Coastal Walks

THATCHER POINT TO ANSTEY’S COVE

Difficulty: Hard

This walk features rocky coast paths and steep slopes which might not be suitable for those who are less mobile.

The route has been voted one of the top 50 walks in the UK and deservedly so as the views are simply spectacular. Walking along this area, it is easy to see why the English Riviera is a recognised UNESCO Global Geopark.

Begin your walk from Kents Cavern and walk down to the upmarket Ilsham Marine Drive, leading to the spectacular Thatcher Point. The large open green leads down to Thatcher Point which provides close-up views of the small, guillemot-inhabited island called Thatcher Rock with breathtaking views over the Bay. The island is one of Torquay’s most well-known landmarks and is made up of Devonian limestone over 350 million years old.

Either follow Ilsham Marine Drive around the coastline or look out for the South West Coast Path and continue it easterly and north-easterly towards Hope’s Nose. Hope’s Nose is a bit of a detour for this route, but it is worth it for the views alone! Be careful – the route to Hope’s Nose is steep. Both Thatcher Point and Hope’s Nose are an area of protruding coastline with limestone rocks and fossils and can only be accessed on foot, making it a favourite spot for keen walkers, nature lovers and anglers.

Follow the coast path again a little further along Ilsham Marine Drive to join The Bishop’s Walk. The Bishop’s Walk emerges at Anstey’s Cove car park and through woodlands heading towards Anstey’s Cove. The woodlands leading to the Cove is a fairly steep path. Ansteys Cove can be seen through the trees as you approach it with the headland of Walls Hill and the sculpted point of Long Quarry Point appearing. The sheltered beach is popular with kayakers and those who enjoy coasteering.