Feeling a little guilty about the excess turkey, mince pies and mulled wine consumed over Christmas? Well here's a winter warmer that you soon get the fresh air back into your lungs whilst experiencing some of the most dramatic coastline the south west has to offer.

The Brixham to Kingswear (or vice versa) walk along the South West Coastal Path covers around 10 miles passing several sites of interest en route. Whichever direction you decide to walk you are faced with a journey that is graded as strenuous and to say this route is undulating is a vast understatement. Personally I prefer to attempt the tougher section towards the Brixham end first so that everything else then seems easier in comparison but in reality there is no such thing as easier, just slightly less steep.

All is peaceful as you depart the quaint fishing town of Brixham, along the harbour and past the breakwater as you wind your way up to Berry Head National Nature Reserve. This is where you will find the well preserved remains of two Napoleonic forts as well an abundance of bird life darting about on off the cliff edges. Make sure you also pay a visit to the lighthouse which is referred to the smallest, highest and deepest light in the British Isles. From Berry Head you also have the most wonderful panoramic views of Torbay, with views to Dartmoor acting as a backdrop. Berry Head cafe acts as the last place to pick up any essential food and drink supplies but with all that Christmas stuffing a leftovers this probably won't be necessary.

Onwards to St Marys Bay and Sharkham Point as the remoteness of the journey starts to take effect but still leaving you with a false senses of what is around the corner, or over the hills in this instance. The first real test comes by the name of Mansands as you stride carefully down one steep hill section, daring not to look across at what faces you leading up the other side. Take a break here to soak up the silence surrounding you and the pure beauty of this remote location. The National Trust created a freshwater lagoon behind the beach and the whitewashed houses on the beach itself were built by prisoners during the Napoleonic wars.

From Mansands you are soon faced with another challenge in the form of Scabbacombe Sands, a personal favourite to sit and enjoy lunch at whilst taking in the tranquillity of the area. You will need all your energy to make the steep climb from here but it is worth every step soaking up the literally breathtaking views. The way I have seen some people struggle along this section you would be forgiven for thinking they were about to set up base camp here and attempt the summit at first light with oxygen cylinders strapped to their back!

Continuing on and although still undulating things do feel somewhat less demanding from here on in but as soon as you think that then along comes another section of switch backs and a steep descent down into the woods. You know that you are getting close to your destination when the signs become more regular, either that or like me you just don't notice them in the first place.

As you approach Kingswear there are signs for the National Trust property Coleton Fishacre closed in the winter months) which is accessible via the coastal path. Here you will find a luxuriant garden by the sea with an Art-Deco inspired house but more importantly a tea room serving some lovely ice cream. In the summer there are outdoor jazz concerts taking place with the property acting as the perfect backdrop as you jive away on the lawn. As a note, those arriving by "green ways" also receive discounted entry.

One thing you can't miss along the way is the Day Mark, built as a navigation aid for vessels approaching the River Dart. Standing proud from within a Barley Field it commands the best view of the treacherous waters beneath.

Only a few, rather a hundred or so, steep steps as you approach Kingswear, with Dartmouth now coming into sight on the opposite side of the river. As you make the complete the final section, this is where you start to dream of living in one of the houses perched on the edge of the river and offering such wonderful views. Then again if you can afford these places it is most likely you would have also employed a Sherpa to carry all your items along the coastal path rather than work up a sweat yourself! With this in mind there is only one place to go now after such a rewarding walk and that's to have a well earned drink. At this point any thoughts of taking the same route back should be cast aside with your empty glass. You can now either catch the bus directly back to Brixham or take the steam train back to Churston for the nearest stop, either way you deserve it and those extra mince pies will hopefully seem a distant memory.

If you like the sound of the Brixham to Kingswear trail, why not check out some of the great properties that Blue Chip Vacations have on offer in the area?