Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
250-million-year-old Triassic-era pebbles. As the B3178 to Sidmouth heads north out of Budleigh, divert right; a
rural route snakes to
Otterton
, where well-kept thatches and tearooms line more road-side leats. From here
back roads wind to Regency
Sidmouth
(
Click here
), where strolling along the Esplanade reveals ornate ar-
chitecture, red cliffs and eateries galore. Next, avoid the main route to Sidford; instead hug the shore up steep Sal-
combe Hill Rd, past the
Norman Lockyer Observatory
(
Click here
). After the sharp descent to sleepy
Salcombe Regis
, the lane dog-legs through the village, past ancient cottages and a picturesque church. Soon, the
irresistible
Donkey Sanctuary
(
Click here
) demands a detour. At the mini-roundabout, pick up signs to
Branscombe, a flatter, straighter route. Then the hills return in an idyllic drive along steep, single-track lanes lined
with high hedges, interspersed with passing places and first gear bends. At
Branscombe
, a string of thatches
winds to a central triangle; pause at the Mason's Arms for lunch. Then fork right (signed Beach) to picturesque
Branscombe Mouth
, the perfect spot for a dip or paddle in the sea. As the signs suggest, the climb east out
of Branscombe is narrow and steep. The rise crested, next comes the descent to
Beer Quarry Caves
(
Click
here
), a compelling stop. The eateries and B&Bs in
Beer
(
Click here
) village itself are superb. For a coastal
hike, try our circular walk between Beer and Branscombe.
