Brixham Breakwater: A Relaxing Adventure
The Breakwater in Brixham is a fantastic place for an easy morning walk. The half-mile long structure offers fantastic views and has a rich history, making it one of the prime attractions for the small seaside town.
Starting at the Brixham Harbour Lifeboat Station, you have a beautiful view straight ahead toward the other Torbay towns; Paignton & Torquay.
The yachts that adorn the harbour are often impressive. They range from small working fishing boats to large recreational yachts. Choosing our favourites (which we hope to buy when we’re rich ;)) has always been a fun pastime of mine and my sister’s.
History of the Brixham Breakwater
Initially built in 1843, the breakwater began by jutting out into the bay at a length of 427m. The structure was then extended between 1909 and 1916, through the first few years of World War 1.
The Breakwater was designed by James Rendel & offered a considerable amount of shelter to the boats moored in the harbour. This was fantastic for the Brixham economy as over 100 vessels were registered there in 1862.
The Breakwater is constructed of limestone blocks, of which were quarried locally from Berry Head and deposited in the bay.
The abundant history makes this one of my favourite places for a UK walking holiday!
The Walking Route
Our walk always begins just outside the harbour house which my family rents each year. With the harbour on your left, you’ll begin your walk by strolling up the harbour path toward the Prince Albert pub and small boutique shops.
The fresh seawater smell & the sound of the harbour vessels clicking and clacking as the waves flow beneath them is a feast for the senses early in the morning.
As you round the corner, you’ll be able to admire the wonderful community gardens. The garden is beautifully curated by locals and changes each year we visit.
Heading up the path, you’ll make your way to the Brixham RNLI station, where you can admire the RNLI boat in the foreground of the breakwater, usually bobbing around on the mooring.
Having finished a, frankly incredible, breakfast sandwich from The Breakwater Cafe, you’ll begin your walk at the foot of the breakwater. Here, you’ll see a small sign with information detailing the history of the breakwater. A new addition for 2020, there is a wonderful map of Brixham, commissioned by Lighting Up Brixham and designed by illustrator Clair Rossiter.
As you start your walk toward the end of the breakwater, it’s fascinating to experience the difference between the still, rocking harbour on your left, and the rustic, wild English Channel to your right.
A word of warning (and funt!) On a particularly windy/stormy day, the sea disperses some spectacular waves which smash over the breakwater. This is when I opt to get my camera out & hope I’m quick enough to catch a wave. I wouldn’t recommend walking up there when the weather is really bad, but it’s great fun to try and miss the waves on a safe day.
Here’s my boyfriend, Mike, and our little puppy Lexi walking the breakwater - I managed to catch a wave just missing them! Lexi loved it!
As you walk along the footpath, you’ll be able to stop and watch as the fishermen lining the rocks cast out toward the harbour and reel in their catch of the day.
The view is so unique. It’s not often that you’re able to walk out to panoramic views of a harbour without taking a boat trip. The colourful array of harbour houses and vast variety of vessels and selection of wildlife make this walk my favourite in Brixham (a tall claim, I know!) On the flipside - no pun intended ;) - you’re able to gaze out toward the horizon, spotting the larger of the fishing boats & even the odd cruise ship!
Wildlife on the Breakwater
If fishing is your thing you might catch: Wrasse, Conger Eels, Mackerel, Garfish, Bass, Pollack and Mullet. I used to be a fishing fan, but now I just find it very relaxing and meditative to watch others from a seat on the top of the wall of the breakwater with a hot chocolate (getting serious Brixham blues writing this!)
In addition to the usual suspects, the Brixham harbour is home to nearly 40 North Atlantic Grey seals. I have been visiting Brixham for over 15 years now, and it wasn’t a common occurrence to see a seal poking its head above the waves. However, it’s safe to say I’ve seen a seal whilst walking along teh Breakwater every year I’ve visited for the past 5 years or so!
This year was particularly amazing! We spotted an adult North Atlantic Grey seal hanging around a fisherman, playfully waiting for him to do the hard work and catch it’s breakfast. It was such a fun sight to see!
Sammy the Seal & friends are famous residents of the Brixham harbour - keep an eye out for the bob (which I recently learnt was the noun for a group of seals!), take a photo and post it in the comments below!