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Brownstone and Coleton Camp
Rugged and captivating stretch of coast with secluded beaches
Devon
Opening times for 12 July 2025
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- Dogs allowed
No designated Blue Badge parking. Brownstone car park has level ground. All-ability trail from Brownstone car park for 1 mile.
- Steps/uneven terrain
- By road
Take the A379 and then follow the B3205 towards Kingswear. From here follow signs towards Coleton Fishacre and car parks
Parking: At Brownstone (for Froward Point and Brownstone Battery), Coleton Camp, Mansands (for Woodhuish and Man Sands Beach), and Scabbacombe. NT members free. £2 charge (honesty box)
- On foot
The South West Coast Path runs from Kingswear to Sharkham Point. There is also a network of footpaths and bridleways from Brixham to Woodhuish and Hillhead to Woodhuish, linking to the South West Coast Path. The Dart Valley Trail is some 16 miles long, running alongside both sides of the River Dart. The Kingswear to Greenway section is 4½ miles long and follows the river and goes through ancient woodland
- By train
Paignton train station 6 miles and Totnes train station 10 miles. The Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company runs services from April to October
- By bus
Stagecoach 120, Paignton (close to train station)-Brixham-Kingswear, daily. Stagecoach 112, Totnes-Dartmouth, daily. Visit the Stagecoach website for more information
- Cycling
Accessible by bike from Kingswear or Brixham along hilly and busy B roads and windy lanes
- By ferry
Higher and Lower car and passenger ferries, Kingswear-Dartmouth, daily.
Planning your visit
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Visiting Brownstone and Coleton Camp with your dog
Dogs are welcome at Brownstone and Coleton Camp all year round, and there are plenty of places to take your four-legged friend while you’re here. Please help keep this area enjoyable for everyone by keeping your dog under close control, cleaning up after them and following the guidance below.
Highlights
Coast
Stretch of coast east of the Dart Estuary. South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs and into coves.
Froward Point
Military road leading from Brownstone car park to Froward Point, one of the few remaining Second World War gun batteries.
Cider press
Victorian cider press in the barn of a working farm. Great place for seeing cirl buntings, barn owls and bats.
Beaches
Two secluded beaches, Man Sands and Scabbacombe, reached by walks through countryside and coastal paths. Dogs welcome.
Things to see and do
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Things to do at Brownstone and Coleton Camp
Walk and explore quiet dog-friendly beaches with great coastal views. Spot a variety of wildlife, birdlife and flora that flourishes in the area.
Top trails
Trail
Brownstone to Froward Point circular walk
Spectacular coastal views, historical features and wildlife spotting, as well as the option to extend your walk to a hidden cove and another National Trust place.
Trail
Coastal circular walk from Woodhuish
Including rugged coastline and a wetland area, this circular walk near Coleton Fishacre leads from Woodhuish Farm to Man Sands Beach and back via the South West Coast Path.
Outdoor activities
Trail
Coleton Fishacre Ranger Run
Coleton Fishacre Ranger Run takes in dramatic coastal scenery, some tough terrain and interesting built cultural history. This 9km trail run follows the edge of Coleton Fishacre estate along the South West Coast Path.
Places to stay
Higher Brownstone Farm
A recently refurbished former farmhouse, set within the grounds of Coleton Fishacre.
2 Coleton Barton
A white-washed cottage set within the grounds of Coleton Fishacre on the Kingswear Peninsula.
The Chauffeur's Flat
A getaway for two in the gardens of Coleton Fishacre on the South Devon coast.
Crockers Cottage
A quiet Devon countryside stay with the gardens of Coleton Fishacre close by.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Brownstone and Coleton Camp
This stretch of coast east of the Dart Estuary is complete with cliffs, beaches and traditional farmland. From Coleton Camp car park a moderate walk leads to the South West Coast Path, with access to Scabbacombe beach. Close to Brownstone car park, at Froward Point, is one of the few remaining Second World War gun batteries.
Our work
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Our work on the coast at Brownstone and Coleton Camp
From battling bracken to restoring marshland habitat, our team of countryside rangers work constantly on the land around Brownstone and Coleton Camp. Find out more about our efforts.
History
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The history of Brownstone Battery
Brownstone Battery is one of the country's few remaining WWII coastal defence positions, complete with gun and searchlight stations. Find out more about its military history.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Brownstone and Coleton Camp