22 - 28 September 2018
Walking Festival Discover Glorious East Devon 22 - 28 September 2018
Welcome to the Festival Saturday 22 - 28 September 2018 Join us for a fabulous week of free guided walks; discover the wonderful scenic coastal walking of Sidmouth and the hidden gems of East Devon. All walks must be booked via Sidmouth TIC ticinfo@sidmouth.gov.uk 01395 516441. There are 3 or 4 walks each day; 1. shorter special interest expert led walks, 2. longer walks which take in our seaside towns and beautiful countryside 3. the East Devon Way linear walks. This year celebrates 25 years of the East Devon Way. 5 daily walks cover the 40 mile route walking from Exmouth to Lyme Regis through East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. For these walks there is coach (£6) transport from Sidmouth to take you to the start and collect you at the end of each day’s walk. For more information on the East Devon Way and coach bookings see inside back cover.
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival
Saturday 22nd September – Festival Launch Event 1pm – 4pm The Walking Festival starts here at Kennaway House. Come and meet your walk guides and find out about all the wonderful walks on offer whilst enjoying free refreshments.
Harpford Woods - Family treasure hunt Anytime between 10am to 4pm Harpford Woods East , near Bowd Inn, Bowd Cross, Sidmouth, EX10 0ND; SY107900. Parking available at A3052 layby. Celebrate 25 years of the EDW by using an artist-designed treasure map full of clues to explore Harpford woods. The maps (£2) can be bought from Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton; Sidmouth Museum and Kennaway House, East Devon AONB from August onwards and on the day at Harpford Woods. No booking required. Enquiries to Emma Molony, THG, 01404 45006 1 Sidmouth – Blue Plaque Walk Start: 2pm – End approx: 4pm
Kennaway House, Coburg Road Sidmouth EX10 8NG; SY124873 Sidmouth has a long and varied history, and over 30 blue plaques commemorate notable buildings or buildings associated with former notable residents from Sidmouth’s historic past. We will walk from plaque to plaque and discover some of this historic past. This walk is led by a member of the Sidmouth Museum walk team.
Regular Museum walks Tuesday and Thursday - Guided Town Strolls Start: 10:30am – End approx 12:30pm Wednesday - Geology of the area Start: 2pm – End approx 3pm All walks start from Sidmouth Museum, Church Street, EX10 8LY; SY126873 The museum is well worth a visit and sells interesting publications about Sidmouth.
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival
Sunday 23rd September 2 Sidmouth – Mutter’s Moor 8.5 miles Start: 10.30am – End: approx 3.30pm
Park and Walk car park, The Knowle, EDCC Council Offices, Station Road, Sidmouth EX10 8HL; Grid Ref SY121882 A gentle ascent to the ‘poet’s seat’ and a ‘smugglers route’ across Mutters Moor lead us to the coast path which we follow to Ladram Bay. Our uphill return route lead us back onto the coast path with glorious views as we descend into Sidmouth. Our route back to the car park takes us along a hidden ‘goyle’ and the Knowle parkland. 3 Sidmouth – Salcombe Hill 5 miles Start: 10.30am – End: approx 1:30pm
Park and Walk car park, The Knowle, EDCC Council Offices, Station Road, Sidmouth EX10 8HL; Grid Ref SY121882 This walk takes us through Knapp nature reserve and down to the River Sid before a steady ascent of Soldier’s Hill brings us onto Salcombe Hill. Passing through woodland we reach the spectacular coastal viewpoint at the ‘frog stone’ and the steady descent on steps to Sidmouth seafront. Our route back to the car park takes us along a hidden ‘goyle’ and the Knowle parkland. 4
History of The Byes Start: 10:30am – End approx: 12:30pm Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane, EX10 8XR; SY128873 The Byes, one of the jewels of Sidmouth running from Sidmouth to Sidford, is a beautiful green corridor that follows the course of the River Sid. It is a mixture of parkland, wild flower meadows and fields with a combination of footpaths and cycle tracks. Several organisations work together maintaining this environment – Sidmouth Town Council, East Devon District Council, the National Trust, Sid Vale Association, and the Friends of the Byes. This walk is led by a member of the Sidmouth Museum walk team. Bookings required: 01395 516441 ticinfo@sidmouth.gov.uk
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival
Monday 24th September 5 East Devon Way Stage 1, Exmouth to Woodbury Castle, linear
7.5 miles
10am: Coach (£6) leaves Sidmouth sea front opposite Belmont Hotel, EX10 8RX Start: 10:30am Exmouth, Leisure Centre, Royal Avenue, EX8 1EN; SY123871 End: approx 3:30pm Woodbury Castle, B3180; SY031872 Our coach takes us to Exmouth sea front. The walk starts at the Exe estuary, one of Devon’s biggest local nature reserves. The route passes A La Ronde, a well-known National Trust property and on through pleasant woodland at Lympstone Common. There are fabulous views from Woodbury Castle where we meet our waiting coach. 6 Budleigh Salterton – In Search of Sir Walter Raleigh 9 miles Start: 10:30am - End: approx 3:30pm
Town car park, Station Road, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6RN; SY061820 A mix of disused railway line, open moorland, a beautiful lily-padded pool, a reservoir and riverside, together with sight of Walter Raleigh’s birthplace make this a most memorable walk. We visit the church Walter Raleigh attended before following the river to the seafront and the spot where the famous painting “The Boyhood of Raleigh” was painted by Sir John Millais. The local museum is well worth a visit. 7 Ottery St Mary - Town Walk Start: 10:30am - End approx: 1pm
Ottery St Mary Car Park, Canaan Way, EX11 1EQ; SY095955 The historic town of Ottery St Mary is situated on the river Otter. The town has an interesting range of buildings and houses; it is probably best known as the birthplace of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, poet and philosopher who was born in the town in 1772. The heritage trail will take us round some of the principal parts as well as the parish church which is modelled on Exeter cathedral. The walk will be led by the Hon. Sam Coleridge, whose ancestors were related to the famous poet.
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival 8 Seaton - Coastal exploration 4 miles Start 10.30am – End approx: 1.30pm
Seaton Jurassic, Underfleet Seaton EX12 2WD; SY247901 Starting at Seaton Jurassic we will walk along the coast towards Beer looking at the natural and geological heritage of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast with Donald Campbell a well-known local naturalist. Afterwards, an optional tour of Seaton Jurassic’s exhibition and a light lunch will be available for a combined charge of £10. Bookings for the tour and lunch will be taken at the start of the walk.
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival
Tuesday 25th September 9 East Devon Way Stage 2, Woodbury Castle to Bowd Inn linear
7.5 miles
10am: Coach (£6) leaves Sidmouth sea front opposite Belmont Hotel, EX10 8RX Start: 10:30am Woodbury Castle, B3180; SY031872 End: approx 3:30pm Bowd Inn, Bowd Cross, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0ND; SY107900 Hop aboard the coach at Sidmouth to the impressive hill fort of Woodbury Castle. From here we cross an extensive area of open commons, one of the few remaining southern lowland habitats in the world. The area is a haven for wildlife on the heathland habitat. Leaving the commons the route crosses the River Otter and through woodlands to reach the Bowd Inn. 10
Ottery St Mary - Coleridge Link 9.5 miles Start: 10:30am - End approx: 4pm Ottery St Mary Car Park, Canaan Way, EX11 1EQ; SY095955 Samuel Taylor Coleridge, poet and philosopher, was born and grew up in Ottery St Mary. In company with his friends and fellow poets, he was a great walker. This waymarked walk takes in countryside that he was familiar with, in and around the Otter valley. As well as walking through the level meadows alongside the river Otter, it also includes a climb of 200 metres (650 feet) to the scarp of East Hill from where there are excellent views over the valley and west towards distant Dartmoor.
11
Woodbury Castle – Devon Hill Fort 4 miles Start: 10:30am - End: approx 1:30pm Woodbury Castle, B3180; SY031872 Woodbury Castle is a fine local example of an iron-age hill fort. Last year extensive renovation work was commenced to repair damage to this structure which had suffered the ravages of time by erosion and tree growth. The project team leader Kim Strawbridge will be on hand to tell us how this was achieved and to lead us on a short walk over the adjacent common.
WALKING 7
15
10
SIDBURY
East Dev on Way
12 21
NEWTON POPPLEFORD
13
9
1
11
BUDLEIGH SALTERTON
5
17
3 16 2
1 6
EXMOUTH
4
SIDMOUTH
FESTIVAL Eas
tD
AONB
evo
nW ay
bo
und
ar
y
19 COLYTON
20
LYME REGIS
8
18
SEATON
14 BRANSCOMBE
BEER
Coastal walk Inland walk Special Interest walk East Devon Way
8
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival
Wednesday 26th September 12
East Devon Way Stage 3, Bowd Inn to Knapp Copse linear 8 miles 10am: Coach (£6) leaves Sidmouth sea front opposite Belmont Hotel, EX10 8RX Start: 10:30am Bowd Inn Bowd Cross, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 0ND; SY107900 End: approx 3:30pm Knapp Copse, Seaton Road, EX10 0QG; SY155957 Back on board the coach for a short trip to the Bowd Inn. We start by walking uphill to Fire Beacon Hill with its fabulous panoramic views before descending into Sidbury; a traditional thatched Devon village with its fine manor house. A steep ascent takes us through ancient woodland and species rich grassland to Knapp Copse local nature reserve where our coach awaits to return us to Sidmouth.
13
Woodbury Commons 8 miles Start: 10:30am - End: approx 3:30pm Woodbury Castle, B3180; SY031872 Today’s walk begins at this impressive hill fort, the largest archaeological monument in Devon. The Pebblebed heaths give us far reaching views out to sea before we follow hidden tracks through woodlands and across pretty streams. Emerging once again onto open moorland we return to our start.
14
Branscombe – Bat Habitats 3 miles Start: 10:30am – End: approx 1:30pm Branscombe village car park, EX12 3DB; SY197886 We will be accompanied on our walk by representatives of the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project. Branscombe sits in the bottom of a series of narrow river valleys with woodland on the steeper slopes and a patchwork of small fields surrounded by big Devon hedges. This attractive landscape is ideal for the rare greater horseshoe bats which live here. There are also important roosts of lesser horseshoe and brown long-eared bats in the valley as well as all three pipistrelle species.
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival
Thursday 27th September 15
East Devon Way Stage 4, Knapp Copse to Colyton linear 8 miles 10am: Coach (£6) leaves Sidmouth sea front opposite Belmont Hotel, EX10 8RX Start: 10:30am Knapp Copse, Seaton Road, EX10 0QG; SY155957 End: approx 3:30pm Colyton Town Car Park, Dolphin Street, EX24 6NB; SY246940 Our coach takes us back to Knapp Copse. Leaving Knapp Copse we continue onto the hamlet of Church Green with its pretty church and ancient great yew tree. The mainly flat walk follows paths and lanes to the rural village of Northleigh with its charming Saxon church before following the River Coly into Colyton.
16
Sidmouth to Budleigh Salterton linear 7.5 or 10 miles Start: 10.30am Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Ham Lane, EX10 8XR; SY128873 End: approx 3.30pm Marine Parade, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6NS; SY066818 The South West Coast Path ascends from Sidmouth to the dramatic red sandstone cliffs and High Peak. After passing Ladram Bay we cross the River Otter and walk downstream to the seafront of Budleigh Salterton. A perfect spot to take time to visit one of the many cafes and restaurants before catching the hourly bus and returning to Sidmouth. For those wanting a longer walk we will return back along the River Otter to visit Otterton Mill and catch the hourly bus at Otterton. Those wanting to avoid the initial ascent from Sidmouth can take the Hopper bus from The Triangle to Peak Hill, arriving at 11am, subject to availability.
Bookings required: 01395 516441 ticinfo@sidmouth.gov.uk
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival 17
Churches of the Sid Valley circular 5.5 miles Start: 10:30am - End: approx 3:30pm Sidmouth Parish Church, Church Street EX10 8LG; SY126873 Prof. Brian Golding’s walk takes us past some 15 places of worship, past and present in the Sid Valley, learning a little of their history. We start with a loop around the town centre before heading up the Byes towards Sidford, returning via Sidford Road, and country lanes. We will have a short visit to 3 or 4 of the churches with a longer stop for refreshments and your picnic lunch.
18
Seaton - Exploration of the Undercliff approx. 4 miles Start: 10.30am – End approx: 1.30pm Seaton Jurassic, Underfleet Seaton EX12 2WD; SY247901 Starting at Seaton Jurassic we will explore the undercliff near Seaton. This is an exciting opportunity to find out what lies off the beaten track with Donald Campbell, well-known local naturalist. This walk has a short steep ascent and some uneven paths. Afterwards, an optional tour of Seaton Jurassic’s exhibition and a light lunch will be available for a combined charge of £10. Bookings for the tour and lunch will be taken at the start of the walk. View from the Frog Stone – walk 3
Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival
Friday 28th September 19
East Devon Way Stage 5, Colyton to Lyme Regis linear 9 miles 10am: Coach (£6) leaves Sidmouth sea front opposite Belmont Hotel, EX10 8RX Start: 10:30am Colyton Town Car Park, Dolphin Street, EX24 6NB; SY246940 End: approx 4:00pm Holmbush CP, Pound St, Lyme Regis, DT7 3HX; SY337920 Our coach takes us to historic Colyton before passing through the water meadows of the river Axe, continuing uphill to see wonderful views from the top of Musbury Castle an iron-age hill fort. This is a lovely day walk taking in an impressive viaduct before we enter Lyme Regis along the river Lym.
20
Seaton – Colyton Circular 8 miles Start: 10:30am – End approx 3:30pm Seaton Tower, Seaton Down Hill, EX12 2TH; SY233913 Our walk takes us through Holyford Woods nature reserve, the ascending path gives extensive countryside views before descending to follow the River Coly into historic Colyton. We return by the Coly water meadows and Colyford.
21
Donkey Sanctuary – managing the environment circular 3 miles Start: 10:30am - End: approx 12:30pm Donkey Sanctuary, Slade House Farm, Sidmouth EX10 0NU; SY159894 On our walk through the Sanctuary we will learn how their land is managed as part of the Higher Level Environmental Stewardship Scheme The first part of our walk leads through fields of the Donkey Sanctuary to the coast path at Dunscombe cliffs. Passing the intriguing Hermit House we then head back to the Sanctuary where you may like to visit the donkeys and have lunch in the restaurant. Bookings required: 01395 516441 ticinfo@sidmouth.gov.uk
East Devon Way – West to East in 5 Stages This year we are celebrating 25 years of the East Devon Way. This is a 40 mile walking route through the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, linking to the South West Coast Path, the beautiful Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the Exe Estuary. Using a mixture of rights of way, permissive routes and minor roads, the East Devon Way traverses this tremendously diverse landscape leading the walker through heathland, woodland and river valley. The route provides an opportunity to escape to tranquil inland farmland, visit traditional Devon hamlets or stride uphill to enjoy spectacular panoramic views across this outstanding corner of Devon. Mon 24 Sep
Exmouth to Woodbury Castle 7.5 miles
Tues 25 Sep
Woodbury Castle to Bowd Inn 7.5 miles
Wed 26 Sep
Bowd Inn, Sidmouth to Knapp Copse 8 miles
Thur 27 Sep
Knapp Copse to Colyton 8 miles
Fri 28 Sep
Colyton to Lyme Regis 9 miles
Daily coach transfer cost £6 and must be booked and paid in advance. Bookings will be held for 7 days and confirmed on receipt of payment. Bookings will be open initially for people wishing to walk all 5 sections of the East Devon Way. Coach departs 10 am from Sidmouth sea front opposite Belmont Hotel. Return approx 4pm To book: (a) By post; Send your details, dates walking and cheque payable to ‘Sidmouth Walking Festival’ to Sidmouth Walking Festival,10 Woolbrook Park, Sidmouth EX10 9DU. Please provide an email or enclose a s.a.e for confirmation of booking. (b) By bank payment; Email: sidmouthwalkingfestival@gmail.com for further details.
Sidmouth Bus Connections to the Walks Some of the walks are accessible by local bus but limited frequency means times may not be convenient. Please check timetables at www.travelinesw.com or call 0871 200 22 33 (charges apply). Service
Route
Frequency
Walk
157
Sidmouth - Otterton – Budleigh Salterton
Hourly
6, 16
382
Sidmouth – Ottery St Mary
2 hourly
7,10
899
Sidmouth – Branscombe
3-5 per day
14
9a
Sidmouth – Seaton
Hourly
8,18,20,21
Hopper
Sidmouth - Mutter’s Moor Sidmouth - Donkey Sanctuary (subjext to availability)
Hourly
16,21
Top Tips Clothing: please wear comfortable & stout footwear for all walks and appropriate clothing for the weather. Weather: the walks will be going ahead come rain or shine, so do come along on your booked walks as Devon weather often clears up. Food and water: please bring snacks, sandwiches and plenty to drink with you. If the walk ends at a pub or town where you would like to support local businesses please bring some cash with you. Wildlife: if you enjoy spotting wildlife please bring your binoculars if you have them and a camera too.
Disclaimer The organisers cannot be held responsible for any injury sustained on the events during the festival. The walk leaders reserve the right to refuse to take anyone who, in their opinion, does not have suitable clothing or footwear for autumn walking. In the event of inclement weather the leader may change or curtail the walk at their discretion. Children and dogs are welcome and must be kept under control at all times.
Saturday
22-Sep
Family Treasure Hunt - Harpford Woods Festival Launch Kennaway House, Sidmouth East Devon Way
Coast and Countryside
Special Interest
Sunday
23-Sep
Monday
24-Sep
Stage 1 Exmouth - Woodbury 7.5 miles
In search of Walter Raleigh Ottery St Mary Town Walk Meet Ottery St Mary CP Meet Budleigh Salterton CP - 9 miles Seaton Coastal exploration Meet Seaton Jurassic 4 miles
Tuesday
25-Sep
Stage 2 Woodbury - Bowd 7.5 miles
Coleridge Link Meet Ottery St Mary CP 9.5 miles
Hill Fort Meet Woodbury Castle 4 miles
Wednesday
26-Sep
Stage 3 Bowd - Knapp Copse 8 miles
Woodbury Commons Meet Woodbury Castle 8 miles
Bat Habitats Meet Branscombe Village Hall 3 miles
Thursday
27-Sep
Stage 4 Knapp Copse - Colyton 8 miles
Sidmouth – Budleigh Salterton Coastal Meet Sidmouth TIC 7.5 or 10 miles Return by bus (£)
Churches of the Sid Valley Meet Sidmouth Parish Church 5.5 miles
Seato – Colyton Circular Meet Seaton Tower 8 miles
Donkey Sanctuary – managing the environment Meet Donkey Sanctuary 3 miles
Friday
28-Sep
Sidmouth - 8 miles Sidmouth - 5 miles Meet Sidmouth - Knowle Car Park
Blue Plaque Walk Meet Kennaway House,
Stage 5 Colyton - Lyme Regis 9 miles
History of the Byes Meet Sidmouth TIC
Undercliff Exploration Meet Seaton Jurassic 4 miles
Keep up to date: Facebook Sidmouth Walking Festival ; www.visitsidmouth.co.uk ;
Twitter @walkingdevon ;
www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk
Bookings: 01395 516441 Email: ticinfo@sidmouth.gov.uk This festival is brought to you by members of East Devon Ramblers and is supported by Sidmouth Town Council and East Devon AONB. Thank you for supporting our walking festival we hope you enjoyed discovering this hidden gem of an area. We would love to hear your views, please fill out the feedback form or email us.