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Newton Abbot — Torquay

Newtor one
Verified route

By a Slow Ways Volunteer on 07 Apr 2021

Distance

18km/11mi

Ascent

440m

Descent

445m

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Description

This is a Slow Ways route connecting Newton Abbot and Torquay.

Know of a better route? Share it here.

This is a Slow Ways route connecting Newton Abbot and Torquay.

Know of a better route? Share it here.

Status

This route has been reviewed by 4 people.

There are no issues flagged.

Photos for Newtor one

Photos of this route will appear when they are added to a review. You can review this route here.

Information

Verified route

Route status - Live

Reviews - 4

Average rating -

Is this route good enough? -  Yes (4)

There are currently no problems reported with this route.

Downloads - 37

Surveys

What is this route like?

Surveys are submitted by fellow users of this website and show what you might expect from this Slow Ways route. Scroll down the page to read more detailed surveys.

Grade 2X based on 1 surveys Sign up or log in to survey this route.
Description Note
Grade 2: Mostly smooth and compacted surfaces, but there may be some loose gravel, muddy patches or cobbles.
Access grade X: At least one stile, flight of steps or other obstacle that is highly likely to block access for wheelchair and scooter users.		 Grading is based on average scores by surveyors. This slow way has 1 surveys.
Full grading description

Only people who have completed our training can become Slow Ways surveyors and submit a survey. We do not vet contributors, so we cannot guarantee the quality or completeness of the surveys they complete. If you are dependent on the information being correct we recommend reading and comparing surveys before setting off.

Survey Photos

Facilities

Facilities in the middle third of this route.

Maybe present Public toilet (1)
Maybe present Wheelchair accessible toilet (1)
Present at time of survey Supermarket (1)
Present at time of survey Restaurant (1)
Maybe present Vegan restaurant (1)
Maybe present Accommodation (1)
Maybe present Accommodation < £50 (1)
Maybe present Campsite (1)
Not present at time of survey Bothy (1)
Maybe present Free wifi (1)
Maybe present Public phone (1)
Present at time of survey Mobile phone coverage (1)
Not present at time of survey Train station (1)
Maybe present Bench (1)
Maybe present Picnic table (1)
Present at time of survey Bus stop (1)
Not present at time of survey Ferry (1)

Challenges

Potential challenges reported on this route. Some challenges are seasonal.

Not present at time of survey Scrambling (1)
Not present at time of survey Wading (1)
Not present at time of survey Swimming (1)
Not present at time of survey Climbing (1)
Not present at time of survey Stepping stones (1)
Not present at time of survey Very slippery (1)
Not present at time of survey Very muddy (1)
Not present at time of survey Very icy (1)
Not present at time of survey Likely to flood (1)
Not present at time of survey Long grass sections (1)
Not present at time of survey Crops encroaching on path (1)
Not present at time of survey Diverted path (1)

Obstacles

Obstacles on this route.

Present at time of survey Stiles (1)
Present at time of survey Step and kerbs (1)
Present at time of survey Possible to avoid steps, if applicable (1)
Present at time of survey Flights of steps (1)
Present at time of survey Gates (1)
Present at time of survey Kissing gates (1)
Maybe present Locked gates (1)
Not present at time of survey Disables access gates (1)
Present at time of survey Cycle barriers (1)
Not present at time of survey Ladders (1)
Not present at time of survey Cattle grids (1)
Not present at time of survey Fords (1)
Not present at time of survey Narrow bridges (1)
Not present at time of survey Ferry required (1)
Present at time of survey Acceptable road walking (1)
Not present at time of survey Unacceptable road walking (1)
Not present at time of survey Dangerous road crossings (1)
Present at time of survey Walking on paths beside roads (1)
Not present at time of survey Walking on verges beside roads (1)
Not present at time of survey Railway crossings (1)
Not present at time of survey River crossings (1)
Not present at time of survey Cattle possible (1)
Not present at time of survey Horses possible (1)
Not present at time of survey Tidal area (1)
Not present at time of survey Potential falls (1)
Present at time of survey Exposed to elements (1)
Not present at time of survey Remote area (1)
Not present at time of survey Mountainous area (1)
Not present at time of survey Military training area (1)
Not present at time of survey No visible path (1)
Not present at time of survey Seasonal nesting birds (1)
Not present at time of survey Other hazards (1)

Accessibility

Is this route step and stile free?

Not present at time of survey Free of stiles (1)
Not present at time of survey Free of single steps/kerbs (1)
Maybe present Free of flights of steps (1)
Not present at time of survey Free of other obstacles (1)

Measurements

Surveyors were asked to measure the narrowest and steepest parts of paths.

The narrowest part of the path is 36.0cm (1)

The steepest uphill gradient walking East 15.0% (1)

The steepest uphill gradient walking West 15.0% (1)

The steepest camber: no data

How clear is the waymarking on the route: Clear (1)

Successfully completed

We asked route surveyors "Have you successfully completed this route with any of the following? If so, would you recommend it to someone with the same requirements?". Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Recommended by an expert

We asked route surveyors "Are you a trained access professional, officer or expert? If so, is this route suitable for someone travelling with any of the following?" Here is how they replied.

Small Pug-sized dog (0)
Small Labrador-sized dog (0)
Large St. Bernard-sized dog (0)
Standard pram (0)
Off-road rugged pram (0)
Standard wheelchair (0)
Off-road rugged wheelchair (0)
Standard mobility scooter (0)
Off-road rugged mobility scooter (0)

Terrain

We asked route surveyors to estimate how much of the route goes through different kinds of terrain.

50.0% of the route is on roads (1)

5.0% of the route is lit at night (1)

15.0% of the route is paved (1)

5.0% of the route is muddy (1)

5.0% of the route is over rough ground (1)

There is no data on long grass

Report a problem with this data

1 surveys

Information from verified surveys.

2X May 2021 by Robertc***@gmail.com
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Geography information system (GIS) data

Total length

Maximum elevation

Minimum elevation

Start and end points

Newton Abbot
Grid Ref SX8601171333
Lat / Lon 50.53062° / -3.60967°
Easting / Northing 286,011E / 71,333N
What3Words enable.songs.scouts
Torquay
Grid Ref SX9053863487
Lat / Lon 50.46095° / -3.54352°
Easting / Northing 290,538E / 63,487N
What3Words stability.sectors.extra

Newtor One's land is

Arable 27.8%
Pasture 21.2%
Urban 34.6%
Woods 16.4%

Data: Corine Land Cover (CLC) 2018

reviews

Claire

16 Jul 2025 Summer
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Walked from Torquay to Newton Abbot during summer and I enjoyed most of the walk! I followed the route on the app and a couple of times the route is plotted between two footpaths that end up at the same point, so at times I didn't know what path to take but in actual fact it didn't matter too much as they ended up in the same location. I'm not a long distance walker so would suggest taking a break in Kingskerswell if you're like me. And be wary from Edginswell to North Willborough it's mostly road (although it's the John Musgrave Trail) I had to disappear into a couple of hedges to allow cars to pass!


Torquay to Cockington
I really enjoyed this section of the walk! Cockington has toilets and a cafe, I got distracted by the Hydrangeas! There were a couple of ways to get to the path leading out of the estate which confused me so I went via the church but carried on and got onto the correct path. I walked out via Cary's Orchard which I'm not sure was the correct way as there was a gravel path I was meant to take on the other side of the hedge but enjoyed walking through the orchard.
Walking through the Geopark was lovely, I enjoyed all the sights and walking past the fields of wheat.

Edginswell to North Whilborough
This was all road, met a couple of cars along this section that I had to squeeze into a hedge for. However the roads were quiet and the houses/ cottages were picturesque!

Kerswell Downs to Kingskerswell
Kerswell Downs had warning signs of tree felling but I entered at my own risk and found it fine, although I accidentally cut through the middle of woods and discovered the path actually goes around the edge of the woods. There's also a bench near the car park!
Kingskerswell is where I would suggest to stop if you need it, I think it's a good halfway point and place to get refreshments. There is a toilet block on Water Lane which isn't on the plotted route and was open when I did the walk. You can also catch the 12 bus to Newton Abbot or to Torquay if you don't want to continue. There are benches dotted around Kingskerswell and lots near St Mary's Church and the Church Meadow.

Kingskerswell to Coffinswell
Crikey that hill! But wow some great views!

Coffinswell
Very pretty houses and gardens, more quiet road walking and a pub "The Linny"! I was a bit worried when I saw a tractor warning sign when walking on a path out of the village but I didn't meet any tractors!

Ben Stedhams Wood/ Penn Inn Plantation/ Milber
Really enjoyed these woodlands! Some benches in Penn Inn Plantation/ Milber! I walked down this hill so found it pleasant.

St Marychurch Road
Not sure why the route tries to take you to the busy road so I went along the St Marychurch Rd away from the road and joined up with the path.

Coming out of Penn Inn subway I didn't follow the path right as I wanted to go straight to the train station so followed the pavement straight on. However the right hand path eventually takes you to the quay and is a nice way to go into town, although I would say not as direct!

Great walk in all but very long!.

Charles Hedley

23 Sep 2023 Autumn
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Very good route, mostly on the John Musgrave Heritage Trail which is well signposted and easy to follow. The paths are generally good and I would imagine they don't get too muddy in the winter. Half hourly trains available at both ends to take you back to your start point.

Pav

24 Dec 2021 Winter
Report

Various ways to reach Penn Inn roundabout. Easy footpath through Penninn Plantation and then route joins bridleway and the John Musgrave Heritage Trail is followed all the way through to the Cockington Estate on the edge of Torquay. Shops, pubs and cafes at Kingskerswell. Nice walk on footpaths, bridleways, country lanes and pavements.

Danravenellison

10 Sep 2021 Summer
Report

Perhaps the best way to get between Newton Abbot and Torquay? This route snakes through the countryside largely following the John Musgrave Heritage Trail.

The route is a little wonky at the old quarry immediately to the west of the A380. Look on Open Street Map to see where the path really is.

I'm sure there will be a great route that's most direct than this one, but if you are not in a rush.

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