Collaborative working sees Coast Path improvements in Torbay

Much-needed improvements along a 2km length of the South West Coast Path from Berry Head to the junction with St Mary’s Road south of Brixham were completed recently. This section of the Coast Path, which is highly used by both residents and visitors, needed improvements as path erosion, areas of very muddy surfaces and some high steps had made the trail difficult to walk, especially in Winter

At the end of 2021, the South West Coast Path Association produced an improvement plan for the Path having discussed the project with Torbay Council and the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust team. The first part was to rectify the issue of water running down Sea Lane and causing damage to the steps and eroding the Path. Working together with Torbay Council the pipe was repaired and the water erosion stopped. Following this, 7 mini projects were developed which included, new waymarkers, 6 new steps and 21 step replacements, with 50m of stone path surfacing on the muddiest sections. All these combined actions, as well as the cutting back of various sections of vegetation by Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust team, will make this part of the Path easier to use all year round.

Tino Savvas, Area Rep for the South West Coast Path Association stated, “This section of the Path has seen little improvement for a number of years. Following the recent projects, we have already received positive comments about the improvements. It was particularly pleasing as this was a real partnership project with many important partners coming together for the benefit of both residents and visitors. It is a credit to them all.”

These improvement works would not have occurred without the support and funding from Torbay Council, Brixham Town Council, South Devon Ramblers, Totnes Ramblers, Torbay Rambling and Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust as well as additional funding from the South West Coast Path Association.

Lorna Sherriff National Trail Officer commented, “this project is a great example of local communities and organisations working together to make an improvement on this world-class trail. A massive thank you to the local councils and ramblers’ groups who gave their support and funding towards this project”.