The Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk is a circular trail from the seaside village of Branscombe to the small fishing village of Beer, and back. It enjoys all that is best about an East Devon cottage break!
 
A veritable ‘walk through time’, the Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk is one of the most stunning walks you can make in Britain. Explore the countryside and cliffs along a section of the remarkable Jurassic Coast, whose geology reflects 185 million years of the Earth’s rocky history. Truly magnificent, it never fails to impress, whatever the weather’s doing.
 
What adds to its attraction is that your walk is sandwiched (forgive the pun) between some great places to eat and drink, both at Branscombe and in Beer – so you can stop for a breather and enjoy well-earned refreshments afterwards. Treat yourself to a lovely pint of the locally brewed Branoc Ale at the Masons Arms in Branscombe and your day has reached perfection!

The Lowdown

Terrain: Moderate walk, all on clearly indicated paths which are generally well maintained. You need to be reasonably fit – there are several inclines including a flight of 90 steps so a head for heights will also come in handy!
Most of the walk is flat but the path can be tricky after wet weather.
Start point/parking: Parking at Branscombe Village Hall, donations welcomed or the National Trust Car park in Branscombe village (free to members) – both post code EX12 3DB, Grid ref: SY196886.
Please note: We do not recommend the private car park at Branscombe Mouth (the beach) due to reports that this car park has camera controlled parking enforcement, so if you overstay you will be sent a heavy fine.
Time: Approximately 3 hours.
Distance: 6 mile circular route.
Maps: Landranger (pink) Map 192: Exeter and Sidmouth; OS Explorer Map 115: Exmouth and Sidmouth and Explorer Map 116: Lyme Regis and Bridport (Branscombe is on the edge of Explorer 115).
Total Ascent: 300 metres.
Maximum Elevation: 138 metres.
Other info: Dog friendly; plenty of rest stops.

In a Nutshell

The Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk is a wonderfully unique scenic walk along the famous South West Coast Path between the two contrasting villages of Branscombe and Beer in East Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are some stunning cliff-top scenes, as well as geology, wildlife and historical interest. A reward for the many steep ascents and descents you’ll encounter!
 
The walk follows the cliffs along the South West Coast Path with fantastic views of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site before exploring the pretty seaside village of Beer. Returning to Branscombe, the loop takes you back by the Hooken Undercliff path. This wonderful section of chalk that broke away when the cliffs split apart makes a mysterious alternative route back through a 10-acre tract of land, abundant with wildlife, with chalk pinnacles on the seaward side.
 
Follow this link for a detailed description and map of the walk.

Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk highlights

There is plenty to keep you interested, with tales of shipwrecks, smugglers, Romans and lacemakers to channel your children’s imagination.
 

Your scenic walk starts in the heart of Branscombe village, one of the most picturesque and flower-rich villages on East Devon’s Jurassic Coastline. Believed to be the longest village in the country, it sweeps down along a spectacular valley, past pretty rows of thatched cottages, to the sea.
 

There is a picturesque dovecote and a church with one of the most inspiring views in the county.
 

You will pass a number of historic, but still working buildings. The National Trust maintain The Forge Old Bakery, the last traditional working bakery in Devon when it closed its doors in 1987. Inside the open fires, baking tins and storage jars of centuries before have been preserved in the baking room, while the rest of the building serves as a tea room.
 

The Forge is believed to be the only working thatched forge of its kind in England. Today visitors can see the blacksmiths crafting beautiful ironwork over their hot coals and purchase work from the showroom.
 

Nearby, the Manor Mill contains an historic, water-powered mill which has been restored by the National Trust. It was in commercial use until just before the Second World War to grind wheat, barley and oats for animal feed and baking.
 

Heading on to Branscombe beach, you will notice the 13,500 kg (29,800 lb) anchor of the MSC Napoli which famously grounded on the beach on January 18th 2007. This large container ship was beached to enable the salvage of the cargo following serious structural failure, amidst fears she would not reach nearby Portland.
 

From the beach, continue east along the South West Coast Path. For every 10 yards altitude gained, your view improves, providing you with miles and miles of seascape once you’ve reached the top. Once at the top, the walk is quite an easy one. You will pass a Coast Guard lookout significant during the war.
 

Towards Beer Head the footpath ascends and reaches the plateau that sits above the white cliffs which curl around towards Beer. Here discover the footings of a Napoleonic lookout and gun emplacement uncovered during archaeological digs in 2006.
 

Excellent views of Lyme Bay and Seaton Bay accompany you as the coast path wends its way to eventually arrive in Beer.
 

This charming fishing village was once a haven for smugglers – find out about the famous Jack Rattenbury and his antics and how they used Beer Quarry Caves. Take time to visit this vast man-made complex of underground caverns created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer Stone. First worked by the Romans, it supplied stone for 24 cathedrals! The caves are also a world-famous bat hibernaculum. The small village was also important for lace making – apparently, most Honiton Lace was actually made in Beer.
 

Take your return route via the spectacular chasm of Hooken Undercliff. This interesting 10 acre tract of land was formed when a dramatic landslip in 1790 caused part of the cliff to break away and slip down. Today, the wooded and sheltered landscape with chalk pinnacles on the seaward side, is thriving with wildlife. The views are again stunning both above and below you.
 

Along the way look out for cave entrances and rock formations that gave the smugglers plenty of places to operate from. Keep your eyes peeled too for the wildlife of this extraordinary region, including peregrine falcons, butterflies and the local colony of cormorants on Beer Head.

Eat stops!

Before ascending the cliffs at Branscombe beach you can pop into the Sea Shanty at Branscombe Mouth for a cuppa and a slice of cake. At Beer, take a well-earned breather in Ducky’s Beach Café, served with a backdrop of the stunning sea view. Or head for the Anchor Inn in the village, with its great ales, beer garden and summer barbecues.
 

Branscombe village makes the perfect end to your walk, thanks to its great pubs, The Fountain Head and the Masons Arms, as well as The Old Bakery tea-room.

Dog friendly

The South West Coast Path is pooch-friendly and Branscombe and East Beach in Beer allow dogs on the sands. The Masons Arms in Branscombe village and the Anchor Inn in Beer are also recommended by DoggiePubs.

Make a break of it

For the opportunity to enjoy the Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk and other lovely walks in the area, why not book one of our East Devon cottages? The East Devon AONB truly showcases the best of the British coast and countryside and is the ideal location for a relaxing holiday experience – one that is filled with plenty of adventure and fresh country air!