A ramble around Sidmouth

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"Wander around this lovely seaside town in Devon"

Walk directions

From the car park pass through the gate and follow the walk- and cycleway past the sports field.

Reach a crossroads of tarmac paths (Fortescue left) and keep ahead. Escape the cycles by turning left through a gate into Gilchrist Field; turn right along its edge. At the field end follow the field-edge left (passing a gate) towards the River Sid. At the end turn right through the hedge into Margaret’s Meadow. Keep along the left edge, passing The Golden Copse (planted in celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee) to regain the walkway.

Turn left to cross a footbridge and follow the river. At the wooden footbridge turn left across the river, then right to enter The Byes, parkland with splendid mature trees – lime, holm oak, sweet chestnut, sycamore, willow and copper beech. Keep straight on, passing two footbridges.

Just after the next weir leave The Byes by a white metal gate to meet the road by the early 19th-century Greek revival style Byes Toll House. Cross over and down Milford Road, over the river via a wooden footbridge at a ford, and down Mill Street. Turn first left (Riverside Road); when that turns sharp right keep straight on past the playground to the seafront.

Turn right along Sidmouth’s seafront past delightful Regency terraces. The tourist information centre is signed right (at the swimming pool). The long boulder banks offshore were constructed in the early 1990s to prevent beach erosion. Pass The Bedford Hotel, on the right, and carry on to the end of the promenade.

Follow signs for Connaught Gardens along The Clifton Walkway at the back of the beach. (Note: In heavy sea conditions leave the seafront and continue uphill to reach Connaught Gardens on the left.) The walkway leads under the marl cliff to overlook the beach at Jacob’s Ladder. Climb the white-painted steps up the cliff. Bear left, then right into Connaught Gardens under an arch (The Clock Tower).

From the gardens emerge on to the road, turning right downhill to rejoin the promenade. At The Bedford Hotel turn left along Station Road; turn first right towards the Church of St Giles & St Nicholas. Pass through the graveyard, left of the church, and keep ahead past the bowling green. Turn right into Blackmore Gardens, and follow the path left. Leave the gardens and keep ahead to the High Street; turn left.

Opposite the cinema turn right down Salcombe Road to the Toll House (Point 4) and turn left to retrace your steps to Sidford.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Good level paths or pavements

Landscape - Meadows, town park and seafront

Dog friendliness - Dogs should be kept under control at all times

Parking - By Sidford Social Hall, Byes Lane

Toilets en route - The Esplanade and The Triangle

About the walk

Originally a small market and fishing town, Sidmouth became a popular holiday venue in the late 18th century due to its pleasant scenery and mild climate. With the growth of Torquay in the mid-19th century as a result of the coming of the South Devon Railway (which reached Torquay in 1848, and was...

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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.