The best walks and hikes in Torbay

Yes, Torbay is very welcoming to dogs. Many trails, including those in Occombe Valley Woods and Manscombe Wood, are popular with local dog walkers. While many beaches have seasonal restrictions, the South West Coast Path offers year-round opportunities for you and your dog to enjoy the coastline. Always check local signage for specific lead requirements, especially near livestock or on cliffs.

For a great family day out, the Cockington Country Park & Villiage loop from Torquay is an excellent choice. The park offers 450 acres of gardens, lakes, and woodlands with relatively flat paths. Another option is a walk around Berry Head National Nature Reserve, which has level footpaths, a visitor centre, and fascinating Napoleonic forts to explore.

Certainly. Torbay specializes in accessible coastal walks. For a shorter, rewarding loop, consider the Berry Head loop from Brixham. This easy 4-mile (6.6 km) walk offers fantastic panoramic views across the bay from a famous limestone headland without being too strenuous.

The 22-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path in Torbay offers a mix of difficulties. You'll find gentle, level sections perfect for a casual stroll, particularly around the promenades. However, there are also more challenging parts with steep climbs and descents as the path navigates the rugged cliffs and coves, such as the section on the View of Anstey's Cove – Torquay Harbour and Marina loop from Babbacombe.

Yes, you'll find many opportunities to stop for refreshments. The picturesque village within Cockington Country Park has charming tearooms. If you're walking near Brixham or Torquay harbours, you are spoiled for choice with numerous pubs and cafes just a short detour from the coastal path, perfect for a mid-hike lunch or a post-walk pint.

For a substantial challenge, the Churston, Broadsands & Greenway loop is a moderate 9.5-mile (15.3 km) route that explores both coast and countryside. For a truly long-distance experience, you can tackle the 35-mile John Musgrave Heritage Trail, which traverses the wider South Hams area, including parts of Torbay.

Parking availability varies. For walks around Berry Head, there is a pay-and-display car park at the nature reserve itself. For other sections of the coast path, you can often find parking in the main towns of Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, or at specific beaches like Broadsands. It's advisable to arrive early during peak season as car parks can fill up quickly.

Yes, Torbay has a good public transport network. Regular bus services connect Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham, with many stops located close to the South West Coast Path. You can also use the local ferries that operate between the towns to create linear walks, allowing you to hike one way and enjoy a boat trip on your return.

The trails in Torbay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning coastal scenery, the mix of dramatic red cliffs and sheltered sandy coves, and the well-maintained paths. The variety, from easy parkland strolls to more rugged sections of the coast path, is also a major highlight.

There are over 300 hiking routes to discover in and around Torbay. These range from short, easy walks suitable for everyone to more demanding full-day hikes, ensuring there's a trail for every fitness level and interest.

Absolutely. For a change of scenery, explore the trails within Brunel Woods, a popular spot known for its interesting wood sculptures. You can also wander through the extensive network of paths in Occombe Valley Woods, a tranquil nature reserve situated between Torquay and Paignton that offers a peaceful escape.