Petitor - Torquay

Devon (south coast)

Small cove below high cliffs near Torquay town centre. Beach and path down from cliffs suffers from rock falls.

Petit Tor Beach

From the centre looking North

Aug-16 • petelovespurple on Flickr

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Petit tor beach

Aug-16 • petelovespurple on Flickr

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Petitor beach

Aug-16 • petelovespurple on Flickr

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Petitor [also known as Petit Tor] is a traditionally tolerated naturist beach on the northern outskirts of Torquay, near St. Marychurch Golf Club.

Getting There

Satnav: TQ1 4QF, O.S. Map Ref: SX 927 664

Petitor is very close to Torquay [about 2 miles] and could be reached on foot from there. Alternatively, the B3199 Torquay - Shaldon road will take you to the St Marychuch area, where you can [normally] park in Petitor Road. Leaving the car, walk to the end of Petitor Road and on down the long grassy slope. At the end turn left and continue down to the beach - it's a stiff trek down and back, unsuitable for those with walking difficulties. To make matters worse, a recent rock fall has made access more difficult. As an alternative, it may be possible to walk around the headland from Oddicombe beach to the south, where the cliff railway aids access. NOTE : the usual warnings about danger from high tides and possible cliff falls apply!

Description

The beach is in a cove and consists of a mixture of pebbles and some sand, scattered with larger rocks. It has a strong local following - which can make it a bit cliquey - one report described the regulars as "fiercely defensive" of their "rules". For example - there is an etiquette that governs who goes where: single men to the left, ladies, couples and families to the right.

The beach is somewhat overlooked from the cliff above, which has at times lead to a problem with "gawkers" or "spotters". In summer 2001 there were reports of an air rifle having been fired at sunbathers - the Police where said to be mounting extra patrols to protect the nudists... !

Facilities

Everything you could want - and more - may be obtained in Torquay.

Links

facebook.com/Petitor-Beach-490064535540