Sidmouth Walking Festival

Discover the beauty of East Devon on foot at the Sidmouth Walking Festival, a week-long celebration of the stunning Jurassic Coast, rolling countryside, and charming towns and villages. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or enjoy a gentle stroll, this friendly festival offers something for everyone.

This festival is proudly organised by members of the East Devon Ramblers, with the valued support of Sidmouth Town Council and the East Devon National Landscape.

Explore the Best of Sidmouth and Beyond

The Sidmouth Walking Festival is the perfect way to explore some of the most breathtaking scenery in Devon. From dramatic coastal cliffs and golden beaches to quiet woodland trails and historic villages, every walk reveals a new side of this beautiful area. Across the seven days of the festival, there are five guided walks each day, covering some of the most spectacular routes in the region. Highlights include the East Devon Way, the Sid Valley Ring, and stretches of the stunning Jurassic Coast, from Lyme Regis to Exmouth.

Whichever walks you choose, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views and the chance to experience East Devon at its very best.

All walks are free to join, although some may involve using public transport or car sharing, which may incur a small cost. On certain routes, transport will be provided for a modest fee - full details will be shared at the time of booking.

Walks are led by experienced local guides who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the area’s history, wildlife, and landscapes.

blue button with download programme on it

Walks for All Abilities

The festival programme includes a wide variety of walks:

  • Gentle strolls for those who prefer a slower pace
  • Moderate walks through the countryside and the coast
  • Long-distance challenges for experienced walkers

Most walks are free to join, making the festival a welcoming event for both visitors and locals.

Booking Your Place

As the walks are organised, there is a limit on numbers, so you will need to book your places in advance. Booking can be made through the Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, either by calling into the office in person, by phone, or by email.

Useful Information

  • Children and dogs are welcome; however, dogs must be kept on short leads at all times
  • Find out the latest news and announcements from the Sidmouth Walking Festival on their official Facebook page.

 

Why Visit Sidmouth During the Sidmouth Walking Festival?

  • Experience the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
  • Meet like-minded people who love the outdoors
  • Discover hidden gems that only locals know
  • Enjoy Sidmouth’s warm hospitality, shops, cafés, and seaside charm

 

Plan Your Visit

The Sidmouth Walking Festival usually takes place in early autumn, offering pleasant walking weather and spectacular scenery. Comfortable footwear, appropriate clothing, and a sense of adventure are all you need to make the most of this special event.

 

Come and join the Sidmouth Walking Festival, a celebration of walking, community, and the stunning landscapes of East Devon.

Find details of all walks below

  1. Saturday 12th of September
  2. Sunday 13th September
  3. Monday 14th September
  4. Tuesday 15th September
  5. Wednesday 16th September
  6. Thursday 17th September
  7. Friday 18th September

Saturday 12th of September

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1. Family Treasure Hunt

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane, Sidmouth EX10 8XR; SY128873 W3W market. grant.urban Start: 14:00  End: c.16:00

Get ready for an adventure the whole family will love! Our exciting walking treasure hunt takes you on a trail of fun, easy-to-follow clues that will have children exploring, giggling and discovering along the way. It's the perfect chance to enjoy the fresh air, stretch your legs and see familiar sights in a brand-new way. Little explorers can put their thinking caps on, grown-ups can join in the fun, and together you'll follow the clues to a well-known venue, where optional refreshments will be waiting to celebrate your success. Bring your curiosity, sense of adventure and your biggest smiles - the treasure is out there!

All children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Bookings required: tic@sidmouth.gov.uk or 01395 516441

Sunday 13th September

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2. Joney’s Cross and Woodbury Common Circular: 10miles.

Meet Joney’s Cross Car Park, A3052, Sidmouth, EX10 0BL; SY058897 W3W: nail.obligated.rear Start: 10:00 End: c.15:00

The route follows the East Devon Way, meandering over heathland with views to the Haldon Hills, the Otter Valley and the sea. Key features of the walk include Woodbury Castle, an Iron Age Hillfort, and the Gibraltar

Stone, a memorial to commandos who have trained on the common.


3. Bystock Ponds and Squabmoor Reservoir Circular: 7.5 miles

Meet Wheathill Car Park, East Budleigh Common, EX9 7BS; SY040848 W3W: irrigate.contrived.clash Start: 11:00  End: c.15.00

The Pebbled Heaths and Commons are a unique and valued feature of East Devon, and this walk takes in two of the major water features found on the heaths. The route quickly gets onto open heathland and the ponds at Bystock. This attractive Devon Wildlife Trust site will delight with its attractive waterside features. A little further on, the larger Squabmoor reservoir shoreline will be passed, where we will stop to admire the extensive water lilies and waterfowl.

4. Otter Valley Circular: 11.7 miles

Meet at Tipton Car Park, Tipton St John, EX10 0AF; SY091917 W3W: informer.shoelaces.dubbing Start:10:00  Finish: c.16:00

This less well-known route includes footpaths and quiet country lanes. It meanders above and also along the Otter Valley. The walk goes through parts of West Hill, then circles near Cadhay House, and includes a short stretch along the River Otter. We then gradually ascend the “Hidden Valley” through footpaths and farmland before veering back towards the River Otter and Tipton.

5. Guided dog walking across the Pebbled Heaths National Nature Reserve.

Meet Four Firs Cross Car Park East Budleigh Common, EX5 1JL; SY032864 W3W: jumpy.spoils.workbook Start: 11:00  End: c.12.30

Come and learn a little about the heaths on a relaxed stroll following paths and tracks, whilst the dogs enjoy the sights and sniffs! Dress for the weather; sturdy footwear is recommended. Please note that there is a maximum of 2 dogs per person.

Check out the Devon Loves Dogs website for other Waggy Walks dates. https://www.devonlovesdogs.co.uk/events

Check out the Pebbled Heaths Conservation Trust for other activities on the reserve. https://www.pebblebedheaths.org.uk/whats-on

Bookings required: tic@sidmouth.gov.uk or 01395 516441

A group of hikers walks along a grassy cliffside trail overlooking the ocean and lush green hills. The sky is cloudy, conveying a serene, adventurous mood.

Monday 14th September

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6. Newton Poppleford Circulars: 6.2miles and 5.3 miles.

Bus No 9/9A or 157 from Sidmouth Triangle available (nearest stop Millmoor Lane). Meet at Newton Poppleford Recreation Ground Car Park, EX10 0EY; SY088899 W3W: certainly.distract.twinge

Bring a picnic lunch if doing both walks.

6a – 6.2 miles.  Start:10:00  End: c.13:00.

This walk leads down the Otter to Dotton and then heads west, climbing towards the Hawkerland Valley before reaching Ayelsbeare Common with outstanding views of the Otter Valley. The route then returns to the start along the East Devon Way.

6b – 5.3 miles.  Start: 14.00  End: c.16.30.

From Newton Poppleford, the route goes uphill to Harpford Wood before heading towards Tipton St John with views towards the Otter Valley. There is then an easy walk back along the River Otter.

 

7. South West Coast Path Seaton to Sidmouth: Linear 10.5 miles.

Bus: No. 9A from Sidmouth Triangle available

Meet Seaton Tramway Station, Harbour Road, Seaton, EX12 2WD; SY247900 W3W: vessel.spits.pressing Start: 11:00 End: c.17.00

Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre: Bring a picnic lunch.

This is a strenuous stretch of the coast path with some steep climbs and descents. From Seaton, we have a short climb over to the fishing village of Beer and then climb the chalk cliff of Beer Head, where there are fine views of Lyme Bay and the Isle of Portland. We then descend through the dramatic Hooken undercliff to Branscombe Mouth, where we climb once again. We then progress along the scenic stretch of coast with lofty cliffs cut by deep and narrow valleys.

8. Wild Food Foraging at Wildwood Devon.

Meet: Wildwood Devon, Escot Park, Ottery St Mary, Devon, EX11 1LU; SY080979 W3W: mandates.fairway.backtrack Start: 10:00  End: c.13:00

Our day starts with a walk (approx. 2 miles) in the adjacent fields and woodland of the Escot Estate. From 11:30 to 13:00, we will meet Wildwood Devon's Bex Flintham. Bex is an experienced forager and educator and will show us how to identify and forage plants for food or their therapeutic properties. The foraging will finish at 13:00, and refreshments are available on site afterwards at The Coach House Cafe. After lunch, you will have the rest of the day to look for the bears, wolves, owls, wild boar, red squirrels and more as you may continue exploring within Wildwood Devon until closing time at 17:00.

Note: Dogs are not permitted entry to Wildwood Devon and must not be left in cars.

Cost £10.00 per person for parking, guided food foraging event and entry to Wildwood Devon.

A group of people with hiking poles walk on a grassy cliff path. They face a scenic sea view under a blue, partly cloudy sky, evoking a tranquil mood.

9. Footsteps through a new landscape

Meet Venn Ottery quarry main vehicle entrance, EX11 1SF; SY064910 W3W: protests.snoring.airstrip Start: 14:00 End: c.16.00

The old quarry at Venn Ottery, which is adjacent to the existing RSPB reserve, has been managed by the RSPB since quarrying ceased in 2017. Extensive restoration and habitat creation have taken place by rewilding from industrial to natural use and now boasts habitat which includes heathland, woodland and lagoons to provide a real haven for wildlife. Toby, the RSPB site manager for the area, will give us a guided tour to show what has already been achieved and what the long-term aspirations are.

Bookings required: tic@sidmouth.gov.uk or 01395 516441

Tuesday 15th September

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10. Church Green Circular: 9.4 miles.

Meet at Farway United Football Club, Money Acre Road, Church Green, Farway, EX24 6EF; SY176960, W3W: messaging.foot.caves Start: 10:00 End: c.15:30

This undulating route with some steep sections follows the East Devon Way from Church Green to Knapp Copse and the Roncombe Valley with many scenic views. From Hatway Hill, the footpaths gradually descend into. Far away before picking up the East Devon Way to return to the start

11. Harcombe Circular: 3.9 miles

Meet at The Blue Ball Car Park, Stevens Cross, Sidford, Sidmouth, EX10 9QL; SY138899 W3W: full.pumps.atom Start: 17:00  End: c.19:00

A flattish start along a quiet lane up to Knowle House before some steady climbs towards Paccombe Hill and Buckton Hill followed by a steep descent and then back to the pub via Buckton Farm. Meals are available at the pub after the walk, but should be booked in advance – 01395 514062.

12. Sidmouth & Mutters Moor Circular: 9 miles.

Meet Park and Walk Car Park, The Knowle, Station Road, Sidmouth EX10 8XH. SY121881, W3W: happen.sketch.assist Start: 10.30 End: c.15:00 

A gentle ascent to the ‘poet’s seat’ and a ‘smugglers route’ across Mutters Moor lead us to the coast path, which we follow to Ladram Bay. Our uphill return route leads us back onto the coast path with glorious views as we descend into Sidmouth. Our route back to the car park takes us along a hidden ‘goyle’ and the Knowle parkland

13. Mindfulness walk in The Byes.

Meet Byes Toll House & Gate, Salcombe Road, Sidmouth, EX10 8PR; SY128878 W3W: retire.shadow.comical Start: 10:00  End: c.12:00

Do you ever return from a walk and think that your head was just so full of thoughts about the future or the past that you didn’t really take in the walk at all? Come and try a different way of experiencing a walk. First, we will help you to slow your mind down, focusing on your breath and your walking. Then we will help you to open all of your senses so that you enjoy looking deeply at the beauty of Nature. The trees, the flowers, the insects. You’ll listen intently to the sounds of the river or the birdsong. You’ll take in the smells of the wet earth, the fresh grass, touch the leaves, the bark, and start to feel joy and gratitude for all that Nature provides. The Byes is a very special place, hugging the Sid River from Sidford to the Toll House. Much loved by Sidmouth and its visitors, it’s the perfect place for a mindful walk. We look forward to walking with you. Open to everyone. This walk is suitable for people who use mobility aids, wheelchairs and scooters. Distance will be no more than a mile. Please bring drinking water and anything else you will need for yourself.

Wednesday 16th September

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14. Colyton Circulars: 6 miles and 4 miles.

Meet: Colyton Peace Memorial Playing Fields Car Park ,EX24 6PU; SY249936 W3W: blur.houseboat.breezes

Bring a picnic lunch if doing both walks.

14a - 6 miles. Start:10:00 End: c.13:00

This walk heads north around Colyton with a climb up Sand Pitt Hill from where there are great views overlooking the Coly Valley before a descent via Holyford and Colyford back to the start point.

14b - 4 miles. Start:14:00 End: c.16:00

This is a flattish route with one short, steep climb. It follows the East Devon Way for the majority of the walk before veering off via Kingsdown Hill and returning to the car park.

15. Branscombe and Beer Circular: 6.2 miles.

Bus No.899 from Sidmouth Triangle available

Meet: Branscombe Village Hall Car Park, Lockey’s Lane, Branscombe. EX12 3DB SY197887 W3W: fights.spotty.oath Start: 11.00 End: c.14.30

This scenic route with regular coast and countryside views includes some steep climbs! We walk along an inland trail to Seaton before joining the South West Coast Path and returning via Beer Head and Branscombe Mouth

16. Sid Valley Ring: Circular 14 miles

Meet Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane EX10 8XR; SY128873 W3W market.grant.urban Start: 10:00 End: c17:00

The undulating nature of the terrain covered in this circular route makes this a challenging walk. It includes Sidmouth’s unique Regency seafront, an interesting estate designed by renowned architect R W Sampson, the glorious Sid Valley with its working farming landscape and historic settlements and panoramic coastal views across Lyme Bay.

17. Exploring prehistoric Woodbury Common and Castle

Meet Estuary View Car Park (west side of B3180), EX5 1EA; SY031872 W3W: stews.uncle.implanted Start: 10:00 End: c.12:30

This walk will explore the varied habitats and vegetation of Woodbury Common, which forms part of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Nature Reserve. We will look for evidence of how it has been used and modified by humans since the earliest times up to the Iron Age and beyond. It will include field boundaries, barrows and the impressive Iron Age Hillfort of Woodbury Castle, one of the largest such hillforts in East Devon. Here we will discuss its construction, possible uses and examine the key features of this imposing structure. Bring a picnic lunch, where we will have

magnificent views of the Exe Estuary, whilst we continue an informal chat about the local area and hillforts

Bookings required: tic@sidmouth.gov.uk or 01395 516441

A group of hikers walks down a path through lush greenery toward a serene coastal view with cliffs, under a clear blue sky, evoking a sense of tranquillity.

Thursday 17th September

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18. Sidford, Sweetcombe and Roncombe Valley Circular: 10.7 miles.

Meet Church Street Car Park, (behind Spar, charges apply), Sidford, EX10 9NT SY134900; W3W: facing.tables.basic

Bring a picnic lunch. Start: 10:00 End: c15.30

After a steady start along a quiet lane, we head north along the edge of the Sweetcombe Valley enjoying great views as we go. The route joins the East Devon Way after Higher Sweetcombe Farm with fine views over the Roncombe Valley. The route descends to Lower Mincombe Farm and continues via Lower Knapp Farm where it veers away from the East Devon Way and climbs steadily before heading back to rejoin the East Devon Way near Mincombe Wood. The path returns to Sidford via a steep descent near Buckton Farm with fabulous views over Sidmouth.

19. Salcombe Hill Circular: 4 miles.

Meet: Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane, Sidmouth EX10 8XR; SY128873 W3W market.grant.urban Start:    17:00 Finish: c.19:00

From the TIC the route follows the South West Coast Path up Salcombe Hill with views back over the bay and towards Ladram. We then head north before going down. Soldiers Hill with views over Sidmouth. The last section follows the Byes Riverside Walk back to the TIC. Refreshments available in town centre after the walk.

20. Uplyme Circular: 7.5 miles.

Meet: Uplyme Village Hall Overflow Car Park, Lyme Rd, Uplyme, Lyme Regis, DT7 3UY SY324934; W3W: resurgent.nudge.garage Start:    10.30 Finish: c14:30

This is a walk with scenic countryside and coastal views. From Uplyme the route heads east to Dragons Hill before heading south into Lyme Regis. The walk continues along the esplanade to the Cobb before a brief section of the Undercliff is followed by a short steep climb. The walk meanders back to Uplyme with wonderful views.

21. Birdwatching morning at Bowling Green Marsh

Meet: Darts Farm Shopping Village, Topsham, Clyst St George, Exeter EX3 0QH SX977883; W3W: poorly.sank.fails Start:10.30 Finish: c13:00

The walk, approximately 3 miles, will visit the hide at Bowling Green Marsh, where good numbers of overwintering waders and ducks are usually sighted. It may also be possible to visit the viewing platform to look out over the River Clyst and see where it meets the Exe before returning to Darts Farm via the Goat Walk (the amusing tale of how it got its name will be told). Refreshments are available at the Yard restaurant at the end of the walk. There is also an optional walk to view the fishing lake.

A group of 15 hikers stands on a gravel path in a rural landscape under a blue sky. They are wearing casual outdoor clothing, looking relaxed and happy.

Friday 18th September

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22a – Northleigh: Circular: 4 miles.

Meet at Northleigh Village Hall, Colyton Road, Northleigh, EX24 6BS; SY195961 W3W: pills.causes.swooned Start: 11:00 End: c.13:00

After passing the Church of St Giles, a 14th-century flint and stone building noted for its Norman font, carved doorway, and detailed 15th-century woodwork, the route follows a mix of quiet country roads, tracks, and footpaths offering expansive rural views that stretch toward the sea.

22b - Trinity Hill: Circular: 4.5 miles.

Meet: Trinity Hill Car Park (charges apply), Trinity Hill Road, EX13 5SL; SY304954 W3W: tightest.pickup.broke Start: 14:00 End: c.16:00

Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve is a rare area of lowland heath combined with mixed coniferous and deciduous woodland. The route follows well-marked gravel tracks and forest paths and offers a view of Cannington Viaduct, built in 1903 for the Axminster to Lyme Regis railway, and also vistas across the Axe Valley.

23. Exmouth Circular: 7.2 miles.

Bus: No. 157 from Sidmouth Triangle available (nearest stop Cyprus Road, Exmouth). Meet: Maer Road Car Park (charges apply), Exmouth EX8 2DB; SY011801

W3W:email.plan.gasp Start: 10:15 End: c.13:45

The route heads inland to Littleham and joins the old railway line before climbing south to join the spectacular South West Coast Path at West Down Beacon with views over Lyme Bay and inland towards Dartmoor. The return route follows the coast path, passing the Geoneedle at Orcombe Point, back to the start point.

24. Seaton & Musbury Castle Circular: 13 miles.

Meet: Colyton Peace Memorial Playing Fields Car Park EX24 6PU; SY249936 W3W: blur.houseboat.breezes Start: 10:00 Finish: c16:30

This walk has something for everyone – river walking, the Seaton Wetlands, Seaton Seafront, a short stretch on the coast path before an inland undulating section along paths and quiet lanes with a couple of short steep climbs leading to some great views. The route also includes Musbury Castle, an Iron Age Hillfort with spectacular views in all directions, and then follows the East Devon Way back through Colyton.

 

25. Seeing Beer with a Photographer’s Eye

Meet: Beer Cliff Top Long Stay Car Park (charges apply), Beer, EX12 3AQ; SY228888 W3W: doubts.swift.tangible Start: 10:00 End: c.13:00

The primary aim of this walk is to explore the photographic opportunities in and around Beer. We will aim to make images which go beyond Instagram/postcard shots. The leader will be Bridget Davies who is a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society. The route taken will depend upon the weather and preferences of the group, and could involve some potentially steep climbs, rough paths and a shingle beach. Bring a camera. A phone camera will do, although you will have more scope for creativity with a digital camera with which you can choose exposure options (shutter speed, aperture and ISO) . Digital camera users should be familiar with their own camera controls for focus and exposure, and/or have the manual to hand.

Beer seafront