Devon

Branscombe village walk

The stream that runs the waterwheel for Manor Mill | © National Trust Images / David Sellman

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 or Old Bakery Cafés.

Near to

Branscombe

Start point

Branscombe National Trust car park, EX12 3DB. Grid ref: SY197887.

Trail information

View route

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Difficulty*

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 2.5 (km: 4)

Duration1 hour 30 mins

Dog friendly**

*Track to Branscombe Mouth is suitable for pushchairs, thereafter the path gets rough and steep. For further information visit the section marked Terrain.
**Please keep dogs on lead in the garden of the Old Bakery Cafe, in the orchard and on the beach. When walking on the coast path be aware to keep your dog on a lead near cliff edges. Please look out for seasonal signs advising you where livestock is present in the countryside around Branscombe. Dogs are not allowed in the forge or Manor Mill.

Address
Branscombe National Trust car park, Branscombe, near Seaton, Devon, EX12 3DB
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Honiton, 8 miles.
On foot
South West Coast Path within 0.75 miles.
By bus
Axe Valley 899, Sidmouth to Seaton (connections from Axminster railway station or Honiton railway station).
Cycling
Public bridleway from Great Seaside to Beer gives shared access for cyclists. Visit the Sustrans website for more information.
www.sustrans.org.uk
By road
Enter Branscombe village, off the A3052.
Total stages: 5
Total stages: 5
Start point
Branscombe National Trust car park, EX12 3DB. Grid ref: SY197887.
Stage 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. Check the website for up-to-date opening times for the Mill.
Stage 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.
Stage 3
After exploring the beach, go through the 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 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.
Stage 4
Turn right, down the hill, and carry on carefully down another steep slope until you reach the church.
Stage 5
At the church, turn right and walk along the road passing the picturesque thatched cottages that Branscombe is so famous for. After passing Forge Cottage, on your left will be the Old Forge. This completes your walk.
End point
Branscombe National Trust car park, EX12 3DB. Grid ref: SY197887.
Trail map
Branscombe village walk route map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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