Explore South Devon on this two-hour walk along beautiful coastlines, semi-ancient woodlands and spot grey seals in the calm waters of Fishcombe Cove. <\/p>

So<\/span>uth Devon\u2019s English Riviera attracts more than a million visitors each year, has 20 official <\/span>beaches and is one of the county\u2019s<\/span> six Marine Conservation Zones. With so much going on, it\u2019s small wonder that, during the summer, its main beaches are full of people enjoying themselves. Fortunately, it isn\u2019t difficult to get away from the crowds to experience a bit of seclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the great advantages of Torbay is its easy accessibility by public transport \u2013 this walk can be reached by bus from Torquay and Paignton, or even by steam train from Paignton.<\/span><\/p>\n

The 3.5-mile walk takes you from Broadsands, a fun and safe family beach, along the South West Coast Path to Elberry Cove, then through woods to the delightful twin coves of Churston and Fishcombe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Discover more walks<\/h4>\n
Best summer walks in Britain<\/a><\/li>\n
Best walks in Devon<\/a><\/li>\n
Britain\u2019s best coastal walks<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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Elberry,\u00a0Fishcombe and Churston<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
Some of Torbay\u2019s clearest, bluest waters can be found at Elberry Cove, alongside a pretty white-pebbled beach, making the short, grassy cliff <\/span>walk from Broadsands well worth the effort. Elberry Cove was Agatha Christie\u2019s favourite bathing spot and is still popular with outdoor swimmers today. <\/span>Elberry Cove is just a few miles from Agatha Christie\u2019s home at Greenway \u2013 the quiet bay featured in the author\u2019s novel The ABC Murders as the setting of Sir Carmichael Clarke\u2019s death. <\/span>At one end of the beach you\u2019ll find the ruins of Lord Churston\u2019s bathhouse, built so he could swim out from a private changing area at high tide and enjoy the warmth of heated seawater in his \u2018hot-bath\u2019 room in nippy weather.<\/span><\/p>\n
Just east of Elberry are two more coves \u2013 Fishcombe and Churston \u2013 linked by steep steps just off the wooded slopes of the South West Coast Path. Fishcombe Cove has a beach caf\u00e9, and visitors can enjoy safe swimming from both beaches. But it\u2019s the grey seals that grab the most attention here. Keep your eyes peeled because these elusive mammals pop up at no notice.<\/span><\/p>\n
The coves are prettier to visit at high tide, but if you love exploring rock pools there\u2019s plenty to do at low tide, too.<\/span><\/p>\n

Swimming with seals<\/strong><\/p>\n
With four fantastic beaches included in this walk, it would be a mistake not to go prepared for at least a quick paddle. If you spot a seal while you\u2019re out, please remember that you are the visitor, not them; let them approach you, and remain calm, quiet and assertive to avoid scaring them. Find out more at: www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com\/sea-swimming<\/a><\/p>\n
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Elberry Cove walk<\/h3>\n
1. Broadsands<\/h4>\n
From the car park at Broadsands (height restrictions and charges apply), walk past the ice-cream booth and beach huts on your right and,\u00a0at the end of the prom, head up the grassy track on to the cliff top. Follow the cliff round, with views across Torbay, until you come to steps leading down to Elberry Cove.<\/span><\/p>\n
2. Elberry Cove<\/h4>\n
Once at Elberry Cove, take some time to explore the ruins of Lord Churston\u2019s bathhouse, skim a few stones and maybe swim or snorkel in the clear waters.<\/span><\/p>\n

More related content:<\/p>\n
Walk: Coleton Fishacre, South Devon<\/a><\/li>\n
Best walks in Devon<\/a><\/li>\n
Walk: Wistman\u2019s Wood, Devon<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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3. Elberry bathhouse<\/h4>\n
Leave Elberry Cove by the gate at the bathhouse end of the beach and head up the steps, keeping the sea on your left as you join the South West Coast Path. These semi-ancient woods are full of birdsong in the summer and are also home to disused lime kilns left over from the days of quarrying at the now-protected Seven Quarries, which you\u2019re walking above.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of Torbay\u2019s clearest, bluest waters can be found at Elberry Cove <\/blockquote> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>
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Elberry Cove walk<\/h3>\n

2. Elberry Cove<\/h4>\nOnce at Elberry Cove, take some time to explore the ruins of Lord Churston\u2019s bathhouse, skim a few stones and maybe swim or snorkel in the clear waters.<\/span><\/p>\n