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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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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Abele Tree House

01395 442547

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

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The Lawns B&B

07864392631
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.
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Pooh Cottage Holiday Park

07875685595

Campsite/ Holiday park

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Ladram Bay Holiday Centre

01395 568398

Tucked away in the picturesque countryside overlooking the historic Jurassic Coast, Ladram Bay is the Devon seaside holiday park with something for everyone.

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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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9 Riverside

07921217742
A beautiful, 3 storey terrace next to the river with 4 bedrooms (sleeps 8). Perfect located for easy access to the Path and town. 2 night stays available (check availability)
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The Dolphin Hotel

01395 263832

The Dolphin Hotel is a family-run establishment and prides itself on offering you a friendly and welcoming stay in Exmouth

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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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Dukes - Sidmouth Inn

01395 513320

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.

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Flapjackery Sidmouth

01395 904345
Stop off and treat yourself or stock up for your trip along the Path with these delicious, award winning, gluten free flapjacks in a variety of flavours. “Enjoy 10% Discount in store when you show your SWCP passport.
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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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Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre

01395 516441
The Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre is a valuable resource for visitors to Sidmouth, Devon, United Kingdom. Located at Ham Lane, Sidmouth EX10 8XR1
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Exmouth Museum & Heritage Centre

01395 260339

Exmouth Museum and Heritage Centre

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Ocean

01395266500

Ocean Exmouth - Bowling, Soft Play, Dining & Events

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Exmouth Pavilion

01395 222477

Exmouth Pavilion is a stunning art-deco style venue situated directly on Exmouth seafront.

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Stuart Line Cruises

01395 222144

Family-run, award-winning boat trips operating from Exmouth throughout the year!

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View from Ladram Bay towards Sidmouth Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) The Jurassic Coast east of Sidmouth Photographer Colin Moore Ladram to Lyme bay Photographer Keith Mashiter Walkers on Coast Path near Chiselbury Bay. SWCP Team Photo. Straight Point, Devon Cliffs & Exe Estuary. Photographer Ian Killick Round to Ladram Bay Photographer Keith Mashiter (2012 Photo Competition entry) Looking towards Ladram Bay. Photographer Carol Goldswain, Middlesex. Budleigh Salterton. Photographer Stuart Tormey Looking across the bay towards Buddleigh Salterton Photographer Steve Rumming (2013 Photo Competition entry) Budleigh rocks in the sun Photographer Jonathan Neale (2013 Photo Competition entry) A Golden-ringed Dragonfly near Budleigh Salterton. Photographer Ian Leaves, Exmouth. Otterton Photographer Keith Mashiter (2012 Photo Competition entry) 'Sunbathing on the Jurrasic Coast, Devon'. Photographer Ella Potter, Surrey. Exmouth 2 Photographer Keith Mashiter (2012 Photo Competition entry) Exmouth seafront from Rodney Point. SWCP Team Photo. Looking over Straight Point, Exmouth. SWCP Team Photo. Exmouth Seafront. SWCP Team Photo. Coast Path towards Ladram bay. SWCP Team Photo. Budleigh Salterton. Photographer Matt Nott Towards Sidmouth. Photographer S Curtis Budleigh Salterton. Photographer S Curtis Above Otterton. Photographer Keith Mashiter (2012 Photo Competition entry) Budleigh Salterton. Photographer Aaron Brett, Essex. 'Soaring over the Otter Estuary' Budleigh Salterton. Photographer Ella Potter, Surrey. Looking towards Budleigh Salterton town from Coastguard Hill Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) Poppies in East Devon. Photographer Phil Maker, Devon. Waiting for Lunch, Budleigh Lyme Bay Photographer Keith Mashiter (2012 Photo Competition entry) Sidmouth in sunny June Jacobs Ladder Beach, Sidmouth Photographer Colin Moore (2012 Photo Competition entry) Jacobs Ladder, Sidmouth. Photographer Ray & Dot Culmer, Bournemouth The Spit leading towards Budleigh Salterton. Photographer Ian Killick Ladrum bay comes into view Photographer Jenny Bowden (2012 Photo Competition entry) Geoneedle unveiled by Prince Charles. Photographer Jennifer Rowlandson, Tiverton. Sea Stacks at Ladram Bay Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) Exmouth Seafront. SWCP Team Photo. Deck chairs - Taken from Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth. Photographer Malcolm Stone, South Gloucestshire. Sidmouth. Photographer Ian Killick Jacob's Ladder, well known land mark in Sidmouth Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) Sidmouth Photographer Keith Mashiter (2012 Photo Competition entry) Dramatic Cliff Fall at Pennington Point on the East side of Sidmouth Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) Steps to sandy bay Photographer Vincent Brazier (2013 Photo Competition entry) Geo needle. Orcombe Point Exmouth Photographer Jenny Bowden (2012 Photo Competition entry) Otter-river. Photographer Nathaniel Gonzales, Oxford. Budleigh Salterton beach. Photographer Ian Killick A man and his best friend pause to reflect on a peaceful scene at Jacobs Ladder beach, Sidmouth Photographer Colin Moore From Salcombe Hill looking over Sidmouth towards Peak Hill Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) Missing tooth at Budleigh Photographer Nicky Morgan (2016 Photo Competition entry) Exmouth 1 Photographer Keith Mashiter (2012 Photo Competition entry) Daisy there be a storm coming! Budleigh Salterton Photographer Andi Campbell-Jones (2016 Photo Competition entry) View from Jacobs Ladder in Sidmouth towards Ladram Bay Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) View over Sidmouth from Salcombe Hill Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) View from Peak Hill looking East over Sidmouth Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) Entering Sidmouth. Photographer Stuart Tormey Above Sidmouth - People enjoying the view of the path as it leads down towards Sidmouth. Photographer Malcolm Stone, South Gloucestershire. High Peak Near Sidmouth Photographer Jenny Bowden (2012 Photo Competition entry) Ladrum Bay Photographer Jenny Bowden (2012 Photo Competition entry) The remarkable rock formations at Ladram Bay, west of Sidmouth. Photographer Peter Parfitt, Dorset. Lobster pots on Budleigh Salterton Beach looking west towards Exmouth Photographer Tony Velterop (2012 Photo Competition entry) View from Peak Hill of Big Picket Rock and the coast near Sidmouth Photographer Simon Kleinig (2013 Photo Competition entry) Sidmouth Spring Photographer Vincent Brazier (2013 Photo Competition entry) Sidmouth looking towards Branscombe from Peaks Hill. Photographer Derek Bryant, Dawlish

Interactive Elevation

  • Ladram Bay - June 2024: A short section of the SWCP has been diverted at Ladram Bay after a landslip. An alternative route is available. More details.
  • Peak Hill near Sidmouth - 27th October 2024 - A short diversion has been put in place after a large landslip at Peak Hill near Sidmouth. More details.

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.

Section 44: Exmouth to Sidmouth

Starts 516 miles (831 km) from Minehead

Ends 103 miles (167 km) to Poole

Previous section in South West Coast Path Babbacombe to Exmouth

Next section in South West Coast Path Sidmouth to Seaton

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