Peak Hill Coastal Walks near Sidmouth
I love to share details of a walk that offers something for everyone. The area around Peak Hill, High Peak and Mutter’s Moor in East Devon has it all. Fabulous coastal views, the option of an easy flat walk or a heart pounding scramble, as well as a safe area for dogs to run and kids to play. Helpfully, being close to Sidmouth you are not far from refreshments either.
Find out below how to access Peak Hill and coast walks near Sidmouth along the South West Coast Path.
A beautiful walk in East Devon
The area known as Peak Hill is a wide open, quite flat grassy area that stretches out towards the cliffs above Sidmouth. There are fabulous views across the bay as well as scenic rolling countryside looking back inland.
From the coast path you can drop down through woods to Sidmouth (or walk up from the town). For a longer walk head in the other direction West, following the coast path towards Budleigh Salterton. Take a small detour and enjoy the optional vertigo inducing views from High Peak. Finally but not specifically covered here, is the popular inland route to Mutter’s Moor along well marked tracks though heathland and woods.
Three Coast Walks near Sidmouth
There are three main choices for starting a walk to Peak Hill which depend on your fitness, if kids are in tow and the amount of time you have, as well as your attitude to hills!
The delightful Georgian town of Sidmouth in East Devon is a popular seaside spot. There is an esplanade along the seafront and two different beaches. The area known as Jacobs Ladder to the West of the town has the largest beach. A favourite with families, it’s a mix of pebbles, sand and rock pools when the tide is out.
1. Sidmouth to Peak Hill – a steep climb
Peak Hill is less than a mile from Jacobs Ladder but is 160 meters above sea level. That means it’s a steep climb.
To start this walk, park at one of the various carparks in Sidmouth (my choice is Manor Road long stay EX10 8RU near Connaught Gardens and Jacobs Ladder) or metered parking on the road.
The path goes parallel to the main road as it climbs gently out of Sidmouth. Look back for views of the town and in the Spring there is a fabulous display of daffodils here.
There is a very short section where you have to walk on the road before the path tucks back towards the coast. Then it’s up through a small wooded section. This is where it gets step. It’s only about 400 meters, but as I was heading down a number of people I passed asked how much further was it to the top. The answer – not far! Once you reach to top enjoy the lovely views of the coast.
Easily extend the walk by going further along the coast path or head inland to Mutter’s Moor before retracing your steps.
On the way back where you crossed the road, look for the entrance to the Delderfield Community Nature Reserve. Here you can enjoy the peaceful views and wild flowers, (there is only one way in and out of this small reserve).
2. A Short flat walk option starting from Mutter’s Moor Car Park
A popular starting point for walks to Peak Hill or Mutter’s Moor, the free National Trust carpark is a great option for avoiding the steep hill out of Sidmouth. Reach it from Jacobs Ladder / Connaught Gardens area of Sidmouth driving towards Otterton. The road winds up out of the town and car park is on the right just as you reach the top of the hill.
From this car park walk directly across the road head, through the main gate and follow the wide grassy route out to the coast. Alternatively, just to the left there is a footpath path through the woods. This makes a good option for the return route.
Suitable for Pushchairs on a Dry Day
It’s only about 500 metres out to the coast and as long as it’s fairly dry would be fine for a sturdy pushchair. There are fabulous countryside views out over the Otter Valley to enjoy. Once you reach the coast you can look out to the imposing cliffs and sea stacks. For views of Sidmouth you need to head down the hill a short way (sign posted Sidmouth Coast Path) as trees hide the view from here.
If you have young children it may be enough to enjoy this area and head back to the carpark through the woods. There’s a kissing gate on the left as if you were walking to Sidmouth, then left again for the footpath. The woods run parallel to the walk in. With open places to play, sticks and flowers to find and a bench on the route it’s a great little walk with young children.
Please note there may be animals grazing in the fields around Peak Hill.
Exploring Mutter’s Moor
Once back at the car park you can extend the walk out to Mutter’s Moor, which has a network of wide tracks and footpaths. Follow an easy route for about a mile and return the same way or loop back on one of the other tracks to re-join the main path.
3. Coast Path walk to High Peak and Budleigh Salterton
From Peak Hill there are a range of options for walks taking in the coast path. On my walk I headed along the coast path taking in lovely views towards Budleigh Salterton and beyond. This is proper coast path territory, with stony tracks and steps going up and down along the route.
My aim was the trig point at High Peak. This really did require a scramble to get up to.
At the top the views were well worth it in all directions. I am not afraid of heights but I certainly kept an eye on my dog as I am pretty sure there was not much between us and the cliffs dropping off below. It’s quite a dramatic viewing point.
If you are interested in history you can learn more about Early Neolithic and Medieval settlements in the area.
More Options for Peak Hill Walks Near Sidmouth
On this occassion I turned back from High Peak but you can continue the walk and head to Ladram Bay and then loop back (you can see Ladram Bay Holiday Park in the picture).
Sidmouth to Budleigh Salterton Walk
Alternatively hike all the way to Budleigh Salterton (5 miles) and maybe get the bus back. A circular route via Otterton is also a popular option and is about 11 miles in total taking in the new River Otter Restoration Project.
The longer walk to Otterton is fabulous, either head there first or Budleigh Salterton and follow the path along the River Otter. A rest stop at Otterton Mill for lunch or a cream tea is a great plan during the summer.
Peak Hill is owned by the National Trust who have opened up the area by coppicing. You can learn more about it here in their Sidmouth Countryside section.
More South West Coast Walk Inspiration
I hope that you will feel inspired by this write up. As I said at the start, I like that there are a number of options for the Peak Hill coast walk which means there is something for all abilities and age groups. I am delighted to finally add these walks to the list. I really love the Budleigh Salterton to Ladram Bay circular walk which is a shorter version of the map above. There are so many fabulous options in East Devon for coast walks I am sure you will feel inspired.
Public transport
There are buses run by Stagecoach to Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Otterton, and from June – September the Sidmouth Hopper bus runs to Muttersmoor car park.
Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
I hope you enjoy reading and taking inspiration from this website. 
Walking is the best exercise and such a lovely way of taking in the place around us. All these walks look so scenic. The pictures look fantastic. Thank you for sharing them.