Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Walkers are being invited to discover the coast, countryside and hidden corners of East Devon as the Sidmouth and East Devon Walking Festival returns for a week of guided adventures.
The festival runs from Saturday, 12th September, to Friday, 18th September, with 25 walks taking place across the area.
The programme offers everything from gentle strolls to challenging long-distance rambles, with routes taking walkers well beyond Sidmouth and showcasing some of East Devon’s most spectacular landscapes.
Highlights include a 10-mile circular walk around Joney’s Cross and Woodbury Common, the 14-mile Sid Valley Ring and a challenging 13-mile route taking in Seaton, the wetlands and Musbury Castle.
The week-long programme also includes walks along the South West Coast Path, through the Otter Valley and across the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths.
Organiser Eve Maunder said: “This year the Sidmouth and East Devon walking festival offers something for everyone. From challenging coastal hikes and spectacular countryside views to a family walking treasure hunt, a mindfulness sessions and adventures for dogs and their owners.
“The festival celebrates the wonderful landscape of East Devon, bringing together a programme of walks designed to appeal to walkers of all ages, interests and abilities.
“For those looking for a challenge, there are longer walks of 12 to 14 miles, taking in some of East Devon’s most glorious coastline and countryside. Walkers can expect rewarding climbs and stunning views. Shorter walks of around four miles provide a more leisurely way to enjoy the landscape.”
There are also some more unusual options, including a mindfulness walk in The Byes, a birdwatching morning at Bowling Green Marsh, a photography walk around Beer and a guided exploration of the restored landscape at Venn Ottery quarry.
Eve said: “For those seeking a different kind of experience, a mindfulness walk offers the chance to slow down and reconnect with nature.
“Participants will be encouraged to listen to the sound of birds and the river, notice the scents of grass and surrounding countryside, and focus on breathing and relaxing. This walk is about being present and enjoying the natural environment and is suitable for those with limited mobility and those who use walking aids and wheelchairs.”
The festival opens on Saturday, 12th September, with a launch event at Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, followed by a family activity designed to encourage younger walkers to explore the town.
Families are being invited to take part in a walking treasure hunt starting at 2.00pm from the tourist information centre. Places must be booked in advance.
Eve said: “It’s a chance for mums and dads, grandparents and carers to spend a few enjoyable hours outdoors with children, combining a little adventure with the opportunity to discover more about the local area.
“Adults without children are welcome to come along too for a fun few hours. It’s not compulsory to bring a child!”
The programme also includes a circular eight-mile walk taking in Branscombe and The Donkey Sanctuary.
Looking further into the week, Eve said: “There is even something for four legged walkers with a walk on Woodbury common. The perfect opportunity to enjoy the countryside together.
“Nature lovers can join a birdwatching walk from Topsham too. There’s the chance to visit the bird hide and wetlands looking for local and visiting birdlife.”
The festival organisers are keen to encourage people who may not normally think of themselves as walkers to take part.
Eve added: “Walking doesn’t have to mean tackling long distance hikes, we want to create a festival that has something for everyone. Walking with like-minded individuals is so rewarding, and it is beneficial for our physical and mental health.”
Nearly all the walks are free and are organised by volunteers, with donations welcomed to help cover costs and support future festivals.
The event is organised by members of East Devon Ramblers, with support from Sidmouth Town Council and East Devon Natural Landscape.
Walkers are advised to check the requirements of individual routes before setting out. Sturdy walking footwear is recommended, particularly for routes involving steep climbs, rough paths, woodland tracks or sections of the South West Coast Path. Sensible, weather-appropriate clothing is also advisable, as conditions can change quickly on exposed coastal and heathland routes. Participants should carry food and plenty of water.
Saturday, 12th September
Festival launch
The festival begins with a launch event at Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane, from 10.30am to 4.00pm.
It is an opportunity to meet the walk guides, explore the week’s programme and confirm starting points before setting out.
Paper copies of the programme are also available from tourist information centres in Sidmouth, Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Seaton.
Family Treasure Hunt
Families can start their festival adventure with a walking treasure hunt, meeting at Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre at 2.00pm. The event is expected to finish at around 4.00pm.
Designed as a relaxed introduction to exploring the town on foot, the Family Treasure Hunt follows a trail of easy-to-follow clues through Sidmouth, encouraging children to look at familiar sights in a new way.
Children can put their thinking caps on while grown-ups join in the fun, following the clues to a well-known establishment where refreshments will be available for those who want them.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, 13th September
There is a choice of four walks, ranging from long-distance rambles across heathland and countryside to a shorter, dog-friendly stroll.
Joney’s Cross and Woodbury Common Circular
Meet at Joney’s Cross Car Park.
10.00am to 3.00pm.
This 10-mile circular route follows the East Devon Way across heathland, with views of the Haldon Hills, the Otter Valley and the sea.
Key features include Woodbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort, and the Gibraltar Stone, a memorial to commandos who have trained on the common.
Bystock Ponds and Squabmoor Reservoir Circular
Meet at Wheathill Car Park, East Budleigh Common.
11.00am to 3.00pm.
This seven-and-a-half-mile circular route explores two major water features on the Pebblebed Heaths and Commons.
The walk quickly reaches open heathland and the ponds at Bystock, a Devon Wildlife Trust site with attractive waterside scenery.
Further on, the route passes the shoreline of Squabmoor Reservoir, where walkers can see extensive water lilies and waterfowl.
Otter Valley Circular
Meet at Tipton Car Park, Tipton St John, EX10 0AF.
10.00am to 4.00pm.
This 11.7-mile circular route includes footpaths and quiet country lanes, passing above and alongside the Otter Valley.
The route passes through parts of West Hill before circling near Cadhay House and taking in a short stretch alongside the River Otter.
It then gradually ascends through the ‘Hidden Valley’, across footpaths and farmland, before heading back towards the river and Tipton.
Guided dog walking across the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve
Meet at Four Firs Cross Car Park, East Budleigh Common.
11.00am to 12.30pm.
This relaxed stroll follows paths and tracks while offering an opportunity to learn more about the heaths.
There is a maximum of two dogs per person.
Monday, 14th September
Monday brings another varied selection of walks and outdoor experiences, including gentle rambles through the Otter Valley, a challenging coastal walk from Seaton to Sidmouth, and opportunities to discover the natural world through foraging and rewilding.
Two Newton Poppleford Circulars
Meet at Newton Poppleford Recreation Ground Car Park.
Those doing both walks are advised to bring a picnic lunch.
Walk 1 runs from 10.00am to 1.00pm.
This 6.2-mile circular walk follows the Otter to Dotton before heading west and climbing towards the Hawkerland Valley. It then reaches Ayelsbeare Common, with outstanding views of the Otter Valley, before returning along the East Devon Way.
Walk 2 runs from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.
This 5.3-mile circular route climbs from Newton Poppleford to Harpford Wood before heading towards Tipton St John, with views towards the Otter Valley. The route then follows the River Otter back towards the starting point.
South West Coast Path: Seaton to Sidmouth
Meet at Seaton Tramway Station and finish at Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre.
11.00am to 5.00pm.
This strenuous 10.5-mile linear section of the coast path includes some steep climbs and descents.
From Seaton, the route climbs towards the fishing village of Beer before continuing uphill across Beer Head, with views across Lyme Bay and towards the Isle of Portland.
It then descends through the dramatic Hooken Undercliff to Branscombe Mouth before continuing along the scenic coastline, where lofty cliffs are cut by deep and narrow valleys.
Walkers should bring a picnic lunch.
Wild Food Foraging at Wildwood Devon
Meet at Wildwood Devon, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary.
10.00am to 1.00pm.
The day starts with a walk of around two miles through the adjacent fields and woodland of the Escot Estate.
From 11.30am to 1.00pm, the group will meet Wildwood Devon’s Bex Flintham, an experienced forager and educator who will demonstrate how to identify and forage plants for food or their therapeutic properties.
After the foraging session, refreshments will be available at The Coach House Café.
Participants can then spend the rest of the day at Wildwood Devon until closing time at 5.00pm.
The £10 cost covers parking, the guided food-foraging event and entry to Wildwood Devon.
Footsteps through a new landscape
Meet at Venn Ottery quarry main vehicle entrance.
2.00pm to 4.00pm.
The old quarry at Venn Ottery, adjacent to the existing RSPB reserve, has been managed by the RSPB since quarrying ceased in 2017.
Extensive restoration and habitat creation have transformed the site from an industrial landscape into an area of heathland, woodland and lagoons providing a haven for wildlife.
Toby, the RSPB site manager for the area, will lead a guided tour explaining what has already been achieved and the long-term plans for the site.
Tuesday, 15th September
Tuesday’s programme offers a mix of countryside, coast and mindful walking, with four different ways to explore the East Devon landscape.
Church Green Circular
Meet at Farway United Football Club, Money Acre Road, Church Green, Farway.
10.00am to 3.30pm.
This 9.4-mile undulating circular route, with some steep sections, follows the East Devon Way from Church Green to Knapp Copse and the Roncombe Valley, with numerous scenic views.
From Hatway Hill, the footpaths gradually descend into Farway before rejoining the East Devon Way to return to the start.
Sidmouth and Mutters Moor Circular
Meet at the Park and Walk Car Park, The Knowle, Station Road, Sidmouth.
10.30am to 3.00pm.
This nine-mile circular route has a gentle ascent to the ‘poet’s seat’ and a ‘smugglers route’ across Mutters Moor before joining the coast path towards Ladram Bay.
The uphill return route leads back to the coast path, with views across the coastline, before descending into Sidmouth.
The final section follows a hidden ‘goyle’ and the Knowle parkland back towards the car park.
Mindfulness Walk in The Byes
Meet at the Byes Toll House & Gate, Salcombe Road, Sidmouth.
10.00am to 12.00pm.
This mindful stroll encourages participants to slow down and focus on their breathing and the simple act of walking.
The experience opens up the senses, inviting participants to notice the beauty of nature, from trees, flowers and insects to the sounds of the river and birdsong.
They will also be encouraged to notice the smells of wet earth and fresh grass, and to touch leaves and tree bark, creating a greater sense of gratitude for the natural world.
The walk follows the Sid River from Sidford to the Toll House and is open to everyone. It is suitable for people who use mobility aids, wheelchairs and scooters, with the distance limited to no more than one mile.
Harcombe Circular
Meet at The Blue Ball Car Park, Stevens Cross, Sidford, Sidmouth.
5.00pm to 7.00pm.
This 3.9-mile circular walk begins with a relatively flat section along a quiet lane towards Knowle House before some steady climbs towards Paccombe Hill and Buckton Hill.
There is then a steep descent before the route returns to the pub via Buckton Farm.
Meals are available at the pub after the walk but should be booked in advance on 01395 514062.
Wednesday, 16th September
Wednesday’s programme takes in peaceful valleys, dramatic coastline and landscapes shaped by thousands of years of human history.
Two Colyton Circulars
Meet at Colyton Peace Memorial Playing Fields Car Park.
Those doing both walks should bring a picnic lunch.
The first walk runs from 10am to 1.00pm.
This six-mile circular route heads north around Colyton, climbing Sand Pitt Hill, where there are views overlooking the Coly Valley, before descending via Holyford and Colyford.
The second walk runs from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.
This four-mile circular route is largely flat, with one short, steep climb. It follows the East Devon Way for most of the route before heading via Kingsdown Hill and returning to the car park.
Branscombe and Beer Circular
Meet at Branscombe Village Hall Car Park, Lockey’s Lane, Branscombe.
11.00am to 2.30pm.
This 6.2-mile scenic route includes regular coastal and countryside views, along with some steep climbs.
The route follows an inland trail to Seaton before joining the South West Coast Path and returning via Beer Head and Branscombe Mouth.
Sid Valley Ring
Meet at Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane.
10.00am to 5.00pm.
The 14-mile circular route is challenging because of its undulating terrain.
It includes Sidmouth’s Regency seafront, an estate designed by architect R W Sampson, the Sid Valley with its working farmland and historic settlements, and panoramic views across Lyme Bay.
Exploring prehistoric Woodbury Common and Castle
Meet at the Estuary View Car Park, west side of the B3180.
10.00am to 12.30pm.
This walk explores the varied habitats and vegetation of Woodbury Common, part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Nature Reserve.
Walkers can look for evidence of how the landscape has been used and modified by humans from the earliest times through to the Iron Age and beyond.
The route includes field boundaries, barrows and the Iron Age hillfort of Woodbury Castle, one of the largest such hillforts in East Devon.
A picnic lunch is recommended.
Thursday, 17th September
Thursday offers a mix of countryside, coast and wildlife, with routes ranging from easy evening walks to longer rambles.
Sidford, Sweetcombe and Roncombe Valley Circular
Meet at Church Street Car Park, Sidford.
10.00am to 3.30pm.
This 10.7-mile circular walk begins along a quiet lane before heading north along the edge of the Sweetcombe Valley.
The route joins the East Devon Way after Higher Sweetcombe Farm, with fine views over the Roncombe Valley.
It then descends to Lower Mincombe Farm and continues via Lower Knapp Farm, before climbing steadily and rejoining the East Devon Way near Mincombe Wood.
The route returns to Sidford via a steep descent near Buckton Farm, with views over Sidmouth.
Walkers should bring a picnic lunch.
Salcombe Hill Circular
Meet at Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane.
5.00pm to 7.00pm.
This four-mile circular route follows the South West Coast Path from the tourist information centre up Salcombe Hill, with views back across the bay towards Ladram.
It then heads north before descending Soldiers Hill, with views over Sidmouth, before following the Byes Riverside Walk back to the tourist information centre.
Uplyme Circular
Meet at Uplyme Village Hall Overflow Car Park, Lyme Road, Uplyme.
10.30am to 2.30pm.
This 7.5-mile circular route offers scenic countryside and coastal views.
From Uplyme, the route heads east to Dragons Hill before descending towards Lyme Regis. It continues along the esplanade to the Cobb, followed by a short section of the Undercliff and a steep climb.
The route then meanders back to Uplyme, with further views across the countryside.
Birdwatching morning at Bowling Green Marsh
Meet at Darts Farm Shopping Village, Topsham, Clyst St George.
10.30am to 1.00pm.
This approximately three-mile walk visits the hide at Bowling Green Marsh, where good numbers of overwintering waders and ducks are usually sighted.
There may also be an opportunity to visit the viewing platform overlooking the River Clyst and where it meets the Exe before returning to Darts Farm via the Goat Walk.
The story behind its unusual name will also be explained.
There is also an optional walk to view the fishing lake.
Friday, 18th September
The final day of the festival offers the chance to discover some of East Devon’s hidden corners, enjoy views across the Axe Valley and Lyme Bay, or explore Beer through a photographer’s eye.
Northleigh Circular
Meet at Northleigh Village Hall, Colyton Road, Northleigh.
11.00am to 1.00pm.
After passing the Church of St Giles, a 14th-century flint and stone building noted for its Norman font, carved doorway and detailed 15th-century woodwork, this four-mile circular route follows quiet country roads, tracks and footpaths.
The route offers expansive rural views stretching towards the sea.
Trinity Hill Circular
Meet at Trinity Hill Car Park, Trinity Hill Road.
2.00pm to 4.00pm.
Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve is a rare area of lowland heath combined with mixed coniferous and deciduous woodland.
This 4.5-mile circular route follows well-marked gravel tracks and forest paths, with views of Cannington Viaduct, built in 1903 for the Axminster to Lyme Regis railway, as well as vistas across the Axe Valley.
Exmouth Circular
Meet at Maer Road Car Park, Exmouth.
10.15am to 1.45pm.
This 7.2-mile circular route heads inland to Littleham before joining the old railway line and climbing south to the spectacular South West Coast Path at West Down Beacon.
There are views across Lyme Bay and inland towards Dartmoor.
The return route follows the coast path, passing the Geoneedle at Orcombe Point, before returning to the starting point.
Seaton and Musbury Castle Circular
Meet at Colyton Peace Memorial Playing Fields Car Park.
10.00am to 4.30pm.
This 13-mile circular route takes in river walking, Seaton Wetlands, Seaton seafront and a short section of the coast path.
The route then heads inland along paths and quiet lanes, with several short, steep climbs leading to views across the countryside.
It also takes in Musbury Castle, an Iron Age hillfort with views in all directions, before following the East Devon Way back through Colyton.
Seeing Beer with a Photographer’s Eye
Meet at Beer Cliff Top Long Stay Car Park, Beer.
10.00am to 1.00pm.
The walk is designed to explore photographic opportunities in and around Beer.
The leader will be Bridget Davies, a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society.
The route will depend on the weather and the preferences of the group and could involve potentially steep climbs, rough paths and a shingle beach.
A phone camera is sufficient, although digital cameras offer more scope for creativity.
Booking
Booking is essential for all walks.
To book, contact Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre on 01395 516441 or email tic@sidmouth.gov.uk
With 25 walks covering coast, countryside, wildlife, history and the natural environment, organisers hope the festival will encourage both experienced walkers and newcomers to discover more of East Devon on foot. 👣
( Photos: Pixabay Library 📸 )