Sidmouth Walking Festival

There are few ways better to enjoy the East Devon Natural Landscape (AONB) and the Jurassic Coast than by foot. Luckily, every year, Sidmouth plays host to the Sidmouth Walking Festival allowing you to do just that alongside experienced local walkers keen to show off the area to visitors.  

Walkers welcome 

Being part of the Natural Landscape (AONB) and having easy access to the East Devon Way, the South West Coast Path and a host of other beautiful walking spots, it is no wonder that Sidmouth enjoys a ‘Walkers Welcome’ status and the people of the town are keen to promote walking opportunities in the area. You can find details of walking trails here.  

Sidmouth Walking Festival, which takes place in early autumn each year, usually September, is organised in conjunction with the East Devon Natural Landscape (AONB) project managers and many of the walks promoted throughout the festival incorporate routes around the East Devon Way, a designated walking trail that takes you through some of the most picturesque parts of the Natural Landscape (AONB).  The Natural Landscape (AONB) is the perfect place for going for a walk, whatever the time of year, but for one week in September, you’ll have the chance to join in with other like-minded people and discover some real hidden gems.  

The festival runs across seven days and there is a choice of walks available each day for you to choose from, so whether you are looking for a long ramble or something short and sweet, you’ll find walks to suit you during the Walking Festival. Whatever it is you’re looking for, you can be sure to enjoy these selected, scenic walks across coast and country, with walks selected to compliment various ages and abilities. Some walks will be shorter and will be themed around a special interest, while others will take you on an adventure through some stunning countryside and coast.  

So much to choose from 

There are five daily walks throughout the seven days of the festival with routes across the East Devon Way, the Sid Valley Ring and stretching along the coast from Lyme Regis to Exmouth. Whichever ones you choose, you can be sure that you’ll get a chance to really enjoy the dramatic views of the Jurassic Coast. Each of the walks is free of charge, but some will require you to take public transport or cars, which may incur a charge. Some walks will provide transport, which will require a small charge, further details will be given when you book.  

No matter how well you know the area, all walks promoted by the Walking Festival will be led by an experienced local walker who will divulge local knowledge, and history and take you to some of their favourite places around the Sid Valley which you might not have stumbled upon otherwise.  

As the walks are organised, there is a limit on numbers, so you will need to book your places on the walk in advance, you can do this through the Tourist Information Centre, either in person by calling into office or by phone or email.  Assistance dogs are welcome to join in too, just don’t forget to bring along water for them and to keep them on a lead at all times!  

Sidmouth Walking Festival is perfect for anyone looking for something to do while on a walking and exploring holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just want a change of scenery, the walks are open to anyone, simply book your space, bring along your walking boots and set your course for Sidmouth, where discovery awaits!  

Find out the latest news and updates from the Sidmouth Walking Festival on their Facebook page here