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.

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 and Self Catering

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.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park

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.

Abele Tree House

Bed and Breakfast and 2 units of self catering accommodation within 150 metres of the South West Coast Path

The Lawns B&B

Spacious ensuite double rooms in a beautiful 1920s house situated on a peaceful no through road in the centre of Budleigh Salterton. Minimum stay is 2 nights.

1 Chapel Mews

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

Mulberry and Clover

Grade II Listed three storey four bedroom property just a ten minute stroll to the beach to join the Jurassic coastal path

Lower Halsdon Farm

We are a working farm, set on the Exe Estuary. The SWCP goes right past out fram gate. We offer "wild camping" to those walking the SWCP. We have a toilets & showers

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.

Dukes

Slap bang in the centre of Sidmouth’s world famous esplanade & community.Our all day offering has something for everyone – so whether you visit to eat, drink or stay.

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

Information Centre for Visitors to & Residents of Budleigh Salterton

Fifty Degrees Clothing

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

Interactive Elevation

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.

Shorter option

Stop at Budleigh Salterton (5.4 miles, 8.7 km).

Longer option

Continue to Beer (an additional 8.8 miles, 14.2 km).

Public transport

The nearest train station is Exmouth. From Exmouth there are regular buses to Sidmouth, stopping at Budleigh Salterton and Otterton. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the train station and bus stop symbols, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Parking

Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Ladram Bay and Sidmouth.

Nearby Events

  • Walter Raleigh Round Half Marathon

    6 January 2024  |  Organised by Climb South West

    Choose from a half or third marathon, visiting the birthplace of the South West's most famous seafarer and the surrounding countryside where he grew up. Take to country lanes, little known footpaths, and the stunning Jurassic Coast!

  • Norm's Helium Loops

    23-24 March  |  Organised by Climb South West

    Backyard Ultras have become popular in recent years... but this isn't one! New Event Format for 2024!

  • Sid Valley Ring Half Marathon

    13th March 2024  |  Organised by Climb South West

    Back for its fourth year in 2024, the Sid Valley Ring Half Marathon takes you through the newly created Sid Valley Ring walking route. With incredible views as you head to the finish line, this is one not to be missed!

  • Jurassic Coast 100

    22-23 June 2024  |  Organised by Climb South West

    Join us on a journey through 185 million years of history and 120 miles of incredible coastline. Choose from one of five events, each with a different length of course

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