Coves and cliffs

Explore this dramatic coastline of steep cliffs and hidden coves. It’s a wonderful place to walk and uncover the stories of this ever-changing landscape.

Discover evidence of dramatic earth movements and the powerful forces of nature. Find out why a red cliff collapsed into the sea while white cliffs were blasted apart with dynamite. Compare flaky black rocks with pink ‘Devon marble’. See where rocks were taken away by day and drugs were brought in by dead of night. Learn of genteel Victorians with their bathing machines and the modern adventure sport of coasteering. You can also enjoy some stunning views and a ride on a restored cliff railway. 

This walk explores the tremendous diversity of rocks found along this stretch of coast. Discover how their different properties have created the landforms that you can see and have influenced human activities. The walk also raises some important questions about human intervention along the coastline. 

Walk Info

Distance:

3 miles

Level:

The paths and lanes are very steep in places

Suitable for:

Dogs are only allowed on the beaches at particular times of year (check notices)

Region:

South West England

Setting:

Seaside

Landscape:

Changing landscapes Shaping the landscape Exploiting the landscape

Start:

Anstey’s Cove Road car park

Finish:

Babbacombe Cricket Club

Getting there:

Nearest station Torquay (3 miles); served by direct services from London and local routes

2 miles from the centre of Torquay off the A379 Babbacombe Road; free car park on Anstey’s Cove Road

Catch routes 11 and 32 running between Torquay and St Marychurch and alight at the Palace Hotel on Babbacombe Road