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Kingswear to Brixham

Devon Walk

County/Area - Devon

Author - Dave Whittaker

Length - 10.8 miles / 17.6 km    Ascent - 3050 feet / 924 metres

Time - 8 hours 30 minutes    Grade - moderate

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Ordnance Survey Explorer OL20Sheet Map1:25kBUY
Anquet OS Explorer OL20Digital Map1:25kBUY
Ordnance Survey Landranger 202Sheet Map1:50kBUY
Anquet OS Landranger 202Digital Map1:50kBUY

Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Kingswear to Brixham
Click image to visit gallery of 3 images.

This is a linear walk, so either two cars or public transport is required. As with many coastal walks, this an energetic route with many ascents and descents.

From the Marina car park exit follow the road downhill towards the ferry to Dartmouth. Take the last road on the left to head out of Kingswear with views of the River Dart through the buildings. This lane is narrow so beware of traffic.

At Grid Ref SX892504 the South West Coast Path (SWCP) leaves the lane to the right to descend steps behind Mill Bay Cove and out into open countryside towards the headland at Inner Froward Point. Here you can spend a few minutes wandering around the WW2 observation post before heading onwards.

This is now true coastal walking as the path descends through coves and climbs headlands with superb views out to sea on the right. Kellys Cove, Puddcombe Cove, Ivy Cove and Scabbacombe Sands all disappear behind you before the descent on to Man Sands.

Until recently there was a large pool behind the beach, but during recent bad weather the dam burst and the freshwater emptied into the sea. Diversions were in place when we walked this route, but you cross the 20m wide Scar with care.

The path now climbs Southdown Cliff and rounds Sharkham Point before reaching St Marys Bay and through the holiday camp and on to the Berry Head Nature Reserve.

Follow the path up to the headland (aim for the lighthouse) for expansive views over the English Riviera towns of Brixham, Paignton and Torquay.

Retrace your steps back to the visitors centre then follow the way marked path towards Brixham, which is a 30 minute walk downhill, past Shoalstone Beach, and the breakwater and on into Brixham. Head for 'The Globe' in Fore Street for a deserved pint before catching the bus back to Kingswear.

Other walks nearby

Walk 3587 Kingswear from Coleton Fishacremoderate7.0 miles
Walk 1323 Broadsands Beach and Brixhameasy4.0 miles
Walk 3427 Slapton Sands & Stokenham from Torcross easy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 3346 Start Point from Torcross easy/mod8.0 miles
Walk 3431 Beeson to Salcombemod/hard12.0 miles
Walk 2912 Dartington from Totneseasy2.5 miles
Walk 1857 Start Point & East Prawlemoderate8.2 miles
Walk 1866 East Prawle & Prawle Pointeasy/mod4.1 miles
Walk 2474 East Prawle Coast Circulareasy/mod5.6 miles
Walk 3432 Salcombe to Thurlestonemod/hard11.0 miles

Recommended Books & eBooks

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast PathGuidebook to walking the entire South West Coast Path National Trail. The route runs for 630 miles from Minehead to Poole along the north Devon, Cornish, south Devon and Dorset coastline. Divided into 45 stages, this long-distance coastal trek could be completed within 4 weeks, or walked in sections. Guide includes maps and essential information.
More information

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - Minehead to St Ives

South West Coast Path Map Booklet - Minehead to St IvesMap of the northern section of the 630 mile (1014km) South West Coast Path National Trail. Covers the trail from Minehead to St Ives along the north Devon and Cornish coastline. This convenient and compact booklet of Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 maps shows the route, providing all of the mapping you need to walk the trail in either direction.
More information

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