13/3/2023 Brixham to Torquay (8.81mls)

As we were leaving from the Brixham property and it was only a 4hour walk, we were flexible to leave, so Justine was able to do a ZOOM class for one of her clients before we left. The only consideration was an incoming band of rain expected about 3pm.

We walked to the harbour with Fiona and had a look around. There is lots of history to see what with the Golden Hind, William of Orange, and of course all the fishing boats associated with this very active fishing port. Having said that though we were surprised for the first 2 days of our stay not to see any of the more than 15 boats leaving to go fishing.

This whole walk is quite easy with no major issues along the way. Past the fishmarket to Fishcombe Cove (we chose not to take the lower path down to the cove itself) and then on to Churston Cove. There is then a long and pleasant walk through the woods with glimpses of the sea until Elberry Cove with a bathing house, one of only two in the country.

Then on to Broadsands where we (2 of the 3 anyway!) hoped to see a steam train as the path runs alongside of the Paignton and Kingswear Steam Railway. No such luck as the path then moves away from the railway at Goodrington to reach Paignton where, having made good time, we stopped to treat ourselves to drinks and a millionaire's slice upstairs at a cafe right on the beach.

It was then a couple of miles through Preston Sand to Torquay Sands. On entering Torquay the leaflet indicated a little diversion up Cliff Road just before the Livermead Cliff Hotel. Unfortunately the the path to the viewing point was closed to we tried to cut through the Livermead gardens to return to the main road but came to dead end and had to retrace our steps through the hotel car park - all very annoying.

We had arranged to meet Fiona at a Costa near the beach at Torquay sands, but we preferred the Visto Lounge next door. However, when Fiona arrived at the car park nearby the same payment issue arose as on the previous day. By now it was windy and lashing with rain so David L had to rescue her - not a happy ending to the day but back at the town hose we had a nice curry with all the trimmings.