Walk - Exmouth to Sidmouth

12.5 miles (20.1 km)

Exmouth Sidmouth

Easy - Moderate to strenuous

The South West Coast Path offers gentle walking out of Exmouth as it enters the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Geoneedle at Orcombe Point marks the beginning of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

This beautiful and dramatic stretch of coast is of international importance and provides walkers with an incredibly special sense of time: endurance as well as transience. The Path avoids Straight Point, which is used as a Royal Marine firing range, and soon becomes quite rugged on the cliff top approach to Budleigh Salterton.

An easy walk along the promenade sets you up for more variety ahead, including crossing the River Otter at the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve (a good place for bird watching), open field walking, woodland and high cliffs, culminating in a descent to the Regency town of Sidmouth, with its attractive Esplanade, shops and restaurants.

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There are a range of wonderful places to lay your head near the Coast Path for a well-earned sleep. From large and luxurious hotels, to small and personable B&B's, as well as self-catering options and campsites. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Oakdown Holiday Park

01297 680387

Family run award winning Holiday Park with touring, camping, glamping units and 5 star leisure lodges. Peace & tranquillity by the Coast.

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Quentance Farm Bed & Breakfast

01395 442733/07584 165900

Halfway between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, our comfortable farmhouse offers local food,log fire and free wi-fi in the cosy guest lounge. Well behaved dogs welcome.

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Ladram Bay Holiday Park

01395 568398

Celebrating over 75 years of 5* family holidays, we offer the opportunity for visitors to join us for a day, holiday or holiday-home ownership.

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The Lawns B&B

07864392631

A beautiful B & B situated on a peaceful no through road in the centre of Budleigh Salterton, just five minutes walk from the shops, cafes and beach.

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1 Chapel Mews

07415212196

1 Chapel Mews is a luxurious, cosy and modern cottage in a quiet area of central Sidmouth, 180 paces from the SWCP.

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Manor Hotel

01395272549

Historic 300 year old listed building overlooking Exmouth Bay with views to Estuary. Close to town centre and Exmouth's wonderful sandy beach and all amenities.

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You'll be spoilt for choice for where to eat and drink along the Path. With lots of local seasonal food on offer, fresh from the farm, field and waters. Try our local ales, ciders, wines and spirits, increasing in variety by the year, as you sit in a cosy pub, fine dining restaurant or chilled café on the beach. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Wesley's

07955 863160.

A cafe and community space in the heart of Budleigh Salterton, providing employment training for adults with learning disabilities

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What is on your list of things to do when you visit the Path? From walking companies, to help you tailor your visit, with itineraries and experts to enhance your visit, to baggage transfer companies and visitor attractions there are lots to people and places to help you decide what you'd like to do. The businesses that support the Path, where you've chosen to visit, are listed here.

Budleigh Information Centre

01395 445275

Information Centre for Visitors to & Residents of Budleigh Salterton

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Fifty Degrees Clothing

07968736475

Ladies, Gents and Children's Lifestyle Clothing, Footwear, Hats, and Accessories, for all ages and all seasons.

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Highlights

Exploring Exmouth’s rock pools at low tide.

The dunes and marine grasses of The Maer.

Looking ahead from Orcombe Point, knowing you are standing on 250 million year old rocks and are about to set off along part of the 95 miles of cliffs of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. These cliffs contain unique evidence of our planet’s history and were awarded World Heritage status in 2001.

Walking along the seafront at Budleigh Salterton and admiring the fantastic mix of architecture.

Enjoying the names of offshore rocks and headlands, including Twopenny Loaf Rock and Little Picket Rock.

The tidal mudflats, freshwater reedbeds and saltmarsh of The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve. The Reserve supports an extensive population of wintering birds. Look out for redshank, common sandpipers and curlews.

The spectacular red sandstone stacks of Ladram Bay and the views ahead to Sidmouth.

Walking through the woods to High Peak, the site of an Iron Age settlement.

Sidmouth: home of the famous International Folk Festival and striking Regency architecture, this seaside town is the ideal place to end your day. There are interesting shops, parks and gardens, plenty of opportunities to find refreshments and a long stretch of beach perfect for throwing pebbles and resting your feet.

Nearby Events

East Devon 8 Trigs

12th November

Eight trig points sit on a beautifully varied trail loop in East Devon. The route starts on Budleigh Salterton seafront and follows the South West Coast Path to High Peak trig point. Far reaching views from here extend to Berry Head to the South West and Portland to the East.

Back for a 3rd year, more info here

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