Hollicombe Beach

Hollicombe Beach sits beneath red sandstone cliffs, giving the spot a more secluded, wild feel compared to larger town beaches. Access is via a tunnel under the railway, steep but atmospheric. The beach is sandy but patches of stones and occasional seaweed are present. Dogs are not allowed in summer but are welcome off-season, when the spot is reliably quiet for walks. There are no toilets, and the closest parking is a short walk away. The cliffs offer some shelter from wind, but access is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties. The red sandstone cliffs are part of the Permian geology that characterises this coastline, dating back 280 million years. The railway tunnel access adds historical character, as the line dates from the original Dartmouth and Torbay Railway construction in 1859. The beach's isolation makes it popular with locals seeking solitude, and the clifftop path connects to the South West Coast Path for longer walks.