Salcombe views and valleys
A walk around Salcombe Hill with breathtaking views of the Devon Jurassic Coast. This walk leads out to a viewpoint on the cliff top with amazing views over Sidmouth and on a good day out to Portland Bill in Dorset. In summer the area is filled with wild flowers, such as foxgloves and buttercups, as well as butterflies.
Map
Start:
Salcombe Hill car park, grid ref SY148889
1
From the car park, head along the tarmac lane. After about 50yd (46m), turn left onto the gravel path and enjoy the wonderful views across the Sidmouth Valley to your right.
Stars at Sidmouth
Take a short detour to the domes of the Norman Lockyer Observatory. Director of the Solar Physics Laboratory in London, Norman Lockyer, retired to Salcombe Regis in 1911 where he was persuaded to build The Hill Observatory above his house. The observatory was renamed after his death in 1920. Astronomical observations took place until the 1960s and the site continued to be used for geophysical observations into the 1980s. Once threatened with closure, the observatory has been refurbished with two of the original telescopes still in place. It's operated by the Norman Lockyer Observatory Society.
2
Follow the waymarked route down towards the cliff edge.
Sidmouth Landscape Fund
In 1986 an appeal was launched to purchase land on Peak and Salcombe Hills and thereby preserve them from unwanted development forever. Inaugurated by Angela Rippon it was a joint appeal promoted by the National Trust and the Sid Vale Association. Funds were successfully raised and within a very short time five different parcels of land were acquired. This unique funding partnership between the National Trust and a local organisation continues to go from strength to strength. Today the proceeds from a calendar, widely sold in Sidmouth, help to keep the funds topped up.
3
Continue until you reach the toposcope. On a clear day there are fabulous views along the Jurrasic Coast all the way to Portland Bill. You can also see the Channel Islands and even the north of France. After enjoying the views, turn left along the South West coastal path.
Jurassic Coast
The Dorset and East Devon Coast is the first World Heritage Site in England to be designated for natural rather than man-made features. Known as the Jurassic Coast it actually spans a much longer period of geological time covering 185 million years from the Triassic to Cretaceous periods. The oldest rocks are at Orcombe Point at the mouth of the Exe Estuary. These were deposited as blown sand under hot desert-like conditions forming deep red sandy sediments. The most western outcrop of chalk in Britain is also to be found on the Jurassic Coast at nearby Branscombe.
4
Follow the coastal path until you reach the 'Frog Stone'. This stone, which looks amusingly frog-like, was placed here by helicopter from a Royal Navy frigate on 10th April 1964. From this point you have more wonderful views over the Salcombe mouth valley. Leave the coastal path and follow the waymarked path.
Frog Stone
The Frog Stone is a block of Upper Greensand sandstone. Said to be delivered to this point on 10th April 1964 by a Royal Navy Helicopter (maybe an exercise). Probably from the Hook Ebb Reef.
5
You'll reach a kissing gate, heading into the woodland area. At this point there are a number of longer walks to be explored, but to complete this walk turn left, following the waymarked route back to the car park.
Salcombe Hill woods
There are more trails in the wood to explore.
End:
Salcombe Hill car park, grid ref SY148889
