Synopsis: Deep red cliffs of Ladram Bay as seen along the cliffs and in the stacks just off the coast. The tide was in and water in the Otter estuary was high. Nice gardens to explore in Sidmouth.
Final chapter in my south Devon coastal walking book. All this summer I’d been patching in the gaps on my south Devon coastal path walking, and this was the last section that I had to do (need confirmation? check my Route Locator map). A relatively short stretch of coastal path at about 6 miles in length. On my previous walk I’d completed the section from Seaton to Lyme Regis. I think I must now set myself a new target to complete, but not as yet sure what that will be.
Budleigh Salterton
I arrived in Budleigh Salterton just before 11am and already the day was quite warm, especially for late October. Look one way and there was blue sky, look another and there was clouds, but on balance the day looked set fair. I had the opportunity to walk along the full length of Budleigh Salterton seafront as a preliminary to my walk.
Budleigh Salterton
I then picked up the path that would take me inland along the banks of the Otter estuary, since I needed to cross the river by the nearest bridge, about a mile inland. As the tide was in, the estuary was awash with water, not the best of conditions to spot waders. The predominant bird that I saw was seagulls.
Budleigh Salterton
Having regained the coast I paused for a moment to take stock of the view back towards Budleigh Salterton. Without much more ado I turned my back on Budleigh and headed off in the direction of Sidmouth. The path rose up onto the cliff but then follows a relatively level course until it approaches Ladram Bay.
Ladram Bay
The most dominant feature of Ladram Bay being its red cliffs and tall stacks. The second most dominant feature being the extensive caravan park. There appeared to be a geologists’ convention on the beach, everyone seemingly kitted out in hard helmets as if they expected the cliff to come tumbling down at any time. By now it was nearly 1pm and I was feeling peckish so I climbed a little way up the next cliff and perched by the path to eat some lunch.
Peak Hill
After lunch the path took me into some woods which cover Peak Hill. There’s a lovely lookout point someway along where there is a bench strategically positioned, occupied on this occasion by a couple of ladies.
Sidmouth - autumn colour on route into town
After one more gentle incline came the gradual descent into Sidmouth. There was a beautiful splash of autumn colour along my descent towards the town.
Sidmouth - Connaught Gardens - The Fiddler
Before descending to the beach I spent some time wandering around the Connaught Gardens. Much of the summer colour was now past, just the odd splash here and there. These are nice gardens all the same, and afford some spectacular views down the coast in both directions. Apparently, somewhere within the gardens there is a plaque containing the verse of a John Betjeman poem, but where it is I do not know.
Sidmouth
I descended Jacob’s Ladder, wooden steps that took me down to the beach. From here there is a path that circles the cliffs below Connaught Gardens that led me in the direction of Sidmouth. It was only a little after 2pm, so I had plenty of time to spare, and just casually wiled away some time wandering around Sidmouth, before setting off for the bus stop.
Task accomplished! The South Devon Coast Path walked. Not too strenuous a walk, but I felt exercised all the same. I somehow think doing the north coast path will be harder, especially when travelling by bus.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 9.8 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 53min
Stopped Time: 43min
Total Ascent: 407 metres
Maximum Elevation: 171 metres
Buses: 57, 357 & 52
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