Maidencombe Coastal Walks

The coastal farmland and woodland around the village of Maidencombe was bought by the Torquay Corporation in 1935 to protect the area from development and is now owned by Torbay Council.

It has had little changed ever since and nowadays is managed under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme to protect wildlife, enhance the landscape, encourage traditional farming and allow public access to and enjoyment of the area.

The main route is the South West Coast Path which hugs close to the cliff-tops for much of the way. Off this area are a number of alternative paths following old lanes or field edges. You can make up your own circuit to suite yourself - whichever paths you take you are guaranteed superb views along this dramatic coastline and over the farmland.

If you walk to Maidencombe from Watcombe you pass underneath the dramatic Giant Rock, once part of the estate of Isambard Kimgdom Brunel, the famous Victorian engineer. You will come across the gardens which he planted, now Brunel Woods, and a modern sculpture over 60 feet high that commemorates his life's work.

Please note: almost all the paths include steep sections and can be very muddy after rain, especially those crossing farmland.

Cockington Walks

From Scadson Woods, or from the seafront at Livermead, or even from the Ring Road, you can walk into Cockington and explore its 10 km/6 m long network of country footpaths and horse-riding routes.

It's a landscape full of surprises and views over Torbay, with wildlife and history to match. The Visitor Centre and Cockington Court have details of all the different walks to choose from. Much of the Cockington parkland is easily accessible in a wheelchair.

Dawlish to Dawlish Warren Walk

The first part of this walk is along the sea wall above the beach and adjacent to the busy Great Western railway line. This flat path takes you into Dawlish Warren, past the Red Rock Cafe.

This part is 3 miles, however walking up to the very end of the Warren and back again is approximately another 3 miles in total. There are excellent views all around the coast from here, plenty of places for refreshments and the interesting nature reserve and visitors centre at Dawlish Warren.

Broadsands and Churston Walk

Starting at Broadsands car park follow the Coast Path towards Brixham. Elberry Cove was Lord Churston's private cove and in the early 1800's when sea water bathing became fashionable; he built a bathing house here which still survives. The path continues through Marridge Woods and so to Churston Cove.

The woods leading inland from here, known as The Grove, are one of Torbay's oldest surviving woods. If you follow the valley bottom, you will pass old limekilns which produced powdered lime for use on the fields and in the building industry.

After a while you climb up onto the ancient trackway and trading route of Quay Lane (probably dating back to the Iron Age) which runs from Churston cove to the ferry crossing over the Dart at Greenway.

You can continue towards the Dart from this point or cut back across the Golf Course and down the old drive towards the bathing house before returning to Broadsands and the start of your walk.

The Orestone Manor is within easy reach of some of the most popular walks around the bay, whether it’s simply walking out of the entrance and following the coastal path or taking a short drive in your car to enjoy even more beautiful and historic scenery, including Berry Head and Dartmoor. There are plenty of walks to burn off your 3 course a la carte dinner from the night before!!