1. Maidencombe

The 150-acre Maidencombe Farm is a stronghold for the rare Cirl Bunting. It also has a network of footpaths, outstanding scenery and dramatic cliffs. The hamlet of Maidencombe lies at the centre of the farm and is the best place to park or begin your visit. The Trust also looks after the village green, car park and beach café. Walks leaflet available.

2. Hope’s Nose – Wall’s Hill

This complex of cliffs, woodland, grassland and scrub is an important heritage area. It is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, in part for its geology which includes internationally recognised gold formations (although these have long since been removed) and in part for its rare flora (similar to Berry Head). Wall’s Hill is also an Ancient Monument because of its Bronze-Age field system. In 2003 we are introducing a flock of Soay sheep to Hope’s Nose, to graze it and keep the scrub under control. Hope’s Nose is also a popular haunt of fishermen and birdwatchers.

3. Daddyhole – Rock End Walk

The Trust has the cliffs below Daddyhole Plain and the steep ground south towards Torquay Harbour, known as Rock End Walk. This area was once laid out as gardens and a pleasure walk in Victorian times but since then it has been declared partly Site of Special Scientific interest and partly County Wildlife Site. This means it is left a little more wild than it was at one time. However at Peaked Tor Cove we have worked with the local community to restore a formal garden.

4. Roundham Headland
In response to fears about the future of the headland the Trust has taken on its management together with that of the pitch and put course.

5. Heartwoods

Occombe, Scadson and Cockington Valley Woods include areas of Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland and are being designated Local Nature Reserves through an English Nature / Lottery-funded project called Heartwoods. We aim to involve the local community closely in the care of these woods and have employed a Ranger to make this happen.

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6. Naptor Farm

Another Cirl Bunting site, this small area of farmland is managed by a tenant. There is no public access to this land.

7. South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is over 600 miles long and is England's longest long-distance trail, stretching from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The Trust is responsible for the cutting and maintenance of the SWCP throughout Torbay. It passes in and out of our land, but we act as the agent for all 22 miles in Torbay. For further details visit the official South West Coast Path National Trail website at www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath

8. Kitson Wood

This tiny 1-acre wood lies next to Torbay Hospital and the Trust has leased the site for 5 years to open it up to the public and improve its condition for people and wildlife. The local community is being encouraged to take part in planning the work.

9. Brunel Woods and Great Hill

Isambard Kingdom Brunel once planned to retire to Watcombe, Torquay and he commissioned the design of a garden and house overlooking St Marychurch. The garden was created but sadly Brunel died before the house was built. The garden has become woodland but many of the species and features of Brunel’s time survive. The wood was badly damaged in the 1990 storm and a commemorative sculpture was carved out of one of the Giant Redwoods that fell – and this sculpture is an imposing feature. A network of paths to follow and great views over the Bay. Nearby is Great Hill, with even better views and we have plans to create a footpath link to Brunel Woods.

10. Elberry Farm and Cove

This coastal farm occupies an important green belt area at Broadsands. Once threatened with development it has now been passed to the Trust by the Council for safe keeping. We have a tenant running the farm and aim to work closely with him to generate environmental opportunities. Elberry Cove is shingle and clear water in a peaceful setting, marred only by the fact that it is an approved water-ski site. Next to the cove are the ruins of the Elberry Bath House where Lord Churston used to take a cold dip after sweating it out in a hot tub!.

11. The Grove

Running along the coast from Elberry Cove to Brixham these woods are quite extensive and in need of a lot of care and attention. They include ruined limekilns, overgrown forestry tracks and another delightful shingle cove at Churston with good bathing.