Coastwalk , South West Coast Path

Budleigh Salterton → Sidmouth

Distance: 7.4 miles
Ascent: 298 metres
Duration: 2 hours 38 minutes

Out of breath already
« Exmouth | Seaton »

I know the first half of this walk well. On most occasions I've holidayed in Exmouth, I've done the circular walk from Budleigh along the cliffs to Ladram Bay, inland to Otterton then back along the river. Today was the first time I've walked beyond the caravan park though.

Even allowing for the fact that it was a hot day, I was astonished at how exhausting the climb up High Peak (157m) was. It was worth the effort though: from here the next few days' walking extended away to the east, eventually being lost in the haze. A good place to catch a breath - and leaning against the triangulation pillar that was precariously close to the cliff-edge - a breathtaking place to enjoy lunch.

The walk down the other side was naturally much easier, with long wide public lawns accompanying the road into the western end of Sidmouth.

So for the next few days I'm back in Devon, heading towards Sandbanks. I won't be able to close the gap completely, but should be able to take a finish a good chunk of it.

Rewalked on 25 September 2011.