There’s some terrific running in Torquay, a seaside resort town on the English Channel known for its beaches and nicknamed the English Riviera. We’ve put together a route highlighting the series of boardwalks around the marina, a couple of parks in central Torquay, and then the waterfront promenade paths south to Paigngton. Fun option:can run one-way and take the train between Torquay, Paignton, Goodrington.
Torquay Promenade. Creative Commons.
Starting in central Torquay at the Information Center, the first 1.5 miles are a jaunt south on the waterfront path to the Ferry dock and a gorgeous loop around the wooden boardwalks of the marina and Princess Gardens. Then, take the watefront path south toward Paignton (option: 0.5 mile diversion around Abbey Park & King’s Gardens). There are nice water views on a mainly dedicated waterfront path, which is ~3.5 miles between Torquay and South Sands/Goodrington Beach, just south of Paignton. (Note: there’s an 0.7 mile on-road section away from the water between Cliff Rd., just south of Livermead Sands Beach, and Hollicombe Beach). In Paington, the route includes a nice loop around Fairy Cove & Roundham Head.
Add-Ons: In Paignton, there are some lovely parks just inland from the waterfront path that have nice paths for running; Victoria Park & Queen’s Park just inland from Paington Pier, and Young’s Park just south of Roundham Head.
There’s some terrific running in Torquay, a seaside resort town on the English Channel known for its beaches and nicknamed the English Riviera. We’ve put together a route highlighting the series of boardwalks around the marina, a couple of parks in central Torquay, and then the waterfront promenade paths south to Paigngton. Fun option:can run one-way and take the train between Torquay, Paignton, Goodrington.
Torquay Promenade. Creative Commons.
Starting in central Torquay at the Information Center, the first 1.5 miles are a jaunt south on the waterfront path to the Ferry dock and a gorgeous loop around the wooden boardwalks of the marina and Princess Gardens. Then, take the watefront path south toward Paignton (option: 0.5 mile diversion around Abbey Park & King’s Gardens). There are nice water views on a mainly dedicated waterfront path, which is ~3.5 miles between Torquay and South Sands/Goodrington Beach, just south of Paignton. (Note: there’s an 0.7 mile on-road section away from the water between Cliff Rd., just south of Livermead Sands Beach, and Hollicombe Beach). In Paington, the route includes a nice loop around Fairy Cove & Roundham Head.
Add-Ons: In Paignton, there are some lovely parks just inland from the waterfront path that have nice paths for running; Victoria Park & Queen’s Park just inland from Paington Pier, and Young’s Park just south of Roundham Head.
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Essentials
Up to 6 miles (9.7 km) one-way. Includes ~1 mile of park & marina loops in Torquay
184 feet (56m), one-way, north to south
Information Center in central Torquay, or other spot on path
A 'runseeing' tour of Plymouth, featuring the main sites of Devon's largest city. Includes the Greenery, Hoe Park, the marina area, Mayflower Steps, and the Barbican district. Can be combined with our west Plymouth route for a longer run.
An exploration of the Devonport area in west Plymouth, including Royal William Yard, Mayflower Marina, Mount Wise Park, and Devonport Park. There's also a running track. Can combine with our main Plymouth route, ~1 mile east.
A true destination run only a 7-minute ferry ride from Plymouth. Landscaped gardens, open parkland woodland paths, gorgeous sections of S W Coast Path in this 865-acre historic coast park Something for all runners!
Sidmouth is a tourist resort and a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The best place to run is a route combining the Esplanade to Peak Hill, and then a jaunt along The Byes, a lovely park leading to Margaret's Meadow.
Two good running options in this port town at the mouth of the River Exe: a 3.7-mile waterfront path around the Marina and along the Channel east to Orcombe Point; and a 3.5-mile off-road cycle path headed east to Budleigh.
This 'runseeing' tour of ancient Roman city of Exeter hits all the major sites: Fore St., Cathedral, Castle, several small parks, and a section of paths on the River Exe. For longer, there are additional paths along the river headed south toward Topsham.
There are some pleasant paths along the River Exe, which flows south into the English Channel. One can run up to 8.2 miles, including 2.5 miles along the Exeter Ship Canal in Topsham. Fun option: do the longer run one-way and return via train!
There's some terrific running in this seaside town on the 'English Riviera', featuring several small parks and a lovely a lovely waterfront path that goes for ~6 miles between Goodrington Beach, just south of Paington north to Torquay.
The best place to run in Brixham is a series of paths along the water. From town, head north to the Brixham Battery or south toward Berry Head, where there are some great views at the Lighthouse. Additional options on the S W coast path.
In Dartmouth, some waterfront running on both sides of the estuary, including optional climb to Dartmnouth Castle. The National Trust Greenway is a destination run, with gorgeous paths around the grounds of Agatha Christie's summer home.
The South Devon AONB is a vast natural area including rugged coastal stretches, farmland & quaint villages. See some of our running recs from among the 200 miles of right of way and 60 miles of Coast Path. There's an excellent website & interactive map.
Running the 'moors' of Dartmoor National Park, especially on a classically bleak day, is a singular running experience. Choosing from among the list of walks, or some of the bridleways and byways recommended for cycling, are great options for running.
The 11.25 mile canal towpath in Grand Western Canal Country Park is a great running option in Tiverton -- the main commercial and administrative centre of Mid Devon. Flat, easy, and all off-road. Additional running options using the 'walks' in the Park.
Wonderful running in North Devon includes: the cycle trails from Barnstaple north to Braunton and south to Meeth; nice quayside running in Bideford; great beach running on Saunton Sands & Greystone Beaches; and sections of S W Coast Path.
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Essentials
Up to 6 miles (9.7 km) one-way. Includes ~1 mile of park & marina loops in Torquay
184 feet (56m), one-way, north to south
Information Center in central Torquay, or other spot on path
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!