About

THIS EVENT IS PART OF THE ENGLISH RIVIERA WALKING FESTIVAL

Do you know the English Riviera is only 1 of 10 UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK?

What is a Geopark? It’s a place with awe-inspiring rock formations and where geological heritage has shaped the development of the area. In fact, the rocks you will see are so impressive, that the English Riviera is recognised by UNESCO.  This means the Bay is part of a prestigious family of UNESCO sites like Stonehenge, The Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal!

Starting from Kents Cavern’s prehistoric caves, Britain’s Oldest Home, where humans lived 500,000 years ago, you will experience the outstanding natural beauty and geology of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark along the South West Coast Path, whilst admiring the breath-taking coastlines, including the spectacular headland of Thatcher Point, the most photographed geological feature on the English Riviera. And on a clear day, look across to Portland in Dorset – 40 miles away along the Jurassic Coast.

• Hear the remarkable stories of Devonian limestones, formed south of the Equator, 400 million years ago.
• Admire the islands located off the English Riviera’s coastline and maybe spot a gannet or guillemots
• Discover how Britain’s earliest humans travelled to this part of Devon from mainland Europe
• Did Neanderthals and early modern humans live together in Kents Cavern?
• Take a photo in front of Charles Darwin’s Torquay home
• Walk past one of Agatha Christie’s favourite beaches at Anstey’s Cove
• Pick up tips on great ways to experience the natural environment of the English Riviera

Did you know?
During this walk you will visit land that is cared for by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, a dedicated conservation charity that cares for nearly 80% of all the English Riviera’s breath-taking green spaces.  The Trust works tirelessly to protect and enhance these special places for both locals and visitors to enjoy.  Through conservation projects, wildlife protection, and sustainable land management, the charity ensures that Torbay’s natural beauty remains unspoiled for future generations.

3 miles - 2 hours

Geopark walk begins at 4pm
Grade of Walk - Fairly Strenuous

Meet location:

Outside Kents Cavern Visitor Centre
89-91 Ilsham Road
Torquay
TQ1 2JF