Branscombe village walk
A short circular walk around the historic, beautiful village of Branscombe. Explore the village, take in coastal views, discover nature and perhaps stop for a drink or tasty treat at the Sea Shanty Café.
Map
Start:
Branscombe National Trust car park
1
From the car park, cross the main street and head through the gate, past the toilets and information room to the Old Bakery. From here follow the path and cross the zig zag bridge, then follow the leat that channels water all the way to Manor Mill. Manor Mill operated as a corn mill from 1700 until 1939. It has a restored water wheel that can be seen up close on certain days (for details call 01297 680507).
Branscombe Old Bakery
The Bakery was the last traditional bake house in Devon, finally closing in 1987, leaving the present tea-room and baking museum in its place.
2
Walk down the track in front of the Manor Mill and then go through the gate on the right, following the surfaced path all the way to Branscombe Mouth. The path ends at the Sea Shanty Café.
Great Seaside
On your left, as you head down the pathway, you can see Great Seaside, a National Trust farmhouse with medieval origins.
3
After exploring the beach, go through the kissing gate and head up the steep path to West Cliff. The path passes a private home called the Lookout and two Second World War pillboxes. In the spring this hillside is covered in wild flowers and butterflies. Keep following the path up to the viewpoint and then head through the woods, taking in the views of Branscombe village through the gaps in the trees.
Viewpoint
Savour the sweeping views of the Devon coastline down towards Brixham. Look out for a wealth of wildlife here, including buzzards, peregrines and dolphins.
4
At the five-bar gate you can take a detour down to the cliff edge and enjoy striking coastal views. Continue until the woodland opens out into a meadow and veer right, taking in another panorama of the village.
St Winifred's Church
Admire St Winifred's Church, which dates from the 12th century.
5
Follow the path into a field, along a hedge and over a stile. Take the path and you'll stroll through Pitt Coppice, which is awash with bluebells, wild garlic and primrose in spring. The path emerges at a steep slope. Go down, through a gate and onto the road. At the junction, turn right and take a look at the picturesque thatched cottages that Branscombe is so famous for. After passing Forge Cottage, on your left will be the Old Forge.
The Old Forge
The Old Forge dates back to 1580 and is now run by the award winning blacksmith Andrew Hall.
End:
Branscombe National Trust car park
