Maidencombe

The coastal farmland and woodland around the village of Maidencombe was bought by the Torquay Corporation in 1935 to protect the area from development and is now owned by Torbay Council.  It has remained little changed ever since and nowadays is managed under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme to protect wildlife, enhance the landscape, encourage traditional farming and allow public access to and enjoyment of the area.

The main route is the South West Coast Path which hugs close to the cliff-tops for much of the way.  Off this area a number of alternative paths following old lanes or field edges.  Make up your own circuit to suite yourself - whichever paths you take you are guaranteed superb views along this dramatic coastline and over the farmland.

If you walk to Maidencombe from Watcombe you pass underneath the dramatic Giant Rock, once part of the estate of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the famous Victorian engineer.  The gardens which he planted now from Brunel Woods and here a modern sculpture over 60 feet (20 metres) high commemorates his life's work.

Please note: almost all the paths include steep sections and can be very muddy after rain, especially those crossing farmland.  Please keep dogs under close control.