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

O.S. Map Ref: SX 927 664

Access & Parking
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.

There is now a website for the  Friends of Petitor Beach 

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Comments (1)Add Comment
The natives are NOT friendly...
written by JW, May 11, 2008
I went to this beach today - I recently moved to Torquay and it is the first time I'd tried it (although I've been to beaches elsewhere).
As mentioned above, a tricky descent, not the best of beaches once you get there - VERY rocky, although very sheltered behind. Not so in front, where boats and jetskis pass by regularly so if you're after somewhere quiet, this is probably not the place for you. Not as busy as I'd expected on a baking hot Sunday, probably in single figures, and all male.
On the way back I was asked by some tiresome chavs if I'd just been 'getting my todger out' (I didn't respond, it's a long way back down, especially if you're pushed) - until you get to the point where the path forks it's obvious where you've been, unlike places like Budleigh Salterton and Weston Mouth where the naturist part is past the textile part so everyone walks back the same way.
I'll think twice before I go again - a shame as it's only a mile from my house smilies/sad.gif

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