4.5
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3,559
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Urban hiking trails around Sidmouth offer a blend of coastal scenery and town exploration. The region is situated at the mouth of the River Sid, flanked by the red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast and the rolling hills of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This geographical position provides a varied landscape for urban walks, featuring seafront promenades, river paths, and gentle ascents to viewpoints. The terrain primarily consists of coastal paths and urban routes, with minimal elevation…
Last updated: September 30, 2026
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
hikers
1.81km
00:28
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Sidmouth
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Looking west along Sidmouth Bay reveals a striking landscape defined by vibrant red Triassic sandstone cliffs, the cascading lawns of Connaught Gardens, and the iconic wooden steps of Jacob’s Ladder. The sweeping shingle shoreline leads the eye toward the looming presence of Peak Hill and High Peak in the distance.
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Enjoy the view. The climb out of Sidmouth is dark dark red on my Garmin!
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The historic Alma bridge, built over 100 years ago, was damaged in severe flooding and rendered unsafe for use long term. The bridge provides access to the seafront over the River Sid and acts as a gateway to the South West Coast Path. A large project was undertaken to replace it - the new bridge was moved 40 metres inland and a nautical, contemporary design was selected. The project also undertook extensive cliff reprofiling and stabilisation work. Despite COVID restrictions hampering the project, the bridge was opened at the end of 2020. The structure was clad in our Purbeck Royal Blue stone to match the existing walling and, more fittingly, it's one of the limestone beds found on the Jurassic Coast. We supplied approx. 60 tonne of Purbeck Stone which is ideal for this type of applictaion; it's hardwearing and durable, even against some of the harshest environmental elements. Purbeck Royal Blue is a stunning natural building stone with a rich blue heart and brown border which offers a fabulous depth of colour and a lot of character, suitable for new-builds and restoration schemes alike and has been used extensively throughout the UK.
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Cliffs flank either side of Sidmouth Esplanade, where people have walked since the 18th century. Until then, Sidmouth was a quiet fishing village, but the fashionable thirst for fresh sea air saw people flock to take in the restorative climate. Notable visitors include Jane Austen. The York Hotel, on the east side of the Esplanade, was Sidmouth's first purpose-built hotel and regency buildings can be seen all along the sea front.
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Sidmouth lifeboat is a fully self-funded independent lifeboat in East Devon, covering an area of approximately 150 square miles of sea between Axmouth and Budleigh Salterton. It is not part of, or funded by the RNLI, although it has close links with them. It has a volunteer crew that are on service 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. It has two boats: an Arctic 24 self-righting Rigid Inflatable Inshore lifeboat and a smaller Sidmouth 2 boat. It also provides lifeguard services and sea safety education to the local community.
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Plenty of eateries/drinks to be had along the esplanade
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Panorama over the Impressive red cliffs!
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There are several urban hiking trails in Sidmouth, with komoot featuring 6 routes specifically curated for city exploration. All of these are rated as easy, making them accessible for most walkers.
Urban walks in Sidmouth offer a delightful mix of coastal views, historic townscapes, and glimpses of the surrounding natural beauty. You can expect to see the dramatic red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, the tranquil River Sid, and the elegant Regency architecture of the town. Many routes provide panoramic sea views, especially from elevated points like Salcombe Hill.
Yes, Sidmouth offers several easy urban walks suitable for families. The routes are generally short and have minimal elevation gain, making them ideal for all ages. For example, the Sidmouth Beach – Salcombe Hill Cliff loop offers a pleasant stroll along the seafront and up to Salcombe Hill for views, while remaining manageable for families.
Many urban trails in Sidmouth are dog-friendly, especially those along the Esplanade and through town parks. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, particularly in busy areas or near wildlife. Check local signage for any specific restrictions, especially on beaches during peak seasons.
Urban trails in Sidmouth often pass by or offer views of notable landmarks. You can enjoy the historic Esplanade, the beautiful Connaught Gardens, and the unique Jacob's Ladder Beach. Some routes also provide stunning vistas of the iconic red cliffs and the wider Jurassic Coast. For a taste of the natural surroundings, the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve is also nearby.
Yes, many of the urban walks in Sidmouth are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and finish in the same convenient location. For instance, the Salcombe Hill Cliff – Sidmouth Esplanade loop is a great example of a circular route that combines coastal scenery with town exploration.
Sidmouth is enjoyable for urban hiking year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, with vibrant colours in the surrounding landscapes. Summer is popular for coastal walks, though the town can be busier. Even in winter, the coastal paths provide invigorating walks, just be prepared for potentially cooler and wetter weather.
Sidmouth has several car parks conveniently located near the town centre and seafront, providing easy access to urban walking routes. Popular options include the Ham, Manor Road, and Roxburgh car parks. Fees may apply, so it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Sidmouth is well-served by local bus routes, making it easy to access urban trails without a car. Buses connect Sidmouth to nearby towns and villages, with stops often located close to the Esplanade and town centre, which are starting points for many walks. For detailed timetables, you can check local bus operator websites.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 399 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning coastal views, the charm of the town's Regency architecture, and the accessibility of the trails. The combination of sea air and picturesque surroundings makes for a very enjoyable experience.
Absolutely. All 6 urban hiking routes featured in this guide are rated as easy, making them perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. Routes like the Sidmouth Sailing Club – Salcombe Hill Cliff loop offer gentle terrain and manageable distances, ideal for those new to hiking or seeking a leisurely pace.


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