Along the South West Coastal Path to Torquay by the Sea.

A distant Torquay marina viewed for the South West Coast Path Trail high on the cliff.

The sun shone on Saturday while I walked on the coastal path along the top of the cliffs towards Torquay town centre.   This coastline is called the "Devon Riviera," and in the sunshine, it was possible to imagine walking along the coast in the South of France,  with the turquoise Mediterranean Sea glistening through the trees.   I felt as if the spring had arrived. 

A small castlelike summer house looking out towards the sea.

The South  West Coast Path National Trail runs 630 miles from Minehead, on the edge of Exmoor to Swanage on the south coast, a walk I would love to do if my ankles can stand the pace.

Rock strata on the beach below the coastal path.

This place is a geologist delight, with the chance to find many fossils on the beach and in the stratified rock faces.  Evidence of the bad weather was easy to see, with twisted handrails wrecked by the wild waves,  and shingle and seaweed thrown up onto the promenade and into the road.

Torquay Marina.

A lonely seagull looks out from his perch beside the marina with its variety of small dinghies and huge luxury cruisers.   Fortunately we had a lovely day for our walk, with a nice lunch and a cuppa at a cafe beside the marina.    A sign gave a warning:  "Please look after you lunch, otherwise the seagulls will whisk it off your plate."    I defended my coronation chicken baguette and salad with my life!