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Sidmouth countryside
Gentle countryside walks and coastal hikes
Salcombe Hill, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NY
Car park
Salcombe Hill car park is free for National Trust members. There is a charge for non-members of £3. PaybyPhone is available. There is a free car park available at Peak Hill (not NT). Pay and Display car park available in Sidmouth town centre.
Dogs
Easy access trail at Salcombe Hill (approx. 2 miles). Easy access trail and cycle path in the Byes.
Accessible route and/or map
Easy access trail at Salcombe Hill (approx. 2 miles). Easy access trail and cycle path in Sidmouth along the Byes parkland.
Steps/uneven terrain
By road
From Exeter take M5 turning onto A3052 and head east, following the signs to Sidmouth. At Sidford Cross go straight up the hill, out of Sidmouth, at the top take the first right - after 2.5 miles Salcombe Hill car park is on your left (opposite Norman Lockyear Observatory).
Parking: NT Car park at Salcombe Hill. Car parks in Sidmouth (not NT). Parking also available at the Donkey Sanctuary and Weston car park in Weston village. Peak Hill – Roadside parking and Mutter’s Moor EX10 0NW (not NT).
Sat Nav: EX10 0NY
On foot
Follow the South West Coast Path waymarkers from Sidmouth town. 2 mile (3.2km) walk
By train
Axminster 8 miles (with bus service onto Sidmouth)
By bus
The Axe Valley Mini-Travel service 899 runs between Seaton and Sidmouth. Alternatively from Exeter use the Stagecoach 52B service to Sidmouth. From Sidmouth, Salcombe Hill is a 2 mile (3.2km) walk.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Sidmouth countryside with your dog
Find out about visiting Sidmouth countryside with your dog, from where you can and can’t take them, to the facilities available for dog owners. Sidmouth countryside is a one pawprint rated place.
Highlights
Salcombe Hill
Above the bustling seaside town of Sidmouth is Salcombe Hill, with views over the town and out across the Jurassic cliffs.
Peak Hill
Sitting to the west of Sidmouth, partially eroded resulting in a cliff face on the coast. Look out for the carved stepping stones through the woodland and more great views.
Coastal walks
For the more adventurous, join the South West Coast Path and explore Salcombe Mouth, and the pretty but steep valleys of Lincombe and Dunscombe.
Shop
Visit the popular National Trust shop on Fore Street, selling homewares, gifts and garden items.
Things to see and do
Activity
Things to see and do in the Sidmouth countryside
With gentle countryside walks and coastal hikes to follow, flora and fauna to spot, and places to run, the Sidmouth countryside has plenty on offer year-round.
Top trails
Trail
Salcombe Views and Valleys Walk
Follow the Salcombe Hill circular walk trail in Devon for views of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site cliffs and valleys and to the Weston Plats for its 19th-century cliff allotments.
Trail
Salcombe Hill to Sidmouth circular walk
Starting with views across the Sid valley, this 5 mile circular walk showcases the regency town of Sidmouth, and then takes you upriver through a tranquil riverside park.
Trail
Salcombe Hill accessible walk
This short, accessible walk takes you along well-maintained gravel paths up to the Salcombe Hill toposcope. Enjoy far-reaching views across Sidmouth, High Peak, Ladrum Bay and beyond from one of the clifftop benches.
Trail
Salcombe Hill Circular Walk
Enjoy incredible views on this gentle walk around Salcombe Hill in Devon.
Trail
Salcombe Regis cliffs, valleys and sea views circular walk
Take in superb views of the Devon Jurassic Coast, an ancient church and the historic market gardens of Weston Plats on this circular walk from the village of Salcombe Regis.
Trail
Combe Woods and wild flowers walk
Get back to nature and take a gentle walk through these sheltered woods which are at their very best during bluebell season in early May.
Shopping
Article
Sidmouth shop
In the heart of Sidmouth town is the elegant National Trust shop selling gifts, homewares and garden items inspired by the places in our care.
Places to stay
Forge Cottage
A real chocolate box cottage with a thatched roof and lots of original features like an inglenook fireplace.
Shute Barton
Dine in style or explore the grounds at this impressive manor stay.
About Sidmouth countryside
Above the bustling seaside town of Sidmouth is Salcombe Hill which has amazing views of the town and out across the Jurassic cliffs. Peak Hill sits to the west of Sidmouth, partially eroded resulting in a cliff face on the coast.
For the more adventurous, join the South West Coast Path and explore Salcombe Mouth, and the pretty but steep valleys of Lincombe and Dunscombe.
In Sidmouth you can take a stroll along the Byes, a pleasant riverside walk or visit the popular National Trust shop on Fore Street.
Peak Hill sits to the west of Sidmouth, look out for the carved stepping stones through the Trust – owned woodland and more great views.
Livestock may be grazing the cliffland, please keep dogs on a lead. If animals become curious and approach:
- Stay calm and do not run.
- Avoid getting between cows and calves.
- If walking with a dog let go of its lead and meet up with your dog further along the path.
- If animals are blocking the path, whistle, talk or clap which lets them know you are there and encourages them to move. If they are still blocking the way then it may be best to avoid passing them and find an alternative route.
Our work
Article
Volunteering with the East Devon team
Find out all you need to know about joining the East Devon volunteer team, from the kinds of work our volunteers help out with to how to get in touch if you’d like to apply.
Project
Project
Nature-Friendly Farming at Coombe Wood
Find out about nature-friendly farming at Coombe Wood. Learn about how we are creating more space for wildlife and increasing connectivity across the landscape.