Walking the English Riviera: The Best Walks in Torbay

1. Babbacombe and Oddicombe Beach: 2 miles

Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Walls Hill Road car park, Babbacombe
Best for: A shorter coastal walk with geology, woodland and sea views

If you want to get your bearings around Babbacombe, this compact route covers plenty of ground without taking up your whole day. Starting near Walls Hill, it descends towards Oddicombe Beach before continuing towards Babbacombe and through the woodland behind Cary Arms.

The distance may be short, but do not mistake this for a flat seaside stroll. There are steep descents and climbs, particularly around the beaches. If you would rather save your legs for the return journey, Babbacombe Cliff Railway connects the Downs with Oddicombe Beach, although you should check operating information before relying on it.

There is another reason to slow down here. Babbacombe Cliffs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest for their geology, while the open ground at Walls Hill gives you a very different perspective over the coast.

For more ideas close to the hotel, see our guide to things to do in Babbacombe.

2. Babbacombe Downs and Walls Hill: 2 miles

Distance: Approximately 2 miles
Difficulty: Easy overall, with a short steep climb
Start and finish: St Marychurch car park
Best for: A shorter walk when you want maximum sea views for your mileage

Babbacombe Downs sits around 300 feet above sea level, with views stretching along the coast towards East Devon and Dorset in clear conditions. This circular route combines the comparatively level promenade with the open ground of Walls Hill.

The first section is the gentler part, following the Downs before the route reaches a short but steep climb onto Walls Hill. It is a useful choice if you have arrived at Cary Arms after a long journey and want to stretch your legs, or if a longer coast-path day does not appeal.

Allow time to stop rather than treating the two miles as a race. On a clear day, the clifftop viewpoint can give you around 30 miles of coastline to look across, and Portland Bill may be visible in the distance.

3. Torquay to Babbacombe via Hope’s Nose: approximately 6 miles

Distance: Approximately 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Torquay railway station
Finish: Babbacombe Beach
Best for: A half-day walk that finishes back at Babbacombe

This is one of our favourite walks in Torbay for guests who want a proper stretch of the South West Coast Path without committing to a full day. Starting at Torquay railway station, head towards the seafront and pick up the coast path as it leaves the town behind.

The route passes a succession of very different coastal landscapes, including rocky beaches, woodland, Hope’s Nose, Black Head and Anstey’s Cove before reaching Babbacombe. The Hope’s Nose headland is worth including rather than cutting short if conditions and your legs allow.

The terrain is more demanding than Torquay’s promenades suggest. Expect climbs and descents as the path works around the headlands and coves, so walking shoes with a good grip are preferable to everyday trainers, particularly after rain.

The reward for Cary Arms guests is the direction of travel. Rather than finishing six miles from your hotel, you are walking towards Babbacombe Bay, with the final descent bringing you back to the coast at Babbacombe.

4. Cary Arms to Maidencombe: around 7 mile loop

Distance: Around 7 miles for the route described in the Cary Arms walking guide
Allow: Around four hours - 2 hours each way
Difficulty: Moderate, with steps, slopes and woodland paths
Start: Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe Bay
Best for: A longer walk straight from the hotel

Few walks require less preparation from our front door. The route towards Maidencombe begins at Cary Arms itself and follows the coast north, taking in Oddicombe and the wooded coastline around Petit Tor before reaching Maidencombe.

Allow around four hours rather than judging the route on mileage alone. The path includes steps, undulating woodland and sections that can become muddy after wet weather. Walking boots or supportive walking shoes are a sensible choice, especially when the ground is damp.

This is also where staying beside the South West Coast Path makes a difference. There is no need to spend the first part of the day travelling to a trailhead. You can set out from Babbacombe Bay after breakfast and make the walk the main event of your day.

Guests can also ask about our Cary Arms Walk Book, which brings together some of our favourite local routes. For more walking inspiration, our guide to the best walks in Devon includes several routes around the English Riviera.

5. Brixham Harbour to Berry Head: 1.5 miles each way

Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles from Brixham Harbour to Berry Head
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep sections
Start: Brixham Harbour
Best for: Harbour atmosphere, headland views and a shorter walk farther around Torbay

Brixham gives you a different side of Torbay from Babbacombe. Starting at the harbour, follow the coast towards Berry Head, passing the marina and continuing out towards the limestone headland.

Torbay Council puts the harbour-to-Berry Head section at approximately 1.5 miles, with around 45 minutes of walking. Returning the same way makes this a manageable outing while leaving time to explore Brixham itself.

For a longer version, the South West Coast Path has a 5.8-mile circular route linking Brixham’s two headlands, starting and finishing by the William of Orange statue on the Quay. That circuit is graded moderate and includes steps, stiles and several stretches of ascent and descent.

Berry Head is particularly good when you want open coastal scenery rather than a beach-to-beach walk. Its limestone grassland, fortifications and broad views across Tor Bay give the route a character of its own.

6. Cockington Country Park: around 4 miles for a longer loop

Distance: Around 4 miles, depending on the paths chosen
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Start: Cockington
Best for: Woodland and parkland when you want a change from exposed coastal paths

Not every good Torbay walk needs to hug the sea. Cockington offers a useful contrast to the headlands and coves, with footpaths running through the country park around the historic village, woodland, lakes and parkland.

A longer loop of around four miles can be completed in under two hours at a steady walking pace, although Cockington is better suited to wandering than chasing a mileage target. Choose this walk when the coast is particularly exposed or when you want a gentler second walking day after tackling the hills around Babbacombe.

It also works well in a two- or three-night itinerary. Pair a coast-path walk from Cary Arms on your first full day with Cockington on the next and you will see two markedly different Torbay landscapes without needing to travel far beyond Torquay.

How to plan a walking break in Torbay

For a two-night stay at Cary Arms, we would keep your arrival-day walk local. The two-mile Babbacombe Downs and Walls Hill circuit gives you time outdoors without committing the afternoon, while the Torquay to Babbacombe route or the walk towards Maidencombe can fill your main walking day.

With three nights, add Brixham and Berry Head or Cockington for a change of scenery. That balance matters more than trying to cover the greatest possible mileage. Torbay’s coast path repeatedly drops towards coves before climbing again, so six coastal miles can feel very different from six level miles.

Weather changes the character of these routes too. Woodland sections can be muddy after rain, while exposed headlands deserve more care in strong winds. Check current path conditions, transport and any seasonal services before setting out, carry water and give yourself more daylight than your estimated walking time requires.

You can find more ideas for exploring the coast and countryside in our guide to things to do in Devon.

FAQs about walking in Torbay

Is the South West Coast Path well signposted through Torbay?

The South West Coast Path is waymarked with acorn symbols. Carrying a current map or route guide is still sensible, particularly where local paths meet the main trail.

What footwear should I bring for walking in Torbay?

Supportive walking shoes or boots with good grip are the most useful choice for coast-path routes, particularly after rain. Some sections include steps, uneven ground, steep slopes and muddy woodland.

Can I walk in Torbay without a car?

Yes. Several routes begin in Torquay or Brixham, and railway and bus connections can help with linear walks. Always check current public transport information before setting out rather than relying on an old timetable.

Where can I find a guided walk around Torquay?

Cary Arms recommends local guided walking tours for guests who would like to explore the history and stories of Torquay and Babbacombe with a guide. Ask the hotel team for current information before making plans, as schedules can change.

Plan a walking break at Cary Arms

At Cary Arms & Spa, the coast path is part of the setting rather than somewhere you need to drive to reach. Stay beside Babbacombe Bay and you can spend the morning following woodland and clifftop paths, then return to the Inn on the Beach for sea views, seasonal food and time to put your feet up.

Explore our guide to things to do in Babbacombe, choose the walks you would like to fit into your stay, then explore our rooms and plan your walking break on the English Riviera.