The cliffs of east Devon

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Our view

"Head to Branscombe along the coast path from Weston"

Walk directions

From the car park take the flinty track through the gate and onto the footpath signposted ‘Weston Mouth’. As the track descends and the sea comes into view bear left on a permissive path under trees, and follow this to meet the coast path on Weston Cliff.

Turn left on the coast path. Pass Point 8 and go through two kissing gates on Coxe’s Cliff; after the second kissing gate the path runs inland via a deep combe towards a kissing gate in the top left corner of the field. Keep round the right edge of the next field and through a kissing gate on to grassland above Littlecombe Shoot.

At the footpath turn half left to Berry Barton. Aim for a broad gap in the bank ahead, keep ahead to a gate and kissing gate in the top corner of the next field, then turn left down the track to join the lane at Berry Barton.

Turn right down the lane to The Fountain Head pub. Turn right again down the valley, passing groups of thatched cottages and St Winifred’s Church (right). Continue downhill past The Forge to the village hall and St Branoc’s Well on the left.

Turn right opposite Bucknall Close down the lane signposted ‘Branscombe Mouth’. After 200yds (183m) at a path junction keep ahead through a small gate and follow the path to a footbridge (go left here for The Masons Arms). Follow the fenced path down the valley to reach the beach at Branscombe Mouth, with the Sea Shanty Beach Café on your left.

Turn immediately right through a kissing gate to join coast path signs uphill beneath the coastguard cottages (now a private house). Go through an open gateway and left uphill to a kissing gate. Keep left up steps, then ignore all paths to left and right until, after two kissing gates and 0.5 miles (800m), a signpost points left between old quarry workings towards the cliffs.

Follow the coastal footpath signs to rejoin the cliff edge via a gate, going through two more gates to reach Littlecombe Shoot. Retrace your steps through fields and kissing gates to regain Weston Cliff via another kissing gate.

Turn immediately right through a kissing gate into a wildflower meadow. Pass the cottage and outbuildings (on the right) over two stiles and on to a track leading to a tarmac lane. Go left and in a short while you’ll reach Weston and the car park.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Coast path (one steep ascent), country lanes, several stiles

Landscape - Exposed cliffs, farmland and woodland

Dog friendliness - Keep on lead around livestock and near unfenced cliffs

Parking - Grammar Lane car park, Weston

Toilets en route - Behind Branscombe village hall, also in car park at Branscombe Mouth

Walks in Devon Dog-friendly walks in Devon

About the walk

Picturesque Branscombe, where three deep, wooded valleys converge, is one of the most secluded villages in this unspoiled corner within the East Devon National Landscapes (AONB). Pretty flower-decked cottages sit either side of a long narrow lane that runs gradually down the valley from Street,...

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Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape, with its magnificent coastlines, two historic cities, the world-famous Dartmoor National Park and south Devon’s glorious English Riviera. A fashionable and much-loved holiday destination, hiking and cycling in the National Parks is extremely popular among visitors, with a great choice of off-road routes.