Note that all maps on this site are only indicative. You should
never set out without the correct OS map.
In terms of residential property, Budleigh
Salterton is one of the most expensive locations in the South West
- which isn't surprising when you walk around some of its attractive
environs. This walk explores the coast west of Budleigh, before
returning via an inland route.
Basic Hike: from Budleigh Salterton west along
coast path to West Down Beacon then inland to find cycleway which
takes you back east to inland Budleigh.
So alluring and exotic did Straight Point appear and so warm was
the sun that we set off up the coast path that heads out of Budleigh
Salterton to the west. Its climbs to the surprising heights of
West Down Beacon, which is a well known name among those who go
to play upon the East Devon Golf Course.
This course takes up much of West Down as a whole, and the coast
path runs nervously along between the border fence and the cliff.
I say nervously, because the cliffs are here are not exactly granite
in their constitution. They are red sandstone. More sand than stone,
I should say. Bits of cliff regularly depart seawards.
Halfway up the hill, the path veers from the cliff edge and passes
through a rather scenic wood of the pine and scrub variety.
Suddenly we are reintroduced to the cliff-side as we approach
the beacon's 129 metre summit. You will know you've reached it
because you will see a trig-point situated just inland of the path.
You will also know, because this is
where you get the very best views. Not only can you look down on
Budleigh and its tiny estuary to the east - and gaze beyond to
Sidmouth and way into Dorset past Chesil Beach to Portland Bill
- you can also look west across the gigantic Exe estuary and follow
the coast down past Torbay to Berry Head.
As coastal vistas go, this has to be one of the best - thanks
to the fact that West Down Beacon is situated at the apex of one
of the biggest corners to be found along Westcountry shores.
The plan had been to go on to Exmouth and catch a bus back to
Budleigh, but the Marines were rattling their machine guns down
on Straight Point training ground - which is depicted on the OS
map as a danger area.
So we took the public right-of-way directly north of the trig-point
into another pleasant wooded area, and from there found the lane
which would take us a few hundred yards to the Exmouth to Budleigh
Salterton Cycleway. This, in turn, would take us on a large arc
inland of Budleigh Salterton.
This was an excellent alternative
and, having done the route, I can now assure you of its merits.
The path from the trig-point offers fantastic views of the Exe
basin up to, and beyond, Devon's capital city - and it introduces
you to those pleasant woodlands. Be warned that you must cross
the golf course at one point - so watch out for small white projectiles
and listen out for people shouting "Fore!"
Eventually the path meets a lane and a minute's walk along this
will bring you to the cycleway. You have to turn left and walk
down a longish feeder-path for a few hundred yards before you can
get onto the sunken track - then it's a matter of turning right.
It is, of course, a disused railway. To be exact, it was the railway
that used to run down from the mainline, past Tipton St John (the
junction for Sidmouth) and on to Exmouth where it linked up with
the branch-line to Exeter.
It closed like most of our rural lines
and now looks set to become part of what is known as the Southern
Coastal route (National Cycle Network Route No.2). When built,
the final route is expected to run from Plymouth to Dorset and
beyond. It is planned to pass through Totnes, Newton Abbot and
beside the Teign estuary, Teignmouth, Dawlish, beside the Exe estuary
to Exeter, Exmouth and on eastwards to Sidmouth, Seaton, Axminster
before heading into Dorset.
At the moment it takes you along a pleasant section to northern
Budleigh Salterton. The path weaves along through a deep cutting
and then makes a big bend to the east. After a mile or so it ceases
and we are led away from the old line to a place called Bear Lane.
Down the lane we walked - regretting that the cycleway didn't
go further - and then it was a matter of crossing the main road
and entering the northern hinterland of Budleigh Salterton. You
can't lose your way - it's simply a matter of heading through the
housing estates towards the sea.
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