Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk

This popular coastal walk links the Devon villages of Branscombe and Beer, following a spectacular stretch of the South West Coast Path along the eastern edge of the Jurassic Coast. The route offers classic clifftop scenery with wide views across Lyme Bay, combining dramatic geology, historic features and rich coastal wildlife.
One of the main highlights is the walk past the impressive Hooken Cliffs, part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.... A major landslip in 1790 caused a large section of chalk cliff to collapse, creating a sheltered undercliff landscape of pinnacles, scrub and woodland. This area supports a diverse range of plants and wildlife, with butterflies, nesting seabirds and coastal wildflowers commonly seen. A steep footpath descends from the clifftop to Branscombe Beach, giving a closer view of this unusual terrain.
The walk begins at the car park in Branscombe, a village known for its traditional rural character. Close to the start you can see the old thatched forge, where blacksmithing demonstrations still take place, and a former village bakery that now operates as a tea room. Leaving the village, the route passes the National Trust-owned Manor Mill, the only remaining working mill in Branscombe, before reaching Branscombe Mouth and the shoreline.
From the coast, the path climbs onto the clifftops and continues east past Hooken Beach and along the edge of the landslip to Beer Head. This elevated section provides excellent views over the red cliffs and coves below, with frequent sightings of kestrels, buzzards and other seabirds riding the coastal updrafts. Beyond Beer Head, the route turns north, passing landmarks such as Pound’s Pool, Arratt’s Hill and Big Ledge before descending into Beer.
The walk finishes in the attractive fishing village of Beer, with its shingle beach, working fishing boats and fine views across Seaton Bay and Lyme Bay. Aside from a steep section near the start, the route follows generally good paths and is fairly level overall. The distance is around 3 miles one way, making it a rewarding 6-mile return walk with varied scenery throughout.
To extend your walking in the area you can continue along the coast path to Seaton where you can pick up the Lyme Regis to Seaton Undercliff Walk. This will take you along the coast from Devon into Dorset.
If you enjoy wildlife you can head to the nearby Seaton Marshes where there is a splendid tramway walk with lots of wildlife to look out for.
Heading west takes you along the coast to Sidmouth on the Sidmouth to Beer Walk. It's a splendid undulating section of the path with Exmoor Ponies and more interesting geological features.

Pubs and More Info
The Anchor Inn in Beer is a nice place for some post walk refreshments. The main draw here is a lovely garden area with views of the coast. It's a good place to relax with a drink on a summer day. The inn is also dog friendly with water bowls placed outside. You can find the pub on Fore Street with a postcode of EX12 3ET for your sat navs.
In Branscombe there's the Fountain Head. It dates all the way back to the 14th century and has a charming interior with real log fires. There's also outdoor seating with nice views of the surrounding countryside. They have a good selection local beers and a good menu if you are peckish. You can find the pub at postcode EX12 3BG for your sat navs.
Continue along the coast on the Seaton to Beer Walk and you can pick up the excellent Seaton Tramway. This popular attraction operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton. There's fine views of the Axe Valley and the Axe Estuary on this scenic attraction. At the other end of the tramway you can try the circular Colyton Walk which takes you through the River Coly Valley on section of the East Devon Way long distance trail.
You can also reach Branscombe from the nearby town of Sidmouth on the Sidmouth to Branscombe Walk.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks page.

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Nearby Routes

Seaton Marshes Lyme Regis to Seaton Undercliff Walk South West Coast Path Sidmouth to Branscombe Walk

Photos

Branscombe from the cliff top

This striking black anchor commemorates the Napoli incident. The anchor is from the MSC Napoli - the cargo ship beached off Branscombe's World Heritage Coast during 2007. It is a permanent memento of the ship's extended presence in the village

Branscombe view. Looking eastward on the shingle beach to Beer Head. The area is rich in biodiversity. In the spring and summer months, the coastal path is adorned with wildflowers such as thrift, sea campion, and wild carrot. Along the cliffs and wooded areas, you may encounter songbirds such as song thrushes, blackbirds, blackcaps, chiffchaffs, robins, wrens, and goldfinches.

Cliffs above Hooken landslip. Chalk overlying Upper Greensand in these cliffs east of Branscombe, with vegetation below on the landslip. Taken from the footpath above Hooken Beach, just to the west of the point where it enters the landslip.
Along the route, walkers can observe a transition from Triassic red sandstone near Branscombe to Cretaceous chalk cliffs approaching Beer. This geological diversity is evident in formations such as the Hooken Cliffs, resulting from historic landslides that have created unique landscapes.

Beer Cliffs from Seaton Seafront. The cliffs provide nesting sites for peregrine falcons, whose distinctive calls can often be heard echoing along the coastline.

Gull and boats, Beer. The picture postcard village of Beer sits in a lovely spot on Lyme Bay.  The shingle beach is flanked by white chalk cliffs and still boasts a small fleet of working fishing boats still bringing in their daily catches of mackerel. Above the beach there's the beautiful Jubilee Gardens. The gardens were created by the people of Beer to honour Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. 

Gate on the South West Coast Path. Here the SWCP leaves the clifftop to descend to Branscombe beach via the Hooken Landslide.
During migration periods, the area serves as a stopover for species like tree pipits, yellow wagtails, wheatears, whinchats, and redstarts.

Branscombe Mouth from on high. More of this spread-out village is visible to the upper right.

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