Devon

Salcombe Regis cliffs, valleys and sea views circular walk

Starting at the ancient church in Salcombe Regis, this walk heads out along the coast taking in viewpoints west to Sidmouth and east to Weston Mouth and Branscombe. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Portland Bill in Dorset. On the way back, it passes through the historic market gardens of Weston Plats.

Near to

Sidmouth countryside

Start point

Car park at St Peter's Church, Salcombe Regis, grid ref SY148888

Trail information

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Difficulty*

Accessibility**

Full trail

DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)

Duration2 hours to 2 hours 30 mins

Dog friendly***

*The route is on undulating coastal and countryside paths. For further details, see Terrain section.
**Uneven ground, long and steep slopes, plus steps. For further details, see Access section.
***Keep dogs on a lead. For further details, see Facilities section.

Address
Car park at St Peter's Church, Salcombe Regis, EX10 0JH
Directions via Google Maps
By train
Axminster station is 12.6 miles (20 km) away.
By bus
From Exeter Bus station, catch the Stagecoach 52A Seaton to Honiton bus and get off at Trow Farm. From here, Salcombe Regis is a 1/2 mile (800m) walk.
By road
Come off the A3052 and follow the signs to Salcombe Regis. In the village, park in the car park beside the church.
Postcode for satnav: EX10 0JH.
Total stages: 7
Total stages: 7
Start point
Car park at St Peter's Church, Salcombe Regis, grid ref SY148888
Stage 1
From the church car park, turn left down the road towards Salcombe Mouth. At the waymark pointing to the beach, take the road to the left signed 'Combe Wood Farm and coast 3/4 mile'. Continue along this road past houses on the left and right. Go through the gate and take the left-hand path slanting up the hillside to the next signpost.
St Peter's church
St Peter's church in Salcombe Regis was built in the 12th century and extended over the next 200 years, with the west tower added in around 1430. Inside, is an eagle lectern from the 15th century, carved from a single block of wood. In the churchyard are the graves of two important scientists: Sir Ambrose Fleming, who invented the wireless valve in 1904, and Sir Norman Lockyer, who pioneered work on sunspots in the 1880s and whose observatory sits on the top of Salcombe Hill.
Stage 2
Here, there's a choice of routes: the path straight on is narrow, steep and muddy in wet weather. The map route shows the easier path: take a sharp left turn here and follow the path to a junction. Turn right and walk down to the coast, passing the junction of the path that went straight on.
Stage 3
Follow the path left along the coast, over Higher Dunscombe Cliff. Behind you is a view of Salcombe Mouth. Ahead, you'll come to a seat looking out over Weston Mouth – one of the best views on the East Devon coast. From here, follow the path left into Lincombe.
Stage 4
At the signpost, take the right-hand path. It drops down a little then rises to the right and out onto Lower Dunscombe Cliff. There are various spots to look down over Weston Mouth and a small diversion to the right leads to another viewpoint with a seat. Please take care along this part of the route – after prolonged wet weather the path can become slippery.
Stage 5
At the next signpost, take a sharp right and go down the steps and through the gate. Staying on the right-hand side of the field, continue down. Take care as this will be quite slippery when wet. On the right, just before the next signpost, is a notice board and a gate through to the Weston Plats.
Stage 6
At the end of Dunscombe Cliff, take a sharp left back inland. Follow the path as it bears left through the coppice and eventually past the caravan park on your left.
Stage 7
At the tarmac road – Dunscombe Manor – turn left and follow the road back to Salcombe Regis. Head down through the village to the church and your starting point at the car park.
End point
Car park at St Peter's Church, Salcombe Regis, grid ref SY148888
Trail map
Salcombe Regis cliffs, valleys and sea views circular walk | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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view of valley and winter trees with blue sky

Trail

Salcombe Views and Valleys Walk

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