Watcombe Head

Coastal Feature, Headland, Point in Devon

England

Watcombe Head

Wood edge by John Musgrave Heritage Trail Looking left from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6810364">SX9167 : Blackthorn gateway, John Musgrave Heritage Trail</a>, to the corner of the hillside grassland with trees above Padacre Road.
Wood edge by John Musgrave Heritage Trail Credit: Derek Harper

Watcombe Head is a prominent headland located on the southern coast of Devon, England. Situated near the town of Torquay, it forms part of the stunning coastline of the English Riviera. Standing tall at an elevation of around 100 meters, Watcombe Head offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area.

This headland is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain, interspersed with patches of lush green vegetation. The cliffs that make up Watcombe Head are composed of various rock formations, including limestone and shale, which have been eroded over time by the relentless action of the sea. As a result, the headland displays fascinating geological features such as caves, arches, and stacks, adding to its allure.

Watcombe Head is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The area is ideal for leisurely walks and hikes, with several footpaths and trails offering access to the headland and its stunning vistas. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the surrounding area, including seabirds, wildflowers, and even rare species of butterflies.

In addition to its scenic appeal, Watcombe Head offers various recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. The cliff faces provide opportunities for rock climbing and abseiling, while the clear waters surrounding the headland are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The nearby Watcombe Beach, with its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, is a popular spot for sunbathing and picnicking.

Overall, Watcombe Head is a captivating coastal feature that combines natural beauty, geological interest, and recreational opportunities. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil escape amidst the stunning coastal landscapes of Devon.

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Watcombe Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.497155/-3.5149944 or Grid Reference SX9267. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wood edge by John Musgrave Heritage Trail Looking left from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6810364">SX9167 : Blackthorn gateway, John Musgrave Heritage Trail</a>, to the corner of the hillside grassland with trees above Padacre Road.
Wood edge by John Musgrave Heritage Trail
Looking left from SX9167 : Blackthorn gateway, John Musgrave Heritage Trail, to the corner of the hillside grassland with trees above Padacre Road.
Hillside by John Musgrave Heritage Trail With houses on Merrivale Close. This looks back to the right from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6917113">SX9167 : Wood edge by John Musgrave Heritage Trail</a>.
Hillside by John Musgrave Heritage Trail
With houses on Merrivale Close. This looks back to the right from SX9167 : Wood edge by John Musgrave Heritage Trail.
Hillside by John Musgrave Heritage Trail A similar view to <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6917129">SX9167 : Hillside by John Musgrave Heritage Trail</a> taken looking left from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6811035">SX9167 : John Musgrave Heritage Trail</a>.
Hillside by John Musgrave Heritage Trail
Path, The Avenues On the southern slopes of Brunel Park.
Path, The Avenues
On the southern slopes of Brunel Park.
Path, The Avenues A little further up the path shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6917168">SX9167 : Path, The Avenues</a>.
Path, The Avenues
A little further up the path shown in SX9167 : Path, The Avenues.
Drinking trough north of Maidencombe In a comer of a field containing a maze of paths.
Drinking trough north of Maidencombe
In a comer of a field containing a maze of paths.
Combe north of Maidencombe From close to where <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6920127">SX9268 : Drinking trough north of Maidencombe</a> was taken.
Combe north of Maidencombe
From close to where SX9268 : Drinking trough north of Maidencombe was taken.
Ground ivy north of Maidencombe Part of a dominant population of Glechoma hederacea at the edge of a pasture.
Ground ivy north of Maidencombe
Part of a dominant population of Glechoma hederacea at the edge of a pasture.
Gorse north of Maidencombe On the side of a combe.
Gorse north of Maidencombe
On the side of a combe.
Combe north of Maidencombe Showing the patch of gorse seen in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6920158">SX9269 : Gorse north of Maidencombe</a>.
Combe north of Maidencombe
Showing the patch of gorse seen in SX9269 : Gorse north of Maidencombe.
Combe north of Maidencombe Looking left from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6920162">SX9269 : Combe north of Maidencombe</a>.
Combe north of Maidencombe
Fields above Blackaller's Cove Looking left from <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6920168">SX9268 : Combe north of Maidencombe</a>, with overlap. The coast path can be seen, hugging the clifftop between hedges.
Fields above Blackaller's Cove
Looking left from SX9268 : Combe north of Maidencombe, with overlap. The coast path can be seen, hugging the clifftop between hedges.
Springtime north of Maidencombe Fresh green leaves and blackthorn blossom beside footpath TQ3.
Springtime north of Maidencombe
Fresh green leaves and blackthorn blossom beside footpath TQ3.
Gate on path On footpath TQ3, which links the A379 to the coast path.
Gate on path
On footpath TQ3, which links the A379 to the coast path.
Gates by the path Footpath TQ3 continues through the trees past gateways left and right, affording views over coastal combes on either side.
Gates by the path
Footpath TQ3 continues through the trees past gateways left and right, affording views over coastal combes on either side.
Scrub on hillside above Herring Cove Gorse and other bushes clothe the steep side of a combe above the sea.
Scrub on hillside above Herring Cove
Gorse and other bushes clothe the steep side of a combe above the sea.
Building site off Teignmouth Road Steady progress on the site shown less than eight months earlier at <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6577393">SX9269 : Building site off Teignmouth Road</a>.
Building site off Teignmouth Road
Steady progress on the site shown less than eight months earlier at SX9269 : Building site off Teignmouth Road.
Coastal farmland near Herring Cove A gateway on the permissive path around the top edge of the combes above the coast. No sign of the noisy dog today <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6732647">SX9269 : Noisy dog, Fantasea</a>!
Coastal farmland near Herring Cove
A gateway on the permissive path around the top edge of the combes above the coast. No sign of the noisy dog today SX9269 : Noisy dog, Fantasea!
Show me another place!

Watcombe Head is located at Grid Ref: SX9267 (Lat: 50.497155, Lng: -3.5149944)

Unitary Authority: Torbay

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall

What 3 Words

///alarm.trail.part. Near Torquay, Devon

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 50.497155,-3.5149944
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.4927744/-3.5138413
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.4944635/-3.5134372
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Lat/Long: 50.4948836/-3.5134344
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Lat/Long: 50.4956277/-3.5141794
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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.4955649/-3.5150014
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Lat/Long: 50.4956167/-3.5151568
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Lat/Long: 50.4958254/-3.5153068
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Lat/Long: 50.4966519/-3.5141622
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.4968261/-3.5133159
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.4968379/-3.5132219
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.4970423/-3.5131975
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.4971236/-3.5133138
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.4977907/-3.5140345
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Lat/Long: 50.4980129/-3.5139252
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Lat/Long: 50.4981895/-3.5136355
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.4986506/-3.5127522
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Lat/Long: 50.4993008/-3.5126231
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Lat/Long: 50.4995304/-3.5126342
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Lat/Long: 50.499592/-3.51278
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Lat/Long: 50.5000555/-3.5126757
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Lat/Long: 50.5009393/-3.5125369
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.500976/-3.5124739
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.5011535/-3.5125853
Watcombe Head
Natural: headland
Source: NPE
Lat/Long: 50.4969795/-3.5133767
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.4966435/-3.5204245
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 50.4983717/-3.5157266
Valley of Rocks
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.4978813/-3.5168043
Bench
Backrest: no
Lat/Long: 50.4984262/-3.5158085
Bench
Backrest: yes
Lat/Long: 50.494819/-3.514707
Smugglers' Hole
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.4943326/-3.5135409
Barrier: stile
Material: wood
Step Count: 2
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 50.5008535/-3.5143258
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 50.49939/-3.5133866
FIXME: incomplete
Lat/Long: 50.4993981/-3.5134654
Barrier: stile
Material: wood
Step Count: 2
Stile: stepover
Lat/Long: 50.4986757/-3.5138608
FIXME: incomplete
Lat/Long: 50.498684/-3.5139019
Giant Rock
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 50.4980804/-3.5174564
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 50.4981692/-3.5211757
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 50.4981975/-3.5211171
Bench
Backrest: no
Survey Date: 2022-10-15
Lat/Long: 50.4986609/-3.5138632
Bench
Backrest: no
Survey Date: 2022-10-15
Lat/Long: 50.4949571/-3.5153128
Bench
Backrest: no
Survey Date: 2022-10-15
Lat/Long: 50.4983851/-3.515692
Bench
Backrest: no
Survey Date: 2022-10-15
Lat/Long: 50.4950553/-3.5160456
Information: board
Tourism: information
Lat/Long: 50.5015642/-3.5161024
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 50.5015327/-3.5161118
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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