Walks in Brixham
Coast path walks from our door
Here is our pick of the best walks in Brixham, so choose anything from an easy harbour stroll to clifftop forts at Berry Head. Lace up after breakfast, then come back to a fire-grilled supper.
Best of all, every walk on this page starts from the Smugglers Hotel, so you can leave the car behind.
Walking in Brixham
Walks in Brixham, from harbour to headland
Walks here have everything, because you get a working harbour, limestone cliffs plus sheltered coves. The town sits on the South West Coast Path, so you can step out of the front door straight onto the trail.
In fact, seals, dolphins plus gannets are often spotted offshore. Meanwhile, the whole headland is part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark.
Choose a walk
Our favourite walks in Brixham
There are four walks for every pace. However, distances are approximate, measured as a round trip from the hotel.
Easy · 2 miles · 1 hour
Harbour & breakwater
First, walk down to the quay, past the Golden Hind plus the fish market. Then follow the breakwater out to the lighthouse for views across Torbay. It is flat plus short, so it is good with a buggy too.
Moderate · 3 miles · 1.5 hours
Berry Head Nature Reserve
First, climb out of town to Napoleonic forts, a tiny lighthouse plus a guillemot colony on the cliffs. Meanwhile, the reserve is cared for by the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.
Moderate · 5 miles · 2.5 hours
Sharkham Point & St Mary’s Bay
Carry on past Berry Head to Sharkham Point, then drop down to the pebbles of St Mary’s Bay. Steep steps in places, but the sea views are worth it.
Easy to moderate · 3 miles · 1.5 hours
Fishcombe Cove & Churston
Head west along the coast path to the sheltered cove at Fishcombe, then into the woods towards Churston. Shady in summer, so it is a favourite with dogs.
Longer walks
Longer walks in Brixham on the coast path
Want a challenge? Brixham is also a great base for longer stretches of the South West Coast Path. Pack lunch, then return by bus or ferry.
- Brixham to Kingswear: wild, steep plus remote. Then ferry over to Dartmouth at the end.10 miles
- Brixham to Paignton: past Elberry Cove, then on to Goodrington Sands.6 miles
- Brixham to Torquay: on to the harbour, then the Western Lady Ferry back across the bay.10 miles
Distances are approximate. Check ferry plus bus times before you set off.
Walking with dogs
Dog-friendly walks in Brixham
Most of our routes are great for dogs, so bring them along. Afterwards, there is a warm welcome for them on the dog-friendly side of our bar plus in our dog-friendly rooms.
- Leads near the cliffs. Paths at Berry Head plus Sharkham run close to steep drops, so take care.
- Grazing animals. Keep dogs on a lead when livestock graze the headland.
- Beach rules. Some beaches restrict dogs in summer, so check the signs.
- Muddy paws. Just let us know, then we will find a towel.
Before you go
Tips for walks in Brixham
Footwear
The coast path is rocky plus muddy after rain, so walking boots are best for anything beyond the harbour.
Weather
Conditions change quickly on the headland, especially in winter. Check the forecast, then take a layer even on sunny days.
Maps
Route maps plus distances are also on the South West Coast Path website. Our team is also happy to help.
After the walk
Boots off, fire on
Afterwards, come back to a seat by the log burner, a local pint plus fire-grilled food. Lunch runs from 12pm, while dinner starts at 6pm.
Coast and moor
Walk Dartmoor next
Next, swap sea cliffs for granite tors at our sister inn, the Dartmoor Inn at Merrivale. Walks start from its door too, deep in Dartmoor National Park.
Questions
Walks in Brixham: your questions
What are the best walks in Brixham?
Our favourite walks in Brixham are Berry Head Nature Reserve, the harbour plus breakwater, the coast path to Sharkham Point and St Mary’s Bay, then the woodland path west to Fishcombe Cove and Churston.
How far is Berry Head from the Smugglers Hotel?
Berry Head is roughly a mile and a half from the hotel, so it is close. Most guests walk there in 30 to 40 minutes, with a steady climb at the end.
Are the walks in Brixham dog friendly?
Yes, most are. However, keep dogs on a lead near cliff edges plus grazing animals at Berry Head. Some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions in summer, so check the signs.
Can I walk the South West Coast Path from Brixham?
Yes. The town sits on the South West Coast Path. Head south for Berry Head plus Kingswear. Alternatively, head north for Goodrington plus Paignton.
Is the coast path from Brixham to Kingswear hard?
Yes, because it is one of the tougher stretches in South Devon, at around 10 miles with steep climbs. Allow most of a day, then catch the ferry or bus back.
Are there easy walks in Brixham for families?
Yes, the harbour plus breakwater walk is flat and short. Berry Head also has gentle paths around the forts once you reach the top.