13 July 2023 , 13:31
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A beautiful beach that has been closed for years is set to reopen to the public.
Watcombe Beach is a sandy cove on the edge of Torquay, Devon that was once one of the resort’s most popular destinations, attracting thousands of sun worshippers and sandcastle makers every summer.
The circular bay, surrounded by steep wooded cliffs, is at the end of a steep road leading down from an unsurfaced free car park, where people would park up before scrambling down, Devon Live reported.
That all came to an end after storms and floods devastated the access route and ripped up concrete steps, making it much more difficult to get down to the beach.
Waves had already torn away part of a concrete platform near a block which once contained a cafe and shop, before Torbay Council closed the beach in February 2020.
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The beach has been closed since 2020 (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Now work is about to begin to restore access to the beach after the council received £1,764,043 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to invest in local projects.
Some of the money will be used to create a new access point at Watcombe Beach, making the beach safely accessible to the public for the first time since it was closed in 2020.
At the moment a sign saying the beach is closed is attached to a steel barrier blocking the access road beyond the main car park.
The surface of the steep road is rippled and broken apart in places, with a drop of several feet across its width at one point.
It is possible to scramble down what remains of the path, but doing so is precarious and unsuitable for children and those with mobility issues, according to a number of people who've made the journey.
The beach has mixed reviews among those who have visited it, in part due to the difficulty getting down to it.
A two-star reviewer in March this year was posted on Tripadvisor and said: "Was disappointed with the beach, after reading good things. Quite a long walk down and quite dangerous and rocky. Not suitable for kids, Better beaches to visit around Torbay."
A sign tells visitors that the path is closed (DevonLive)Many have given Watcombe five stars however, noting how beautiful the beach is once you manage to get down to it.
"The beach is absolutely gorgeous, the cliffs are breathtaking and to be honest I was glad no one else was there as it was dramatic, beautiful and peaceful," one person wrote.
If you find yourself in the area and in the mood for some beach action, but you don't fancy the scramble down to Watcombe, then the nearby Maidencombe is a good alternative.
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Less than a mile down the coast, it is a relaxing and quiet beach far removed from amusement arcades and water parks.
Make your way through the rolling countryside, park in the small pay and display and head for the narrow path that leads to the beach.
When you reach the bottom you will be confronted with stunning beach scenery, with a sandy stretch framed by towering red stone cliffs. Maidencombe Beach has excellent water quality and safe swimming conditions.