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Walk 2371 - printer friendly version

Kingswear to Brixham Walk

Author - Dave Whittaker

Length - 10.8 miles / 17.6 km

Ascent - 3050 feet / 924 metres

Grade - moderate

Start - OS grid reference SX883512
Lat 50.350088 + Long -3.5713685
Postcode TQ6 0SG (approx. location only)

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.

Walk 2371 Route Map

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