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Churston and Broadsands

The Rural and Coastal Splendour of Churston and Broadsands

The Rural & Coastal Splendour of Churston & Broadsands

3½ miles (5½ km) - Circular route - Grades 2 to 4 - Coastal Footpath, country lane & track

An exploration of a living, but tranquil area of countryside and coastline that divides the residential outskirts of Paignton and Brixham.

O.S. Map Explorer O.L.20 - South Devon

Start:- Car park, Broadsands Beach

From the car park behind Broadsands beach, the route takes the old farm track up past Elberry Farm. This traditional and unspoiled Devonshire farm, built in Victorian times, still manages the land hereabouts, where fresh-laid eggs can still be purchased.

The track takes you between the fields of Elberry Farm until a kissing gate leads you off to the left, up across a well marked pathway across Churston Golf Course. This 18 hole course was opened in 1890 on land provided by Lord Churston. Having crossed over the course, the path joins the old main road that once joined Paignton and Brixham, now a peaceful lane wending its way past Churston Church and its close neighbour, Churston Court. This used to be the residence of the Lord of the Manor but is now run as a country inn. This area was once the centre of the village but since the building of the new main road in the 18th century, the majority of homes have moved in that direction.

The road from the church towards Brixham, along which the route progresses briefly, was once known as the Lych Way, the way of the dead. The old village cross that gave its name to Churston stood close by the road junction. Its renovated successor now stands within the nearby Garden of Rest, opposite the church.

Just past the road junction a track by the name of Quay Lane leads off the old Brixham road, to the left. This is a very ancient trackway that the route now follows, quite likely three to four thousand years old, joining the coast to the South Hams of Devon. Where the track enters an open field, a choice of routes is provided. Turn left, down into woodland known as The Grove or continue along the track across more open countryside. Either route will lead you to Fishcombe and Churston Cove, a picturesque and unspoiled inlet, where it is hard to believe you are at the entrance to Brixham outer harbour.

Following a steep climb up from the cove the route follows the Coastal Footpath along a woodland fringe with glimpses of the sea beyond until you descend to Elberry Cove. Here a crescent strand of bleached pebble provides a sheltered spot where Lord Churston created a 19th century sea-water bathing house, today a rather romantic ruin overlooking water-skiing and bathing activities.

The Coastal Footpath continues on over Elberry Common, once a rabbit warren, to bring you back to the car park at Broadsands.