5.3
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.3A stream-fed lake tucked into Widdicombe Valley, where the inland landscape opens to views across the water, Beeson and the sweep of Start Bay.
Widdicombe Ley is a quieter, smaller counterpart to nearby Slapton Ley: a stream-fed lake in a tucked-away valley, encountered on a walk that climbs to broad views over the water and coast. Its appeal is the landscape and the discovery from the path, rather than confirmed facilities or activities on the lake.
Peaceful · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapWiddicombe Valley, South Devon
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The experience
The evidence supports seeing Widdicombe Ley as part of a longer walk through the inland landscape behind Start Bay. It does not confirm a circular path around the lake, fishing access, kayaking permission or facilities at the water.
Things to do
View Widdicombe Ley from above
The route source describes a viewpoint with views over Widdicombe Ley, Widdicombe Valley, Beeson and the bay towards Start Point.
Explore the inland landscape behind Start Bay
Follow the described walking route through lanes and footpaths, with coastal views on the return section. Check the route details before setting out.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Allow time for a short out-and-back section from the signed route; exact duration not supplied.
Find the valley viewpoint
- 01
Use the published Start Bay walk information to identify the route section above Widdicombe Valley.
- 02
Follow the footpath to the viewpoint described by the route source.
- 03
Look down towards Widdicombe Ley and across the valley to Beeson and Start Bay.
- 04
Return by the same path if you are not following the full route.
Half day · The supplied event listing describes a 2.5-mile guided walk; the separate Explore Devon route is longer and includes climbs and five stiles.
Walk the Start Bay inland loop
- 01
Check the current route description and choose a walk appropriate to your ability.
- 02
Follow the route through the inland landscape behind Start Bay.
- 03
Pause at the viewpoint above Widdicombe Ley for views of the lake, valley and coast.
- 04
If following the Torcross route, take care on the first stretch beside the road and expect possible mud after wet weather.
Verified history
The supplied route account describes Widdicombe Ley as a smaller lake formed where a stream in the valley is blocked from the sea by a shingle bar. It also notes that Widdicombe House is not visible from the path and reports that the house and estate were used by General Eisenhower during the Second World War as a headquarters and centre for US servicemen training for the D-Day landings. The source does not establish a direct historical connection between the lake and those events.
Hidden details
A smaller counterpart to Slapton Ley — The route source describes Widdicombe Ley as a smaller version of Slapton Ley, formed where a stream valley is blocked off from the sea by a shingle bar.
The view takes in more than the lake — At the route's viewpoint, the source says visitors can see Widdicombe Ley, the valley, Beeson and the sweep of the bay towards Start Point.
When to go
April · May · June · September · Choose a clear period for the valley and coastal views; the supplied sources do not identify a particular time of day.
The source row recommends late spring and early autumn for milder weather and seasonal colour. The route source notes that paths may be muddy in wet weather.
Footpaths may be muddy after rain. Check conditions and wear suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
The route
- ascent
- The Explore Devon source gives climbs of approximately 50 m and 70 m.
- stiles
- Five on the Explore Devon route.
- surface
- The Explore Devon route includes footpaths, a byway with bedrock forming the track surface, and a stretch beside the road. The event listing describes coastal and field footpaths, occasional mud and some surfaced road.
- distance
- The supplied guided Torcross and Widdicombe Loop listing gives about 2.5 miles. The Explore Devon route describes a different, longer route and does not provide a distance in the supplied excerpt.
- duration
- The guided walk listing gives 10:30am–1:00pm; duration for independent walking is not specified.
- difficulty
- Moderate for the guided Torcross and Widdicombe Loop listing. The Explore Devon route includes two climbs.
- waymarking
- The Explore Devon route says the return follows signposts and the South West Coast Path acorn symbol.
- route shape
- Loop for the Torcross and Widdicombe walk described in the event listing. Do not assume it is identical to the Explore Devon route.
- start point
- Torcross car park for the guided Torcross and Widdicombe Loop listing. Confirm the start point for any independently followed route.
- parking start
- Torcross car park is named as the meeting point in the guided walk listing and as a facility by Explore Devon. Check current parking arrangements.
- shorter alternative
- The supplied sources do not provide a verified shorter alternative. An out-and-back to the viewpoint may be possible from the route, but distance and access should be checked before setting out.
- View of Widdicombe Ley from above
- Views across Widdicombe Valley, Beeson and Start Bay
- Shingle ridge and Slapton Ley on the Torcross route
Worth pairing with
Slapton Ley
The Explore Devon route describes Slapton Ley as the larger freshwater lake behind the shingle ridge at Start Bay, and Widdicombe Ley as a smaller counterpart in a nearby valley.
Torcross
The route information identifies Torcross as a starting point with a car park, toilets, pubs, cafés, a shop and bus connections. Check current services before visiting.
What to look for
From the viewpoint, look for Widdicombe Ley below, the valley stream, Beeson across the valley and the sweep of Start Bay towards Start Point.
Best time to go
Spring to early autumn for milder walking conditions; the route may be muddy in wet weather.
Spring to early autumn is suggested for milder conditions. After rain, expect occasional mud on the walking route; choose a clear day for the valley and coastal views.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers
Practical information
Opening & access
Widdicombe Ley is described as visible from a footpath on the Start Bay walk, including from a viewpoint above the valley. The supplied source does not confirm a dedicated access point or access around the lake itself. Check the route and current access before setting out. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
Check before visiting
Parking
The supplied route information starts at Torcross car park, not at Widdicombe Ley. Check the route details and parking before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting. The supplied route information lists toilets at Torcross, not at the lake.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting. The supplied route information mentions pubs and cafés at Torcross.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current route and landowner guidance before bringing a dog. The supplied source says dogs on short leads are welcome on the Torcross walk it describes.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The lake is viewed from a walking route with climbs and uneven, occasionally muddy footpaths. The supplied source does not establish a step-free route or direct lakeside access.
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Widdicombe Ley
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
