Brixham offers a compact but varied range of walks, combining coastal scenery, accessible headlands and quieter inland routes. The town sits on the southern side of Torbay with immediate access to the South West Coast Path and open ground at Berry Head. Distances are generally shorter than in South Hams locations, making Brixham well suited to half-day walks.
Overview
Walks from Brixham are primarily coastal, with routes heading north towards Paignton and south towards quieter sections of coastline. Inland options are more limited but still provide contrast to the exposed headlands. The area is generally easier walking than more remote parts of Devon, though there are still sections with steady climbs and uneven ground.
Brixham to Berry Head
Distance: 2 miles (one way)
Difficulty: easy to moderate
A short and accessible walk from the harbour to Berry Head. The route follows the coast path with open views across Torbay before reaching the headland, which is a designated nature reserve. The area includes historic forts, cliff-top paths and wide sea views.
Brixham to Sharkham Point
Distance: 3–4 miles (circular)
Difficulty: moderate
A quieter coastal loop heading south from Brixham towards Sharkham Point. The route passes coves and low cliffs with fewer visitors than Berry Head. Inland sections return through fields and lanes, creating a varied circular walk.
Brixham to Paignton (Coast Path)
Distance: 5–6 miles (one way)
Difficulty: moderate
This longer coastal walk heads north along the South West Coast Path towards Paignton. The route includes a mix of rocky sections, small coves and more developed seafront areas closer to Paignton. It provides continuous sea views and several access points along the way.
Berry Head to St Mary’s Bay Circular
Distance: 3 miles (circular)
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Starting at Berry Head, this circular route drops down towards St Mary’s Bay before returning along the coast path. The walk combines elevated views with a short descent to a quieter beach area, offering a good balance of scenery and distance.
Brixham Harbour and Breakwater Walk
Distance: 1–2 miles (circular/linear)
Difficulty: easy
A short and level walk around Brixham harbour and out along the breakwater. This is the easiest option, suitable for a brief walk with constant views of the fishing fleet and across Torbay. It works well as a shorter addition to other walks in the area.
Brixham to Kingswear (Coast Path)
Distance: 6–7 miles (one way)
Difficulty: moderate to challenging
A longer and more varied coastal walk heading south from Brixham towards Kingswear. The route passes Berry Head before continuing along a quieter stretch of coastline with open views across Start Bay. Terrain is more undulating than the northern routes, with several climbs and descents. Kingswear provides ferry access across the River Dart to Dartmouth.
Choosing a Walk
For the best views with minimal effort, Berry Head is the most accessible option. For a longer walk, the route towards Paignton provides continuous coastal scenery. Sharkham Point offers a quieter alternative, while the harbour and breakwater provide a short, level option close to the town.