Teignmouth to Exmouth

Embark on a dramatic journey along the South Devon coast, traversing an impressive mix of seaside towns, sandy beaches, and stunning cliffs. This stretch of the South West Coast Path takes you from the vibrant port of Teignmouth all the way to the bustling seaside resort of Exmouth.

Distance:

13 miles (21 km)

Difficulty:

Moderate

Starting Point: Teignmouth

Your journey begins in the bustling port of Teignmouth. This historic town thrives on fishing and shipping, and its lively waterfront is packed with pubs, cafes, and shops. Before setting off on your hike, you might want to explore the town and grab a hearty breakfast at one of the local cafes.

Note: Teignmouth has plenty of parking, and it’s also well-served by public transport, with a train station and regular bus services.

Smugglers Tunnel and Shaldon (1 mile from Teignmouth)

Your first point of interest lies just a mile into your journey. Smugglers Tunnel, a 165-metre passage carved through the cliff, leads you to the picturesque village of Shaldon. Take a moment to explore the village's quaint streets and charming thatched cottages, or stop at one of the cafes for a quick refreshment.

Facilities: Public toilets are available in Shaldon, and there are several cafes and pubs.

Ness Cove and Labrador Bay (3 miles from Teignmouth)

Continuing along the coast, you’ll reach Ness Cove, a secluded beach tucked away beneath towering red cliffs. Beyond Ness Cove, the path winds up to Labrador Bay, a nature reserve with panoramic views across the bay. Be sure to keep an eye out for rare species of birds, such as cirl buntings, which thrive in this area.

Facilities: None directly on the path – ensure you're stocked up.

Maidencombe and Watcombe (6 miles from Teignmouth)

The trail then leads you through lush countryside to the small villages of Maidencombe and Watcombe. Here, you can enjoy a well-deserved break on the quiet beaches, or take a detour to visit the beautiful gardens of Brunel Manor, once the holiday home of the famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

Facilities: There are cafes in both Maidencombe and Watcombe, as well as public toilets in Maidencombe.

Babbacombe and Oddicombe (9 miles from Teignmouth)

As you press on, you'll pass through Babbacombe and Oddicombe, home to a range of attractions such as the Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Babbacombe Model Village, and Bygones Victorian Museum. If you fancy a break from walking, you can take a ride on the historic Cliff Railway, which offers a fun and easy way to descend to Oddicombe Beach.

Facilities: Babbacombe and Oddicombe have a good range of facilities, including cafes, pubs, shops, and public toilets.

Daddyhole Plain and Torquay Harbour (11 miles from Teignmouth)

After leaving Babbacombe, the path winds around Daddyhole Plain, a local nature reserve with panoramic views over Torbay. From here, it’s a short walk to Torquay Harbour, a bustling marina with a wealth of places to eat and drink. This is a perfect spot to rest and refuel before tackling the final stretch of the journey.

Facilities: Torquay Harbour has a wide range of amenities, including cafes, restaurants, shops, and public toilets.

Final Stretch: Paignton and Goodrington (13 miles)

The final leg of the journey takes you along the seafront promenade, passing Paignton Beach and Goodrington Sands. Both beaches are popular with families and offer a range of facilities and attractions, including the Paignton Pier Amusements and Splashdown Quaywest Waterpark. From Goodrington, it’s a short walk to the finish line in bustling Exmouth.

Facilities: Both Paignton and Goodrington have a wide range of amenities, including cafes, pubs, shops, and public toilets.

Points to Remember

Terrain: This section of the path is mostly flat and well-trodden, with occasional steep sections. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Facilities: Facilities are well distributed along this section of the path, but it's always a good idea to carry water and snacks with you.

Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, particularly on the exposed cliffs, so bring layers and a waterproof jacket.

Seasonal Refreshments: Ice cream vans and cafes can often be found along the beaches during the summer months.