~South Devon Coastal Walk~
16th May 2011
We are staying at The Farthings Hotel in Hatch Beauchamp, Somerset. Plan A was to walk on The Quantock Hills, close to Taunton, but much brighter skies further south persuaded us to try something different. The South Devon Coast is an interesting place and we chose to walk from Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth.
Sandstone Sea Stacks
Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....
Houses in Budleigh Salterton
Budleigh Salterton is not too far from Exeter and the M5 motorway. It's a small seaside town, popular with retired folk. I knew of the coastal path, but picked up a guide leaflet from Tourist Info, keen not to take a wrong turning.
Budleigh Beach
Shingle beach and beach huts.
Karen on Budleigh Beach
The tide is out and the sea is very calm. We can't walk straight to the headland as the River Otter is in the way.
White Bridge
We cross the River Otter and return to the coastal views.
Shingle Bar
The shingle bar, extending from Budleigh has nearly closed the mouth of the Otter. You can see how the river has been forced into one final meander. I am stood on a wartime pill box.
Clifftop Walk
The route follows the line of the clifftop, where possible. The rock is sandstone, seemingly this part of the UK was once 15 degrees further south and experienced dry, desert conditions.
Clifftop Walk
The high, wooded summit is High Peak and the walk goes through the woods before descending to Sidmouth.
Gunnery Research
During the 2nd World War, the area around here was used for weapons testing and this was an observation hut.
Ladram Bay Caravan Park
Ladram Bay
Here at the halfway point walkers could seek refreshment at the well equipped caravan park. Boat hire is also on offer.
Sea Stacks
Gull Nest
Coastal Walker
We've just climbed the steep path into High Peak woods. The path doesn't go to the top. The next part of the walk continues over the headland, before dropping down to Sidmouth.
High Peak
Castle Cafe
We had a break here, on top of the last cliff before Sidmouth.
Sidmouth Beach
The Seafront
A breeze is keeping the deckchairs busy, yet unoccupied.
River Sid
Sixteenth Century "The Old Farmhouse"
Belvedere Apartments, Sidmouth
I came looking for this building. Last time I was here, ... forty years ago ... this was the Salcombe Hill Hotel and our family had a holiday at this place. Much has changed.
Sid Ford
Sidmouth Market
Hotel Riviera, Sidmouth
After a good look round Sidmouth, we caught the bus back to Budleigh Salterton. The bus journey is an interesting one, visiting some of the little villages on the way, including Otterton and East Budleigh.
Budleigh Public Hall
Walkers: Karen & Me.
Time taken: The main walk took about 3 hrs mins over a distance of about 6 miles.
Route: Budleigh Salterton, White Bridge, Danger Point, Brandy Head, Ladram Bay, High Peak, Sidmouth.
Weather and conditions: Sunny and breezy.
Greetings Count: The coastal walk is very popular.
Richard's Refreshment Review: We had a brew and butties at The Old Castle Cafe, Sidmouth. Chosen by Karen as it was the first one we came across. Extensive menu of main meals and snacks; seating inside, in the walled garden or upstairs with great views.
Take me back to the start ....