Branscombe to Sidmouth Coastal Walk: A Full Route Guide
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If you’re planning to walk the Branscombe to Sidmouth coastal path, you might be wondering how long it takes, where to start and whether it’s achievable for your hiking level.
This stretch of the South West Coast Path is one of the best walks in East Devon, but it helps to know what you’re signing up for before you lace up your boots.
The Branscombe to Sidmouth coastal walk on the South West Coast Path is one of my favourite walks. I live around 20 minutes from this trail and have hiked it many times over the past ten years. I’ve done it in summer heat, winter winds, and everything in between.
This guide walks you through the full route from Branscombe to Sidmouth, step by step. You’ll find practical advice on distance, timing, terrain, and what to watch out for along the way.
Whether you’re a confident hiker or a beginner wondering if the Branscombe to Sidmouth walk is manageable, this guide will help you decide and plan with confidence. Read on for a full guide and route summary, as well as information on the best places to park, eat and stay along the way!
Branscombe to Sidmouth – Useful Info
Start – Branscombe Beach
Finish – Sidmouth Beach
Distance – 6.5 miles one way. Or 13 miles, if walking back to Branscombe.
Time Required – 3-4 hours one way or 7-8 hours if walking back. Allow time to stop and enjoy the views and to eat and drink along the way.
Parking – Branscombe Beach Car Park – £1 per hour with a minimum charge of £2. Or you can park at Branscombe Village Hall (a further 20-minute walk from the trailhead) for a small donation.
Public Transport – 899 Bus Services from Sidmouth to Seaton, which stops at Branscombe. Timetables can be found here.
Facilities – Toilets, cafe and small shop at Branscombe Beach. You’ll also find the Mason’s Arms pub in Branscombe. Sidmouth is a large seaside town with plenty of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants.
Difficulty – 4/5 – Hard, vigorous walk with steep ascents and descents and a lot of steps. The trail is well-signposted and easy to follow.
Top Tip for a Shorter and Easier Walk
For a shorter and easier walk, you can walk in the opposite direction from Branscombe to Beer on a circular hike that is only 4.4 miles.
Branscombe to Sidmouth Walk Route Guide
If you’re starting your hike from Branscombe Village Hall, you are about 0.75 miles from the coast. Opposite the village hall, you’ll find the start of an easy, flat public footpath through fields, which takes you right up to the base of the first cliff.
Follow this footpath until you reach the start of the public car park. With the car park on your left, you should see a path worn into the field, taking you straight up the hill to your right.
If you’re starting your walk from Branscombe Beach, you will begin in front of the Sea Shanty Cafe and shop, passing through a gate to the left-hand side of the shop.
The trail climbs immediately to the top of the cliff past a large house, so prepare yourself for a challenging and steep start, although this first climb out of Branscombe is just a small appetiser for the steep inclines to come.
In total, there are 3 very steep climbs, making this a challenging walk. Fortunately, once you reach the top of the first cliff, you’ll enjoy a nice, flat, even surface for a couple of miles, giving you plenty of time to catch your breath and prepare for the next uphill stint.
From here, follow all signs for ‘Coast Path Weston’, ‘Weston Mouth’ or any signs with an ‘acorn’ symbol and yellow arrow, signalling the South West Coast Path National Trail.
Enjoy the winding, rugged coast and the panoramic views out to sea before you start to descend into Weston Mouth.
Here, you’ll take the steps right down onto the pebbly beach, which is a nice location for a quick pitstop. Rest your legs for 10 minutes – you’ll need a new lease of life for the next uphill climb.
When you’re ready, walk a small way along the beach, 50 yards or so, and take the steps. At the top of this hill, follow the sign for ‘Coast Path Dunscombe Cliffs’, which will lead you to another flat stint across the top of the cliffs before heading down into the valley of Salcombe, ready for the final ascent.
I found this last incline out of Salcombe to be the steepest of all. I don’t know whether it’s because my legs were tired by this point, but the steps seemed to go on forever!
The view is absolutely worth the climb, though, and there is a strategically placed bench waiting for you at the top.
When you finally reach the top of this never-ending hill, you’ll want to follow the signs for ‘Sidmouth’, which is now only 1 mile away.
You’ll be glad to know that the final part of this walk is mostly flat with a descent into Sidmouth through a residential estate.
This walk is fairly popular so there’ll no doubt be fellow hikers you can follow to navigate through the estate, but if not you should turn right at the bottom of the coast path, then take the first left into Laskeys Lane, following this round into Cliff road, where you’ll eventually meet up with a public footpath that takes you right down through the trees on to Sidmouth seafront.
If you’re only walking in one direction, you can stop your hike in Sidmouth and get the 899 bus back to your car. If you’re walking back, you’ll need to head back the same way you came.
If you have time, Sidmouth is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and places to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Branscombe to Sidmouth coastal walk?
The walk is around 6.5 miles (10.5 km) one way, following the South West Coast Path between Branscombe and Sidmouth.
How long does the Branscombe to Sidmouth walk take?
Most people take 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on pace, fitness, and how often you stop for views or breaks. Double this if you plan to walk back too.
Is the Branscombe to Sidmouth walk difficult?
It’s a moderate coastal walk with several steep ascents and descents. It’s manageable for most walkers but can feel challenging if you’re not used to hills.
Is the Branscombe to Sidmouth walk suitable for beginners?
Yes, but beginners should take their time and be prepared for climbs. A reasonable level of fitness and sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Is the Branscombe to Sidmouth walk well signposted?
Yes, the route follows the South West Coast Path, which is clearly marked with acorn signs throughout.
How do you get back after completing the Branscombe to Sidmouth walk?
You can return by bus, taxi, or a second car. The bus service between Sidmouth and Branscombe (via nearby villages) is popular with walkers. Look out for the 899 Bus Services from Sidmouth to Seaton, which stops at Branscombe. Timetables can be found here.
Is the Branscombe to Sidmouth walk worth it?
Honestly, the Branscombe to Sidmouth coastal walk is one of the best things to do in Branscombe if you’re an avid hiker! With incredible views the entire way, it’s a worthy challenge for those who are up for it.
Facilities and Amenities
There are no facilities on the Branscombe to Sidmouth coastal walk itself, so take plenty of water and snacks with you.
Branscombe has a pub called the Mason’s Arms, the Sea Shanty Cafe on the beach, public toilets and a small shop.
Sidmouth is a large town with plenty of pubs, hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and shops.
East Devon Accommodation
If you’re looking for a place to stay before and after this walk, look no further…
The Mason’s Arms – A high-end pub with gorgeous rooms and great food in Branscombe, only a short walk from Branscombe Beach and the start of the trail.
Royal Glen Hotel – A lovely hotel in Sidmouth with a swimming pool, free parking and a restaurant on site.
The Blue Ball Inn – Well-known local pub with beautiful rooms in Sidford, a village close to Sidmouth. Great reviews and includes breakfast.
The Victoria Hotel & Source Spa – Luxury hotel in Sidmouth. Rooms include breakfast, and there is also an on-site restaurant, bar and a luxury spa.
If you have any questions about the Branscombe to Sidmouth Coastal Walk, you can contact me here.
I don’t suppose there is a bus option between and Sidmouth and Branscombe if one wanted to wimp out on the return portion?
Absolutely, there is! Would call it wise – not wimping out :). I believe it’s the 899 bus and you can see timetables and stops in Sidmouth on this page https://bustimes.org/services/899-seaton-beer-branscombe-sidmouth
Your photos are so beautiful! As a stylist I have been there for a photoshooting and it was so cold and windy but LOVELY!you are indeed so lucky you live there! Thanks for sharing this post!
Thank you. My hubby is a great photographer! Wow, what a lovely place for a photoshoot. Yes it can get windy but if you catch it on a lovely sunny day, it’s beautiful
Well done on completing this walk! It looks quite daunting in places — and quite beautiful, too.
Thanks. It was a difficult one, I’ll admit that much! But always feels so good when you get to the end. My legs were aching for a few days after though from all the steps 😀
It’s a walk I’d love to do, though I expect I’d do my share of whinging too. 🙂 🙂 Fortunately for me it’s not within range at present, but I’d like to include it in my Monday walks as a challenge for those who might be, if you don’t mind?
Absolutely – happy for you to include it. Hope you manage to walk it one day, or even part of it? To be honest, the whole of the Jurassic Coast is beautiful so I’m sure there are some shorter, less hilly walks you could do.
My husband and I have now done nearly all of the Coast path. 600 miles and about 30 to go. We haven’t done it in any order and it has been an amazing achievement. We started it 15 years ago and try and do a stretch or two once or twice a year. It’s been 3 years since we last did it and this weekend we did Shell Bay( the end point) to Swanage. Living in Sidmouth now gives us all the opportunities we need to do Sidmouth to Budleigh or to Branscombe. It is utterly beautiful.
Wow Jacqui – what an achievement! My goal is to walk the entire coast path too. I’ve only doe about 80 miles so far though. Do you have any tips for the Shell Bay to Swanage route? I’m hoping to do this next month.
Living in the South West definitely has its advantages (I live in Axminster) but being so close to such a stunning coastline and the 630 mile coast path that runs through it is one of the best benefits for me. Such a beautiful area we live in! And it’s so nice to enjoy it properly.