HOPES NOSE

Situated at the Northern-most point of Torbay, it forms one of the two headlands that define the Bay itself (the other being Berry Head). In years past it has been used as a quarry but now the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust are managing the common land with great effect. It is a pleasant place to spend a summers day but you’ve got to be fit to scale the 250foot hill climb form the nearest parking.

For years this site was limited to those anglers who didn't mind catching fish that fed on the raw effluent that was flowing out of a sewer pipe situates just south of the ‘nose’ of Hopes Nose. Thanks to South West Water’s ‘Clean Sweep’ plan the pipe is now going some 5 miles out to sea and only carries screened and treated water waste – and what an improvement!

Now the whole area is opened up for divers, but as a freediver/spearo we’re not interested in the point because of the VERY STRONG currents that run there. Instead we turn our attention to the northern side of the headland and to Hope Cove.

Park at the top of Thatcher Avenue and walk down the hill, stopping to take in the view and pet the ponies that live there. Head to the end of the point where you should double-back on yourself to the left. In the far corner, away from all the anglers, is a small shingle beach from where we start our trip.

Just off the beach is a rocky reef in about 8m of water (at high tide) with plenty of small critters to see. This is a bit too near to the fishermen for my liking so head north to the red cliff faces you see about 300yds away. Below these cliffs are large boulders and pinnacles that are the favourite haunt of large Pollack and Bass.

Between the beach and the cliffs is mostly sand with plenty of Eel Grass and the odd reefy patch. Keep your eyes peeled for Plaice and Flounder along here. Once below the cliffs it’s worth exploring around the area to find some of the numerous ‘hold down’ spots in amongst the kelp and rocks. Many of the anglers are after large Dogfish and Smoothhound so you might just have fun chasing them around!

Hopes Nose is home to a large Seal in the summer who will happily let you feed him by hand if you have any spare, but if he’s around you may not have a very successful spearing trip! Also during the summer months keep a look out for Dolphins and Porpoises who visit the Bay regularly when the waters are warm and the feeding good.

Boat traffic in Hope Cove can be an issue so a buoy is essential here. There are no facilities at all once you're down there, the nearest cafe and toilets are on Meadfoot about a mile away.

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