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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 web site for friends of Petitor Beach: http://friendsofpetitor.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/
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