Brixham to Paignton

Welcome to the Brixham to Paignton stretch of the South West Coast Path, a delightful jaunt along the English Riviera, where beautiful beaches and stunning sea views are your companions. This relatively easy walk, mostly along paths and pavements, is perfect for families and those looking for a leisurely coastal day out.

Distance: 8 miles (12.9 km)

Difficulty: Easy

Starting Point: Brixham

Begin your journey in the charming fishing port of Brixham. Before heading off, take a moment to explore the bustling harbour and colourful cottages, perhaps even enjoy a scrumptious seafood breakfast in one of the local cafes. When you're ready, follow the coastal path from the harbour, heading west towards Paignton.

Shoalstone Pool and Beach (1 mile from Brixham)

Just a mile in, you'll come across Shoalstone Pool, an outdoor sea water pool with an adjacent pebble beach. It's a great spot for a quick dip if the weather permits, or simply a lovely place to sit and enjoy the views.

Facilities: There's a cafe and toilets available at Shoalstone.

Berry Head Nature Reserve (2 miles from Brixham)

Continuing along the path, you'll soon reach Berry Head, a National Nature Reserve that's home to an abundance of wildlife. It's also a great spot for birdwatching, with guillemots, kittiwakes, and cormorants often seen here. The old fort at Berry Head is also worth exploring.

Facilities: Toilets and a cafe are available at Berry Head.

Goodrington Sands (5 miles from Brixham)

As you follow the path out of Berry Head, you'll descend towards the popular Goodrington Sands. With its lovely sandy beach, it's a perfect spot to pause, enjoy an ice cream, and soak up the seaside atmosphere. You might even want to take a walk along the pier or visit the nearby Splashdown Quaywest waterpark.

Facilities: Goodrington Sands has plenty of facilities including cafes, toilets, and shops.

Final Stretch: Roundham Head and Paignton (8 miles)

The final stretch of your journey takes you around the headland of Roundham Head, offering panoramic views of Tor Bay. As you descend into Paignton, you'll pass by the lovely Paignton Green, a great spot for a picnic. Once in Paignton, reward yourself with a well-deserved meal in one of the town's many cafes or restaurants.

Facilities: Paignton has plenty of amenities including cafes, pubs, public toilets, and shops.

Points to Remember

Terrain: This section is mostly flat, with a few small inclines. Suitable footwear is recommended.

Facilities: There are plenty of facilities available along this route, including toilets and cafes.

Weather: The English Riviera is known for its mild climate, but it's always wise to bring layers and a waterproof jacket, just in case.

Seasonal Refreshments: Ice cream and seafood stalls are plentiful during the summer months, but do bring your own snacks and water, particularly outside of peak season.