East Devon/Dorset

Sidmouth circular to Salcombe Regis Walk - By Alan Garner

This walk starts on the promenade of Sidmouth, near to the Connaught Gardens.

It takes in the sea front, the cliffs above east Sidmouth, the wooded valley to Salcombe Regis and eventually the River Sid that gives the town its name.

At the end of the sea front- follow the signs for the South West Coat Path – winding uphill after you cross the River Sid. A steep set of steps eventually brings you out onto meadowland with the sea sparkling to your right.

After about a mile of walking, turn left headed for Salcombe Regis- there are a couple of paths but don’t drop down into the Weston valley – steep and tough on the knees.

Through woodland, gradually descending to a broad track then a lane leading to Salcombe Regis village and church. It is worth a look round the church, the houses here are distinctive and individual.

(As a add on, from the village – bear right up a steepish lane, then over stiles into fields that lead to the world-famous Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary- here is a super new café as well as looking at our equine friends- return to Salcombe Regis the same way).

From the village take a lane uphill – this would eventually take you back to Sidmouth, though we are not taking the direct way. At the top of the bank- keep left for 500 metres and after you pass the cricket club- take a broad path to the right through woods.

You have a couple of ways to reach the bottom of the Sid Valley- both eventually steep down- one goes close to the Norman Lockyer Observatory, one drops down through a green lane to a road – about 400 metres down hill steeply- and can be slippery when wet-and at the road -turn left.
Look out for a sign on the right which leads you down to the River Sid paths- called the Byes- you need to cross the river here, and then – either take the fields paths alongside the river or the metalled track further over.

The walk down the Byes is attractive, certainly designed for strolling the river, with trees all around and a couple of weirs where birds tend to congregate.