SWCP - Sidmouth to Littlecombe Shoot circular

A 10 mile hike along a spectacular section of the South West Coast Path.

This circular walk starts in Sidmouth following the coastal path eastwards to Littlecombe Shoot, just west of Branscombe.

The walk starts off in woodland at the NT car park opposite the Norman Lockylear Observatory (worth a wander around if you're early or when we finish) following the South West Costal Path (SWCP) eastwards; there a couple of steep downs and ups to beaches at Salcombe and Weston mouths with fantastic panoramic views. Then a great cliff walk to Littlecombe Shoot and a steep path through the former plats of Littlecombe Shoot above the beach. Hopefully the weather will allow and we'll have lunch on the beach.

The 'plats' are remnants of an ancient field system used even up until the second world war as small market garden fields by fishermen to supplement income; their produce rivalled early Jersey potatoes, flowers and apparently strawberries because of the micro climate on the cliffs...who knew. These have now turned into many hidden chalets and shacks on the cliff side. The paths are thin and twisty, with some rope assists put in by owners of the chalets where it is potentially slippery but it's quite fun and easily doable...the result is access to a great hidden beach.

This is a circular walk and returns contouring slightly inland via the Donkey sanctuary (good for a cuppa if we have time) and Salcombe Regis to avoid the steep drops back down and up at Weston and Salcombe mouths; we can of course return by the coast if everyone wants and dependent on the weather - its amazing how different walking in the opposite direction can sometimes be - always look behind you!!

Dogs - There are a couple of stiles and some steep sections so you'd need to be able to lift them and they need to be fit enough for 11-12 miles and several steep climbs. Also without saying, need to be on leads where livestock may be present.

More information about the route can partly be found here. But note our route returns part way.

This is one of several SWCP walks we'll be putting on in 2022, so keep an eye out for more!

Photo Credits: All photos taken by OutdoorLads Members and permission is granted to OutdoorLads for further use.

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