Walks in Sidmouth
Boots on, phone away
Riverside strolls, hill circulars and clifftop coast path, all from the heart of Sidmouth.
POPULAR ROUTES ON OS MAPS
The walks people rate most
These are the most popular walking routes around Sidmouth on OS Maps, the Ordnance Survey’s route app, plus one from the South West Coast Path Association. Distances, times and ascent come from each route page (checked September 2026). Times are estimates, so allow extra for stops. Printable PDF maps are available for four of the routes.
01
MODERATE
Sidmouth to Weston Mouth and The Donkey Sanctuary
East along the South West Coast Path past high red cliffs, turning inland above Weston Mouth to The Donkey Sanctuary (free entry, with a restaurant). The return crosses fields to Salcombe Regis and Soldier’s Hill, then drops back through The Byes. Ups and downs on the coast, easier on the way home. Seven stiles. Starts at Bedford Lawn car park, EX10 8NS.
12.0 km / 7.5 miles
About 3 hr 50 min
448 m ascent
View route on OS Maps
Download PDF map
02
MODERATE
Peak Hill, Ladram Bay and Otterton
From Connaught Gardens the Coast Path climbs over Peak Hill and High Peak to Ladram Bay and its red sandstone stacks, then loops easily around the Otterton peninsula to the Otter estuary and back along the riverbank. Buses run from Otterton to Sidmouth if you’d rather not walk back. Starts at Manor Road long stay car park, EX10 8RZ.
17.1 km / 10.6 miles
About 5 hr 20 min
555 m ascent
View route on OS Maps
Download PDF map
03
MODERATE
River Sid and Soldier’s Hill
Only about four miles, but plenty of variety, combining the Sid valley with the climb over Soldier’s Hill. A good way to reach Sidmouth on foot without worrying about parking.
6.0 km / 3.7 miles
About 1 hr 50 min
179 m ascent
View route on OS Maps
Download PDF map
04
MODERATE
Hilltop loop from the National Trust car park
A popular 8 km loop shared by an OS Maps user, starting high above the town so much of the climbing is done before you set off. Check the route map for the exact start point.
7.2 km / 4.5 miles
About 2 hr 15 min
237 m ascent
View route on OS Maps
05
SHORT BUT STEEP
Sidmouth 3 mile circular
A short loop from the seafront via the cliff path, climbing to around 176 m before dropping back into town. A good first taste of the coast path.
4.8 km / 3 miles
About 1 hr 30 min
179 m ascent
View route on OS Maps
06
SHORT
Sidmouth 2.5 mile circular
The shortest of the popular OS Maps loops around the town, ideal for a morning stretch or an evening stroll.
3.6 km / 2.3 miles
About 1 hr 10 min
View route on OS Maps
07
LONG
Highs and Lows of Sidmouth
A full day out that lives up to its name, taking in the hills and valleys around the town. Take plenty of water and allow time for stops.
18.9 km / 11.7 miles
About 6 hr
View route on OS Maps
08
MODERATE
Valley, Ridge and Jurassic Coast
The South West Coast Path Association’s circular: the Esplanade, Eastern Town and The Byes, then up to Bulverton Hill and the Mutter’s Moor ridge, returning over Peak Hill, past Jacob’s Ladder and Connaught Gardens. Dog-friendly throughout. Starts at the Bedford Hotel, Station Road, EX10 8RR.
8.9 km / 5.5 miles
Half a day
View on South West Coast Path
Download PDF map
Please note: routes and PDF maps are for guidance only and you walk at your own risk. Read the walking disclaimer and safety notes before you set off.
BEFORE YOU GO
Walk safely
i
MAPS
Take a paper map as well as your phone
OS Explorer 115 (Exmouth and Sidmouth) covers every route on this page. Download routes to your phone before you set off in case signal is patchy.
ii
CLIFFS
Keep back from cliff edges and bases
The red cliffs are soft and landslips happen. Paths are sometimes diverted, so follow signs on the ground even if your route says otherwise.
iii
FOOTWEAR
Expect steep steps and mud
The Coast Path east and west of Sidmouth has long climbs and descents. Wear boots with good grip, especially after rain.
Walking disclaimer
The walks, route descriptions and downloadable maps on Select Sidmouth are provided for general guidance only. They are not a substitute for an up-to-date Ordnance Survey map, a compass or your own judgement. Routes are traced from published descriptions and may not match what you find on the ground.
Paths, cliffs, steps and conditions change without notice. Landslips and rockfalls occur on this coast, paths may be closed or diverted, and tides can cut off beaches. Some routes cross farmland with livestock, are steep or muddy, or are exposed to the weather.
You walk at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety and that of anyone with you, including children and dogs. Please check the weather and tide times before you set off, tell someone your plans, wear suitable footwear and clothing, follow all local signage and diversions, and keep well back from cliff edges and cliff bases. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard on the coast, or Police for inland incidents.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Select Sidmouth accepts no liability for any loss, injury or damage arising from use of these routes or maps. Nothing in this notice limits liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence. See our Terms and Conditions.
THE SETTING
A town held between hill and sea
From the clifftops, Sidmouth reveals itself all at once: the old town, the long line of the Esplanade, and the red cliffs marching away toward the horizon.