Sidmouth to Beer Coastal Walk

7.5 miles (12 km)

This walk follows a section of the wonderful Jurassic Coast from the town of Sidmouth to the village of Beer in Devon. It's a popular coastal walk running for about 8 miles along an undulating path. There's lovely cliff top views, attractive beaches and interesting geological features to see on the path. Also look out for Exmoor Ponies on the way!
Starting on the front in Sidmouth head east, crossing the River Sid. You then pass the lovely Salcombe Hill Cliffs and Chapman's Rocks before coming to Dunscombe Cliffs. You may see Exmoor Ponies and lots of butterflies fluttering around the wide variety of wildflowers you can find in this area.
The route continues past Salcombe Regis to Weston Mouth, an isolated shingle�beach which can be reached by a footpath. Shortly after you come to the popular village of Branscombe where there's a nice beach and three National Trust properties;�The Old Bakery, Manor Mill & Forge.
You continue to Beer passing the photogenic Hooken Cliffs. A�slump�in the�Chalk�cliffs in 1790 separated a 10-acre tract of land, now a wooded and sheltered habitat with chalk pinnacles on the seaward side. It's reached via a steep footpath leading from the clifftop to Branscombe Beach. The route finishes in the pretty seaside village of Beer, where there are lovely views over Seaton Bay and Lyme Bay with a nice shingle beach and lots of fishing boats. �
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.

Sidmouth to Beer Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Sidmouth to Beer Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Sidmouth to Beer OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Sidmouth to Beer Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

On the route you can stop at The Anchor Inn in Beer to refresh yourself. 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.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

To continue your walking in the area you could head in the other direction along the coastal path on the Sidmouth to Budleigh Salterton Walk. This visits the popular Ladram Bay and the beautiful Otter Estuary where there is lots of wildlife to see.
On the route you could take a detour to visit the lovely Donkey Sanctuary in Salcombe Regis. This free tourist attraction includes a series of walkways taking you around the site and providing plenty of opportunities to interact with the resident donkeys. There's also a fine restaurant with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks page.