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.

Dogs on the coastpath

Report a problem

Safety advice

Share this page:

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.

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.

Show on map Visit website

Ladram Bay Holiday Park

01395 568398

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

Show on map Visit website

Brandy Head Observation Post

07760472259

Clifftop former RAF Observation Post, off-grid, hot water, woodburner, sleeps six. Stunning views right on the Coast Path. Access on foot only, parking 600 yards away

Show on map Visit website

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.