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WALKS
You are in: Devon > Great Outdoors> Walks > Torquay Circular Walk > Stage 2
Bishop's Walk
The start of the Bishop's Walk 		The Bishop's Walk
Look across the road from the Ansteys Cove car park - you'll find the start of the Bishop's Walk midway between the two car park entrances.
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The Bishop's Walk forms part of the stunning South West Coast Path, and it was a real labour of love for the man who created it - Henry Phillpotts.

He was the Bishop of Exeter for 38 years during the 19th century, and in 1842 he built his grand mansion home called Bishopstowe.

Like many buildings in Torbay it was built in the Italianate style, reflecting the love of Victorians for exotica. Bishopstowe included magnificent gardens, 25 acres of private land stretching to the sea.

These days, Bishopstowe is very much bigger and since 1921 has been better known as the Palace Hotel - one of Torquay's most prestigious hotels.

The Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel - formerly the bishop's mansion.
Having built his fabulous home overlooking the sea at Ansteys Cove, the bishop decided he needed somewhere to enjoy a breath of fresh air.

So he set about creating a path along the nearby cliffs which winds from Ansteys Cove to the bottom of Ilsham Valley...hence The Bishop's Walk.

 Here, the bishop would go on his regular constitutionals and have moments of contemplation. Some 150 years later, the coast path is there for us all to enjoy - thanks to the bishop's hard work!

This part of the walk starts in woodland with sea views towards Ansteys Cove, Walls Hill and Long Quarry Point - where evidence of Torquay's origins is visible for all to see.

....carry on along the path until you see clear views of Ansteys Cove through the trees to your left
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You are in: Devon > Great Outdoors> Walks > Torbay Circular Walk > Stage 2
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