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Watcombe - Maidencombe - Watcombe

Devon  >  United Kingdom

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

Ajouté* par Baz Willmott
Dernière actualisation 25 septembre 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 Roitelet triple-bandeau (very common here), Mésange bleue, Mésange charbonnière, Sittelle torchepot, Grimpereau des bois and the short 'Kee-Kee-Kee-Kee' call of numerous Pic épeiche. In Summer Fauvette à tête noire and Pouillot véloce 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 Alouette des champs. Pouillot fitis (Summer) and Pouillot véloce and Fauvette à tête noire are numerous, with Hirondelle rustique 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 Bruant zizi, gradually spreading along the coast from it's stronghold at RSPB Labrador Bay (see separate entry) just to the North. Expect more Alouette des champs and possible Faucon crécerelle 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. Linotte mélodieuse, Tarin des aulnes, Tarier pâtre and Verdier d'Europe are very common along this section. In infrequent gaps in the pathside trees and scrubland, depending on season views of the sea can give Plongeon imbrin, Macreuse noire, Fou de Bassan, Guillemot de Troïl, Fulmar boréal and the occasional Faucon pèlerin.

Détails

Accès

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 et Habitat

Arbres et buissons disséminés , Forêt , Prairie , Ville/village , Agriculture , Canyon/falaise

Conditions

Plat , Vallonné , Glissant , Paysage ouvert

Boucle

Oui

Avez-vous besoin d'une longue-vue?

Oui

Saison idéale pour observer

Toute l'année

Meilleure période pour une visite

Eté , Migration automnale , Migration printanière , Hiver

Itinéraire

Route pavée , Sentier large , Sentier étroit , Route non pavée

Niveau de difficulté de l'itinéraire

Durée de la marche

Accessible via

A pied , Vélo , Voiture

Observatoire/hutte d'observation

Non

Voir les sites d'observation voisins publiés sur Birdingplaces

Carte

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