One of the best ways to appreciate Sidmouth and the East Devon countryside is to explore on foot. There are lots of walking routes within easy reach of our hotel from which you can enjoy stunning views of our World Heritage coastline and rolling countryside.
One of our favourite Sidmouth walks, the Salcombe Hill Circular, takes in the Jurassic coastline, valleys, and woodland.
This is a dog-friendly walk, which is described as moderate. It takes roughly 2.5 – 3 hours if you walk the route without stopping.
Salcombe Hill Circular walk
The 5-mile route starts and finishes at Salcombe Hill car park, which is opposite the Norman Lockyer Observatory on the Sidmouth to Salcombe Regis road. It takes you along the coastline, inland through a valley to the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary, down to Salcombe Regis and then through woodland back to where you started.
The first part of the walk follows the South West Coast Path towards Weston Mouth. There’s a steep climb on Higher Dunscombe Cliff but when you get to the top you’re rewarded for your efforts with fantastic sea views of Weston Beach and Branscombe.
The route then takes you inland up through a beautiful wooded valley flanked by trees on either side. From here you can make a stop at the Donkey Sanctuary and enjoy some refreshments at the sanctuary’s cafe.
Moving on, the route takes you to Salcombe Regis and past the pretty 12th century Church of St Peter and St Mary before heading back towards Sidmouth. The last part of the walk follows a public footpath through woodland and farmland. The final stretch is a hill climb via approximately 90 steps back to the car park and your starting point.
After all that strenuous effort we recommend you head back to the hotel for a well deserved afternoon tea! be happy to provide
Our reception team will be happy to provide details of other Sidmouth walks during your stay with us.
