This is a figure of eight walk mostly on the coast path, but also on country lanes. For today's walk we have the company of old friends and frequent walking companions Simon and Ally. This is our longest walk to date, but the compensation is the promise of a pub lunch at the half way point in Branscombe. The walk begins in the hamlet of Weston near Sidmouth and we head down Weston Combe before picking up the coast path and climbing on to the top of the South Devon cliffs. It is a clear day and the views are spectacular both up and down the coast. There is some debate as to how far west we can see, and agree that it probably is Start Point on the far horizon.
The weather is perfect for walking along the coast and after a stiff climb the going is easy along a grassy cliff top hugging path.
After a few miles the path cuts inland and country lanes take us past picturesque cottages (mostly holiday homes) before we arrive at the village of Branscombe.
The Masons Arms is one of those pubs worth a detour and our walk only requires one of just a hundred yards or so.
Relaxed and refreshed by a beer, cider, sandwiches and cheesy chips we are ready to continue and take the path down through the fields to Branscombe Beach. OK it is just pebbles but in the late afternoon sunshine it is still a lovely place to be.
With the sun dipping away in the west we cannot linger long. (Should have spent less time in the pub). So we tackle the steep climb from sea level back onto the cliff top. At first the walk is tucked in amongst trees, with landward views over Branscombe Village and the outward leg of the walk. But soon we rejoin the coast path; and, with the sun slipping quickly towards the horizon, we make good progress along the cliffs, before once again turning inland and rejoining the lane back to the car park.
As we walk this last section we are headed almost due west and pause for moment or two to watch the sun hurry below the horizon, dipping first behind a low belt of cloud before reappearing in it's glory and finally setting behind a skeleton barrier of winter trees.
8.2 miles
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