Surf or turf?
You might not think that the English Riviera is the place to go if outdoor activities are your thing, but how wrong could you be! Whether your preference is for walking boots or wetsuits, adrenaline or simply admiring the view, we have something for everyone.
Torbay itself is really one big waterpark. Indeed it was the site for the watersports events of the Olympics back in 1948. Sheltered from most winds it's the ideal playground for those who don't mind getting wet. For land lovers there's equal enjoyment to be found with the renowned South West Coastal Path just two minutes walk from the the hotel's front door and the wild expanses of Dartmoor a short drive away.
Seaside
Look no further than Torquay marina if you want to get your feet wet! We have everything from Jet Set Go! Jet ski safaris which are a fabulous way to discover the bay, novices welcome! Paddleboarders love the bay's calm, clear waters and we have several operators where you can hire boards and wetsuits. The same too goes for kayakers who will find Sea Kayak Torbay the ideal guys to show you the bay at a slower pace than the jet skis. The free of spirit might prefer the thrill of coasteering, our rocky coastline and clear waters are the perfect playground for fans - check out Reach Outdoors for more info. For lovers of sail maybe a visit to the Royal Torbay Yacht Club will set you up. Failing that, if your aspirations are higher still the Sunseeker office in the marina might be able to help you find the floating gin palace of your dreams!
south west coastal path
Famous the world over and right on our doorstep. The path winds its way around the South West peninsula and delivers delight at almost every turn. Here at the Bay we offer two options for walkers of all abilities, and the choice is quite simple. Turn left or turn right! Turning left rewards the walker with a reasonably rigorous walk of around three hours with a fair bit of up and down! Along the way you can catch your breath at the cafe on Ansteys Cove and even better, reward the end of your walk with suitable refreshment at the Cary Arms on Babbacombe Beach. If you're feeling up to it you can return the way you came or call for a taxi! The bar staff will be happy to oblige. Back to option two and turning right. This is far shorter, about 40 minutes and takes you around Daddyhole Plain and the headland, passed Petit Tor Cove and then down into Torquay Marina. Though much shorter than turning left, there are still a fair amount of ups and downs. So don't expect a gentle stroll, but your effort will be rewarded by some spectacular views across the bay.
700 miles of coastline
Dartmoor
It's hard to know where to begin with Dartmoor. A wonderful and exhilarating place, Dartmoor’s 386 square miles offer so many options for getting active. Explore the highest tors on foot, tackle the steepest hills on your bike, hack over the moor on horseback, brave a cold dip wild swimming, try out kayaking and climbing or enjoy a sedate day fishing; there are so many options for exploring the National Park! Of course when you're not out on the moor itself there's still plenty to occupy you, such as a visit to Princetown, home of the infamous Dartmoor Prison and its fascinating museum. Enough to put anybody off a life of crime! One thing to say is that if you do go walking on the moor do dress in an appropriate manner. The weather can be extremely changeable and therefore dangerous even for seasoned walkers so please be prepared. We haven't lost a guest yet and we have no intention of doing so in the future!
From Torquay head for Bovey Tracey.
Haytor
On the southern edge of the moor and about 40 minutes drive away lies Haytor, the closest of the spectacular granite outcrops for which Dartmoor has become famous. A walk to the top is rewarded with sweeping views. Be warned you need to be in reasonable health. While the walk itself is easy, it's all uphill! You might need a stop in the Rock Inn just a five minute drive away to recover your strength and recharge your batteries!
Becky Falls Woodland Park, Manaton TQ13 9UG
becky falls
Set within a spectacular ancient valley, Dartmoor’s famous Becky Falls is a magical place where you could almost expect to encounter a hobbit at any minute. Choose the Blue Trail for a more gentle walk along the Becky Brook and through the ancient oak woodland. The Red Trail though is where you will discover the stunning waterfall and its dramatic 70ft drop at the heart of the park. You will need decent walking shoes and be fairly fit to walk this trail as you will have to clamber over rocks in some places. But well worth the effort.
Becky Falls Woodland Park, Manaton TQ13 9UG