Bedford Hotel’s top 5 walks in & around Sidmouth

After a hearty breakfast at the Bedford Hotel, what better way to enjoy the Jurassic Coast than to pack up a picnic lunch and head out on one of our favourite walks in Sidmouth?

We’ve compiled a list of our top walks in Sidmouth and the surrounding area so that you can reconnect with nature during your stay. Just don’t forget to pack your camera and walking boots!

 

Walks In Sidmouth For All Ages & Abilities

 

Walk #1: Alma Bridge in Sidmouth loop

This hike is easy for walkers of any ability including children and the elderly. All paths are easily accessible. Start out at the Manor Road car park in Sidmouth before heading out past Jacob’s Ladder and the castle wall. These old ruins sit atop the golden cliffs and overlook the ocean. With just over a mile to go, walk over the Alma Bridge, part of the coastal path before returning to the car park where you began.

Finish your walk in Bedford Hotel’s Pyne Bar which overlooks the stunning Jurassic Coast, serving a variety of dishes from a seasonal menu.

Important information:

  • Duration – 1 hour
  • Distance – 2.34 miles
  • Elevation – 75 ft
  • Parking – available at the start of the route
  • Suitable for – all hikers including children 

Walk #2: Budleigh Salterton & the River Otter loop from Sidmouth — East Devon AONB

This is a gorgeous walk that takes you through Devon’s Area of Natural Beauty (ANOB). Pass Jacob’s Ladder and a stunning castle wall in the first portion of the walk before stopping on a bench with a gorgeous view over the Jurassic Coast at the second-mile mark.

Reach High Peak at 2.3 miles for sweeping views over Sidmouth and the deep ocean. Walk across the pebbled beach of Ladram Bay with its golden cliff faces before reaching the River Otter at mile 7.4. With green banks, tall trees, and a gently running river this is the perfect walk to reconnect with nature in every form.

The initial and latter stages of the walk have the greatest incline and decline, the midsection is relatively flat. 

Important information:

  • Duration – 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Distance – 13.8 miles
  • Elevation – 1,475 ft
  • Parking – available at start of the route
  • Suitable for – experienced hikers 

Walk #3: Beach at Salcombe Mouth. The Alma Bridge in Sidmouth loop

Start out from Ham West car park and follow the trail until you reach the pebbled beach of Weston Mouth with its sloping grassy banks and calm waters. The beach of Weston Mouth becomes Salcombe Mouth as you walk mile 5 with the tall golden cliffs stretching to the sky. Pack a delicious picnic lunch to enjoy beside the rolling waves with your family before continuing your stroll. 

The hike takes a turn within the woodland where you will find a lookout point over Sidmouth. Stop here and take in the views around the 6-mile mark of the walk before walking across the Alma Bridge to return to Sidmouth.

Important information:

  • Duration – 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Distance – 7.45 miles
  • Elevation – 1,325 ft
  • Parking – available at start of the route
  • Suitable for – intermediate hikers 

Walk #4: Beer to Branscombe loop

This walk takes you through a stunning AONB in East Devon, so you are guaranteed some stunning views- make sure to bring your camera!

Starting at Seaton Bay, take in gorgeous views over the deep blue sea and across the rest of the coast, particularly breath-taking in summer months with the sunrays glittering off the water. As you reach Beer Head, enjoy the stunning scenery across the ocean before heading back to Branscombe through a wooded cliff path that offers protection from the sun’s rays.

Important information:

  • Duration – 2 hours
  • Distance – 4.26 miles
  • Elevation – 625 ft
  • Parking – available at start of the route
  • Suitable for – all ages 

Walk #5: Fire Beacon Hill Viewpoint loop from Sidbury

Enjoy the white cross viewpoint less than a mile into the walk which offers grand views of green fields and trees as far as the eye can see. Then pass through the woodland section of the walk which provides some shelter from the hot rays in the summer. The final viewpoint is Fire Beacon Hill where you can sit for a while and take in the views over a picnic or flask of warm coffee. Retrace your steps back to the car park for the final portion of this circular walk. 

There is parking available near the start of the route.

Important information:

  • Duration – 2 hours
  • Distance – 4.1 miles
  • Elevation – 375 ft
  • Parking – available at start of the route
  • Suitable for – all ages

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