Petitor Road, skirting St Marychurch and on to Babbacombe Downs.

The Downs offer extensive views across Lyme Bay with Portland Bill visible on a clear day whilst looking back towards Teignmouth. Below lie the beaches of Oddicombe and Babbacombe. These are reached by steep roads and linked by a footpath. Oddicombe is also served by a seasonal, historic Funicular Railway.

Onward past Babbacome Theatre, you cross Walls Hill Downs and look down on Ansteys Cove and Redgate beach. The path continues through wooded cliff until you reach Hopes Nose. This is the northern extremity of Tor Bay and you look across to Brixham and Berry Head at the southern end. After passing a viewing point above Thatchers Rock and walking down Marine Drive, you join Meadfoot Sea Road then proceed alongside Meadfoot Beach before climbing a path to Daddyhole Plain. Here you can view the coastline from Torquay through Preston, Paignton and Goodrington to Brixham. A final descent past Rock End and the Imperial Hotel will
bring you to Torquay Harbourside.

Getting Back
The number 22 bus links Torquay Harbour, Babbacombe and St Marychurch with Shaldon and Teignmouth. Walking along Torquay seafront towards Paignton you will find the rail station located behind the Grand Hotel. Trains run from here to Teignmouth.

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this list, no responsibility can be taken for errors or omissions.