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~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.

Sea Stacks

Sandstone Sea Stacks

Scroll down for photos and a description of the walk....

Budleigh Salterton

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

Budleigh Beach

Shingle beach and beach huts.

Budleigh Beach

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.

Clouds

White Bridge

White Bridge

We cross the River Otter and return to the coastal views.

Shingle Bar

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.

Cliiftop Walk

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

Clifftop Walk

The high, wooded summit is High Peak and the walk goes through the woods before descending to Sidmouth.

Gunnery Research

Gunnery Research

During the 2nd World War, the area around here was used for weapons testing and this was an observation hut.

Ladram Bay

Ladram Bay Caravan Park

Ladram Sea Stack

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

Sea Stacks

Gull Nest

Gull Nest

Wife

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

High Peak

Castle Cafe

Castle Cafe

We had a break here, on top of the last cliff before Sidmouth.

Sidmouth Beach

Sidmouth Beach

Sidmouth

The Seafront

A breeze is keeping the deckchairs busy, yet unoccupied.

River Sid

River Sid

Old Farmhouse

Sixteenth Century "The Old Farmhouse"

Belvedere Apartments

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.

River Sid

Sid Ford

Sidmouth Market

Sidmouth Market

Hotel Riviera

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

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 ....

Take me home....