Salcombe Hill to Sidmouth circular walk
This spectacular circular walk showcases the regency town of Sidmouth. Starting with the stunning views across the Sid valley, part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO world Heritage Site, the walk takes you down into Sidmouth town through the woods and fields of Salcombe Hill and then upriver through the Byes, Sidmouth's lovely, tranquil riverside park.
A chance to spot wildlife and wildflowers
If you keep your eyes open, you could spot dippers, grey wagtails, kingfishers, tawny owls and even otters playing in and around the fast-flowing river. As you head up through the woodlands of Soldier's Hill, you will enjoy an outstanding display of bluebells in the late spring (April to May).
Map
Start:
National Trust Salcombe Hill car park, grid ref: SY148889
1
Take the path past the picnic tables and follow the ‘Salcombe Hill Cliff and Link to Coast Path’ sign and follow the footpath to the cliff where you can enjoy fantastic views of Sidmouth, High Peak, Ladrum Bay and beyond.
Views of the Jurassic Coast
Following parts of the famous South West Coast Path, the views of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site cliffs and valleys are not to be missed.
2
As you look from the cliff out to sea, follow the path around to the right and then take the path on the left signposted ‘Coast Path Sidmouth 2/3m’. Go down through a small woodland (down a few steps) and across an open field enjoying the views towards Sidmouth as you walk. Turn right at the end of the field by the ‘Coast Path’ sign to start following the coast past diversion created in response recent landslides and erosion to the cliff edge. At the junction, turn left onto Laskeys Lane then continue straight along the footpath next to West Combe house (where Laskeys Lane bears off to the right) which then turns into Cliff Road. At the end of Cliff Road follow the footpath to the left down the hill and across the temporary bridge constructed over the mouth of the river Sid at the site of the Alma Bridge. After crossing the bridge, turn right and head inland along the left side of The Ham (a small park) which takes you past the decorative seascape mural painted by children from the local area.
Seascape Mural and Sidmouth
The brightly coloured seascape mural, funded by the Keith Owen Fund, was painted by children from the local area is located close to the Alma Bridge at the Eastern end of Sidmouth seafront. From here you can walk along Sidmouth seafront, enjoy fish and chips on the beach or explore the shops in town before returning to this point to rejoin the walk.
3
Continue along the path and at the end of the park, continue straight ahead along the National Cycle Network path along Riverside Road. Turn right on to Mill Street by the car park and cross over the footbridge at the ford before continuing along Milford Road. At the junction cross the road and enter the Byes riverside park to the right of the ‘Old Toll House of Sidmouth’ and the ‘Old Sidmouth Toll Gate’.
Old Toll House of Sidmouth
The Grade II listed Old Toll House of Sidmouth has been a feature of Sidmouth's townscape for nearly two centuries. the toll house, thought to have been built for the Honiton and Sidmouth Turnpike Trust in 1817 stands at the entrances of the Byes riverside park and is currently used as council house.
4
Follow the footpath upriver along the side of the river Sid crossing over the third bridge signposted ‘Sidford’. Continue walking upriver along the path next to the river towards Sidford through ‘Margaret’s Meadow and the Gilchrist Field’ (which are lovingly cared for by a team of Sid Vale Association volunteers), until you reach an interpretation board at a cycle path junction. Turn right following the ‘Fortescue ¼m’ sign crossing over a bridge and through some gates which bring you out onto Fortescue Road. Turn left and follow this quiet road for a short distance before turning right into Griggs Lane (signposted ‘Public Footpath to Salcombe Regis’).
The Byes riverside walk
The Byes riverside walk stretches 1.2 miles (2km) between the village of Sidford and the Old Toll House of Sidmouth. The Byes is made up of a series of fields and meadows along the River Sid, which is the smallest river in Devon. It was purchased to encourage wildlife conservation and the footpaths and cycle paths provide free public access for visitors to explore.
5
Follow the lane and woodland path up the hill passing through the kissing gate signposted ‘Public Footpath Soldiers Hill ¼m’. At the end of the woodland path continue straight across the field and through the kissing gate which brings you out onto Salcombe Hill road.
Bluebells at Soldier's Hill
The woods at Soldier's Hill has an outstanding display of bluebells in the late spring (April to May).
6
Turn right onto the road and then left at the war memorial signposted for cars ‘Salcombe Regis ¼m’. Take the path to the right just after the war memorial through the ‘SVA Allotment Field Wood’ kissing gate and then turn right following the ‘Link Path to Salcombe Hill’ sign. Follow the path around to the right and then down the steps leading to the left. At the bottom of the steps, follow the path signposted ‘Link Path Salcombe Hill’ until it stops and then turn left and then right at the ‘Public Footpath Salcombe Hill and Car park’ sign. Continue along this footpath until you reach a dirt road next to a barn. Turn right onto the dirt road and follow this back to the National Trust car park where you began your walk.
End:
National Trust Salcombe Hill car park, grid ref: SY148889
