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The Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival runs each September for one week, Saturday to Friday.
Sidmouth is within East Devon on the Jurassic Coast and has some wonderful scenic walking, both coastal and inland.The town enjoys ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status and is keen to promote the walking opportunities in the area. In conjunction with East Devon AONB the festival will cover the East Devon Way. The 5 linear walks will cover the whole of the East Devon Way. Shorter circular walks will allow you to sample parts of the East Devon Way.
All walks are free of charge
The festival runs for 7 days and there is a choice of walks each day.
All the walks are led by experienced local walkers who enjoy sharing this wonderful area with our guests.
Start: 13.00 End: 15.30
The Festival Launch will be at the historic Kennaway House Cellar Bar, Coburg
Road, Sidmouth EX10 8NG; SY124873.
Come and meet your walk guides and find out about all the walks on offer whilst enjoying free refreshments.
Kennaway House, Coburg Road, Sidmouth, EX10 8NG
SY124873
Start: 14.00
End: c.16.00
There will be a charge of £2.50 per person for this walk which will be collected on the day by the leader.
Lynette Talbot, the Chairman of the multi-award-winning Sidmouth in Bloom, returns to our programme by popular demand and will lead this tour looking at the work carried out by Sidmouth in Bloom and numerous enthusiastic volunteers in parks and throughout the town. This is an easy walk for most people and is wheelchair friendly.
Regular Museum Walks
All these circular walks are led by a knowledgeable guide and start from Sidmouth Town Museum, Church Street, Sidmouth EX10 8LY; SY125873.
There will be a charge of £2.50 per person (under 16s free) for each walk.
Start: 10.30 – End c. 12.30
Friday – Tree Walk
Start: 10.30 – End c. 12.30
(option to shorten to 7 miles, with bus back)
Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane, Sidmouth EX10 8XR; SY128873
Start: 10.00
End: c.17.30
The circular Sid Valley Ring, which was launched at the 2019 Festival, will be undertaken anticlockwise, starting by heading east along the coast. The terrain is challenging but affords a mix of panoramic inland and coastal views through farming landscapes and historic settlements, and includes parts of both the South West Coast path and the East Devon Way. In addition, we are offering the walk in two shorter stages — Walks 6 and 10 — each starting from Sidbury.
Joney’s Cross Car Park off the A3052 EX10 0BL; SY057897
Start: 10.30
End: c. 13.30
Starting at the car park on Aylesbeare Common, we will cross the main road to the heathland of Harpford Common where there are good views of the sea. The area is an RSPB reserve and home to Dartford Warblers and Nightjars in the summer months. This walk will explore this lovely wild area and return to the car park by way of the hamlet of Goosemoor
Start: 10.00 Starting from Sidmouth Town Museum, Church Street,
Sidmouth EX10 8LY; SY125873
End: c. 12.00
Sidmouth is home to the UK’s only “Civic Arboretum”. This designation is not a single site, but covers the whole valley, where numerous well-established specimen heritage trees can be found in both public spaces and in private gardens visible from the street. Jon Ball, Chair of Sidmouth Arboretum, will be leading a short walk to see and talk about some of the finest trees in central Sidmouth.
7.5 miles
Start: 10.30
Coach (£8) leaves Sidmouth seafront opposite Belmont Hotel EX10 8RX
Exmouth Leisure Centre, Royal Avenue, Exmouth EX8 1EN; SY123871
End: c. 15.30 Woodbury Castle SY031872
Our coach takes us to the start in Exmouth on the Exe estuary, one of Devon’s largest local nature reserves. The route passes A la Ronde (NT), continues through the woodland of Lympstone Common and the quarried landscape of Black Hill Quarry towards the Iron Age hill fort of Woodbury Castle, where our coach will meet us for the return to Sidmouth.
Bus: 09.49 bus 9 (to Honiton) departs Sidmouth Triangle, arrives Sidbury Church 10.05
Start: 10.30 St Giles Church, Bridge Street, Sidbury EX10 0SB; SY139 918
End: c. 15.30 Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane EX10 8XR; SY128873
Starting from the Saxon village of Sidbury, we ascend to White Cross and Fire Beacon Hill which offer extensive views across the stunning landscape. We then descend through the western part of Sidmouth where we see some fine buildings before reaching the Esplanade and our finish.
Bus:09.10 157 departs Sidmouth Triangle, arrives Exmouth 10.14
Start:10.30 Exmouth Leisure Centre, Royal Avenue, Exmouth EX8 1EN; SY123871
End: c. 17.00 Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre
This is a strenuous section of the coast path. The walk starts beside the River Exe with views over the broad estuary and the great sand bar of Dawlish Warren. We soon reach the sweeping Exmouth esplanade before climbing to the Geoneedle at Orcombe Point and the high point of West Down Beacon, both with panoramic views. After descending to the attractive sea front of Budleigh Salterton, we cross the Otter estuary and climb the distinctive red cliffs before making the climb to the high cliffs of High Peak and Peak Hill. We then descend again to our finish at Sidmouth.
Bus:
Start: 10.30
End: c 12:00
The historic town of Ottery St Mary is situated on the River Otter. The town has an interesting range of buildings and houses. It is probably best known as the birthplace of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the poet nd philosopher. His upbringing in the town clearly influenced his poetry. This year marks the 250th anniversary of his birth in 1772. The heritage trail will take us round some of the principal buildings as well as the parish church which is modelled on Exeter Cathedral. The walk will be led by Roger Giles, longstanding Ottery resident and former mayor.
7.5 miles
10.00 Coach (£8) leaves Sidmouth seafront opposite Belmont Hotel EX10 8RX
Start: 10.30 Woodbury Castle SY031872
End: c. 15.30 Bowd Inn, Bowd Cross, Sidmouth EX10 0ND; SY107900
The coach returns us to Woodbury Castle from where we cross an extensive area of open commons. The area is a haven for wildlife on the heathland habitat. Leaving the commons, the route crosses the River Otter and on hrough woodlands to reach the Bowd Inn
Bus: 09.49 bus 9 (to Honiton) departs Sidmouth Triangle, arrives Sidbury Church 10.05
Start: 10.30 St Giles Church, Bridge Street, Sidbury EX10 0SB; SY139 918
End: c. 15.30 Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane EX10 8XR; SY128873
From Sidbury we follow country lanes to the small hamlet of Harcombe before a steep ascent to cross the A3052. Our path then leads us towards the coast with beautiful seaward views, then inland to the small and ancient village of Salcombe Regis before ascending to re-join the South West Coast Path and a final descent - including some steps - back to Sidmouth.
Bus: 10.19 bus 9A departs Sidmouth Triangle, arrives Seaton,
Marine Place 10.52
Start: 11.00 Seaton Marine Place EX12 2LL; SY245899
End: c. 17.00 Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre
This is another strenuous stretch of the coast path. From Seaton we have a short climb over to the fishing village of Beer and then climb the chalk cliff of Beer Head where there are fine views of Lyme Bay and the Isle of Portland. We then descend through the dramatic Hooken undercliff to Branscombe Mouth where we climb once again. We then progress along the dramatic stretch of coast with lofty cliffs cut by deep and narrow valleys.
Start: 13.00 The Sundial at the Norman Lockyer Observatory, Salcombe Hill Road, Sidmouth EX10 0NY; SY139883
End: c. 13.40
Additional optional walk of around 40 minutes to the Frog Stone.
This walk around the grounds of the Norman Lockyer Observatory will be led by David Alexander, a Director of the Norman Lockyer Observatory Society. The Observatory car park will be open from 12 noon; alternatively, it is a half-hour steep climb from Sidmouth via the coast path to reach the Observatory. We will learn about the history of the site and some of the people who worked with Sir Norman Lockyer. This walk is rated as Easy and should be within the scope of people of all ages who are reasonably active but good, stout footwear is essential. There will also be the opportunity to walk out to the coast path to take in views of Sidmouth and to the Frog Stone from where there are good views of Beer Head and Portland.
10.00 Coach (£8) leaves Sidmouth seafront opposite Belmont Hotel EX10 8RX
Start: 10.15 Bowd Inn, Bowd Cross, Sidmouth EX10 0ND; SY107900
End: c. 15.30 Knapp Copse, Seaton Road, EX10 0QG; SY155957
From the Bowd Inn we walk uphill to Fire Beacon Hill with its fabulous panoramic views before descending into Sidbury, a traditional thatched Devon village and fine manor house. A steep ascent takes us through ancient woodland and species-rich grassland to Knapp Copse local nature reserve where our coach awaits to return us to Sidmouth.
Bus:
Start: 11.00 157 from Sidmouth Triangle 10.10, arrives 10.44 East Budleigh Village Hall from where it is a short walk to the start point. The return buses leave East Budleigh High Street (near Hayes Lane junction)15.30, 16.35 and 17.35. East Budleigh Car Park, Hayes Lane EX9 7DA; SY065849
End: c.15.00 The Pebblebed Heaths and Commons are a unique and valued feature of East
Devon and this walk takes in two of the major water features found on the heaths. Starting from East Budleigh the route quickly gets onto open heathland and the ponds at Bystock. This attractive Devon ildlife Trust site will delight with its attractive waterside features. A little further on, the larger Squabmoor reservoir shoreline will be passed where we will stop to admire the extensive water lilies and water fowl.
Bus: 10.19 bus 9A departs Sidmouth Triangle, arrives Co-op Store bus stop, Lyme Regis at 11.26. Cobb Gate Car Park (foot of Broad Street) is a short walk down the hill.
Start: 11.30 Cobb Gate car park (Clock Tower), Lyme Regis DT7 3QD, SY342920
End: c. 16.30 Marine Parade, Seaton, return by bus 9A to Sidmouth at 17.15 or 18.15
This section of the coast path, with some difficult terrain, is unlike any other. Soon after starting in the bustling coastal town of Lyme Regis, the majority of this section passes through the famous Nature Reserve of the Lyme Regis - Axmouth undercliff. This area has been undisturbed since the massive cliff fall of 1839, a wilderness area of virgin woodland and dense scrub, with the sea mostly hidden from view. There have been some recent improvements to access Goat Island, an isolated block of the landslip, and although the overall distance is not great, it can be a challenging walk with muddy paths.
Start: 10.30 Sidmouth Parish Church, Church Street EX10 8LG; SY126 873
End: c. 15.30
Prof. Brian Golding’s walk takes us to a variety of places of worship, past and present, in the Sid Valley, learning a little of their history. We start with a loop around the town centre, before heading up The yes towards Sidford. We will have short visits to a few of the churches with a longer stop for refreshments and your picnic lunch.
10.00 Coach (£8) leaves Sidmouth seafront opposite Belmont Hotel EX10 8RX
Start: 10.30 Knapp Copse, Seaton Road, EX10 0QG; SY155957
End: c. 15.30 Colyton Town Car Park, Dolphin Street, EX24 6NB; SY246940
Our coach returns us to Knapp Copse from where we walk on to the hamlet of Church Green with its pretty church and ancient yew tree. The mostly flat walk follows paths and lanes to the rural village of Northleigh with its charming Saxon church, before following the River Coly into Colyton.
Bus:
Start: 10.30 9 (Exeter) departs Sidmouth Triangle 10.07, arrives Bowd c.10.20, cross main road with care, turn left to reach lay-by. Bowd Lay-by EX10 0NF; SY104898
End : c. 15.30 There are 3 buses an hour back to Sidmouth: 9, 9A and 157.
We follow the disused railway line through the delightful Harpford Woods to Tipton St John, on to Fluxton then south across fields to Metcombe and Venn Ottery for our lunch stop. Via paths and tracks, we pick up the East Devon Way and cross the River Otter into Harpford, then back through the woods to our start point. The Bowd Inn will be open for refreshments.
Bus:
Start: 10.30 09.49 bus 9 from Sidmouth Triangle to Honiton can be used to reach the start of this walk. Remain on the bus in Honiton Town Centre to reach the railway station at 10.28 Honiton Railway Station EX14 2DA; ST164003
End: c. 17.00
This linear walk starts from Honiton railway station which can be reached by using the number 9 bus from Sidmouth. Alternatively, there are pay car parks in the town as needed. The walk goes through pleasant hilly countryside and farmland and the glorious Harcombe valley. The final stretch is along the lovely Byes beside the River Sid.
Bus:10.10 bus 157 departs Sidmouth Triangle, arrives Otterton 10.39
Otterton Village Green EX9 7JD; SY081852 Roadside parking
Start: 11.00
End: c. 13.00
Options: explore Budleigh Salterton, walk back to Otterton 2.5 miles; bus to Otterton to collect car; or remain on bus back to Sidmouth. Bus 157 departs Budleigh Salterton hourly at 26 minutes past the hour until 15.26, then 16.31, 17.31 and 18.31 (last bus)
Otterton is a delightful village with many thatched cottages and a fascinating ancient working water mill (incorporating a craft centre, cafe, and shop) and also a village pub and community shop. Our walk takes us along the River Otter to Budleigh Salterton, a seaside town with many attractive shops and tea rooms. During the walk we will learn about two significant projects which are reshaping the landscape of the Otter Valley.
The first is the successful reintroduction to England of the first wildliving beaver population. While we are unlikely to see any beavers during the daytime, we may see tell-tale signs of their activity, hear about their ecology and understand the benefits and a few of the challenges reintroducing beavers will bring to our landscape.
Then we will hear about and see for ourselves the progress of construction for the Lower Otter Restoration Project, a £15 million scheme, due to be completed in early 2023. Saltmarsh and mudflat will be restored to the river estuary along with a number of other key elements enabling the lower valley to be more resilient to the challenges of climate change. The walk will be led by Dr Sam Bridgewater, Head of Wildlife and Conservation and/or Kate Ponting, Countryside Learning Officer for Clinton Devon Estates, the major landowner in the area.
10.00 Coach (£8) leaves Sidmouth seafront opposite Belmont Hotel EX10 8RX
Start: 10.30 Colyton Town Car Park, Dolphin Street, EX24 6NB; SY246940
End: c. 16.00 Holmbush Car Park, Lyme Regis DT7 3HX; SY337920
Our coach returns us to historic Colyton from where we walk through the water meadows of the River Axe and continue uphill to the wonderful views from the top of Musbury Castle, an Iron Age hill fort. This is a lovely day’s walk taking in an impressive viaduct before we enter Lyme Regis along the river Lym.
Bus:09.49 bus 9 to Honiton from The Triangle, Sidmouth, arrives Sidford Rising Sun at 10.00 from where it is a 5-minute walk eastwards (Lyme Regis direction) to the Blue Ball Inn car park. Blue Ball Inn car park EX10 9QL; SY138898
Start: 10.30
End: c. 15.00
This is a pleasant inland route which will take us through meadows and moorland, and offers wonderful far-reaching countryside and sea views. On a clear day, Haytor on Dartmoor is visible.
N.B.Seaton Cemetery can be accessed by the 09.19 bus 9A to Seaton from The Triangle, Sidmouth, arriving at Marine Parade Seaton at 09.56, from where it is just over a 1-mile walk northwards Car Park through the Seaton Cemetery, Seaton Road EX12 2SP; SY249915
Start: 10.30
End: c. 12.30
Enjoy a leisurely route around the Seaton Wetlands led by a local enthusiast. You will be sure to learn interesting facts about the development of the area and wildlife projects around the Axe Estuary
This is a 40-mile walking route through the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, linking to the South West Coast Path, the beautiful Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and the Exe Estuary. Using a mixture of rights of way, permissive routes and minor roads, the East Devon Way traverses this tremendously diverse landscape leading the walker through heathland, woodland, and river valley. The route provides an opportunity to escape to tranquil inland farmland, visit traditional Devon hamlets or stride uphill to enjoy spectacular panoramic views across this outstanding corner of Devon.
Monday 19 September Exmouth to Woodbury Casle 7.5 miles
Tuesday 20 September Woodbury Castle to Bowd Inn 7.5 miles
Wednesday 21 September Bowd to Knapp Copse 8 miles
Thursday 22 September Knapp Copse to Colyton 8 miles
Friday 23 September Colyton to Lyme Regis 9 miles
All walks are free of charge (transport to the start and end of the East Devon Way walk is chargeable) but numbers are limited and walks must be booked in advance through the Tourist Office.
Booking required – through Sidmouth TIC 01395 516441 tic@sidmouth.gov.uk
