Sidmouth to Branscombe Walk
This walk follows a section of the South West Coast Path from Sidmouth to Branscombe. The route is just under 5 miles along an undulating path with excellent views for most of the way.
The walk starts in Sidmouth and heads east along the waymarked path up to Salcombe Hill Cliff. Turn around here and there are fine views back to the town.
The path continues east to the Higher and Lower Dunscombe Cliffs, passing Chapman's Rocks on the way. The cliffs are one of the high points of the walk, commanding excellent views in both directions.
The path continues to Weston Cliff and Coxe's Cliff before descending into Branscombe where the route finishes.
Sidmouth to Branscombe Walk Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Sidmouth to Branscombe Walk Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Sidmouth to Branscombe Walk OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Sidmouth to Branscombe Walk Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
The Fountain Head in Branscombe is a pub of some note. 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.
Dog Walking
The cliff top paths make for a fine dog walk though it's good to keep them under close control because of the drops. The Fountain Head mentioned above is also dog friendly and sells dog biscuits if your four legged friend is hungry.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
To extend your walking in the area try the Branscombe to Beer Walk which continues east along the coastal path. From Sidmouth there's also the Sidmouth to Budleigh Salterton Walk and the Sidmouth to Ladram Bay Walk.
Just off the route there's the splendid 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. You can reach the site by following a footpath north from Weston Mouth.
For more walks in the area see the Devon Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Sidmouth from Salcombe Hill Cliff. A view of the resort from the coast path to the east, with Peak Hill and High Peak rising beyond.
Path down from Salcombe Hill Cliff, Sidmouth. A view of the path from the hairpin bend halfway down. At the bottom, the path meets the bridge over the River Sid. It forms part of the South-West Coast Path.
Chapman's Rocks and red-stained sea. The red mudstone cliffs near Salcombe Mouth are breaking down to fine particles that stay suspended in the water.
Clifftop, Dunscombe Cliff. The coast path has been reopened after landslips, but naturally finds itself a little further north than hitherto. In the distance is the coast between Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth.
Dunscombe Cliff. Peering down to the beach at Hook Ebb from the coast path. A nearby spot height is 156 metres. But the drop is by no means vertical, as the wooded slopes below show.
Dunscombe Cliff. Looking Eastwards along the coast from Salcombe Hill Cliff towards Dunscombe cliff. In the foreground are the steps of the South West Coastal path and at the beach is Salcombe Mouth
Looking over Weston Combe In the foreground is the chalk rock that makes up the top of these cliffs. This shot shows the southern edge of this square.
Branscombe. This is the view of Branscombe village that appears when walking from the coast.