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Watcombe - Maidencombe - Watcombe

Devon  >  United Kingdom

Just North of the twin towns of Torquay and Paignton in South Devon.

Added* by Baz Willmott
Most recent update 25 září 2024

Description

With Torquay and Paignton being the busiest coastal summer holiday destination in Devon, a visit early morning or outside the holiday season may be best, there is a choice of two car park starting points.

(*1), press STAR on map. In Watcombe from the car park (free - at time of writing), head into the woodland in The Valley of Rocks (not to be confused with The Valley of Rocks in North Devon), look for králíček ohnivý (very common here), sýkora modřinka, sýkora koňadra, brhlík lesní, šoupálek dlouhoprstý and the short 'Kee-Kee-Kee-Kee' call of numerous strakapoud velký. In Summer pěnice černohlavá and budníček menší can be expected (occasionally they overwinter).

(*2). Turn slightly inland walking The John Musgrave Heritage Trail along a tree lined wide path with fields on both sides, listen out for the songflight of skřivan polní. budníček větší (Summer) and budníček menší and pěnice černohlavá are numerous, with vlaštovka obecná hunting over the surrounding fields.

(*3). Head North from Maidencombe, the car park here (fee payable - note height restriction barrier), towards more hedge and tree lined fields, the speciality bird here is the strnad cvrčivý, gradually spreading along the coast from it's stronghold at RSPB Labrador Bay (see separate entry) just to the North. Expect more skřivan polní and possible poštolka obecná along with more common passerines.

(*4). After heading East for the coastline continue South along The South West Coast Path, best described as being undulating and challenging in places with some steep sections with steps. The typical South Devon red soil here can be slippery and muddy in places, suitable footwear is advised following periods of rain. konopka obecná, čížek lesní, bramborníček černohlavý and zvonek zelený are very common along this section. In infrequent gaps in the pathside trees and scrubland, depending on season views of the sea can give potáplice lední, turpan černý, terej bílý, alkoun úzkozobý, buřňák lední and the occasional sokol stěhovavý.

Details

Access

The A379 road from Torquay (to the South) to Shaldon/Teignmouth (to the North) runs just inland from the site, unfortunately the road signs to the two car parks from the A379 are non existent, therefore press P's on map for directions. The circular walk indicated on the map is about 5 km.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Forest , Grassland , City/village , Agriculture , Canyon/cliff

Conditions

Flat , Hilly , Slippery , Open landscape

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Summer , Autumn migration , Spring migration , Winter

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trail , Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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