Walking on the East Devon Coast

Friday 17 – Sunday 19 May

(2 nights) (moderate ‘B’ grade: 6-7 miles daily)
from £319 half board

Splendid walking along an outstanding coastal path, part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast running either side of the lovely village of Branscombe. Footpaths lead out in all directions from our thatched inn, The Masons Arms, into glorious countryside. We follow only the best, the most scenic.

Enjoy

• varied, relaxed, expertly-crafted guided walks in one of England’s most glorious areas, led by two friendly, experience, professional and enthusiastic guides
• a delightful thatched inn, Alastair Sawday recommended, offering comfortable en-suite accommodation and excellent food.
• a very warm welcome, a complimentary glass of good cheer, and the congenial company and camaraderie of friendly walkers, comprising a mixture of singles, couples and friends
• short commentaries and poems on route highlighting features of special interest, natural and man-made, providing insight into the area’s history, culture and habitats
• an enhanced sense of well-being that a few days of peace, fresh air, exercise, scenic beauty and close contact with nature gives you, leaving you refreshed, relaxed and restored

What to Expect

Grading of Walks: The routes are suitable for anyone of average fitness, able to walk up to 8 miles on varied undulating terrain for up to 5 hours with a break of approximately 1 hour for lunch. Some ascents and descents can be expected on both days.

Accommodation: The 14th Century Mason’s Arms lies in the heart of idyllic Devon countryside in the beautiful downland village of Branscombe. Alastair Sawday describes it thus: “The inn was at one time a cider house. It has a stone terrace at the front from which to gave upon lush hills. Inside, interiors are simple and authentic: timber frames, low beamed ceilings, pine cladding, whitewashed walls. The best rooms overlook a garden, each with private terrace for valley views that tumble down to the sea.” The prize-winning cuisine will undoubtedly delight even the most discerning palate. For further information see http://masonsarms.co.uk/

Price per person: for 2 nights in May: £319 for double and twin rooms ; (£25 per night supplement for single occupancy of double rooms; there are no single rooms). Due to the nature of this old inn, rooms vary considerably and will therefore be allocated in strict date order of booking.

Price includes:

• Welcome meeting with complimentary glass of wine
• En-suite accommodation
• 3-course award-winning dinners
• Full English breakfasts to set you up for the day
• Two full-day guided walks
• Commentaries on features of interest along the way

Price excludes:

• Lunches
• Optional teas
• Drinks and items of a personal nature
• Gratuities (optional)

Itinerary

Friday
Enjoy meeting your fellow guests over a glass of good cheer. Then join us for dinner in our 14th-century inn, steeped in history and folded into a combe that reaches back into the mists of time.

Saturday
An outstanding walk between two idyllic villages, featuring a picturesque old church, beautiful woodlands, impressive cliffs and spectacular coastal views. From Branscombe itself, and a picturesque cluster of thatched National Trust properties, to the sea at Branscombe Mouth, once the haunt of smugglers. An undulating path skirts the spectacular tumbled chasm of the undercliff, a renowned wildlife habitat.

Then up to Beer Head. From the top are fantastic views across open seas towards Portland Bill in one direction and Torbay in the other. And, with luck, we may see peregrine falcons up amongst the rock stacks.

We lunch in the utterly delightful village of Beer with its pebble beach, boats and stone fishermen’s cottages stacked up the hill. More spectacular coastal scenes accompany us back to the comforts of our idyllic retreat. A good time of the year to enjoy East Devon’s wonderful flora. (6 miles, ‘B’ grade)

Sunday
More spectacular walking, today in the opposite direction towards Sidmouth. The section of coastal path between Weston Mouth and Branscombe is gorgeous, arguably the best in all East Devon. It is often possible to see dolphins down below, dancing in the surf, as we walk along the coast, fantastic views towards Torbay ahead. In late May a special treat: clouds of rare butterflies in wonderful wild flower meadows.

We lunch at Weston’s famous Donkey Sanctuary. Here each resident enjoys a life of loving care and attention in this special place which also promotes the welfare of donkeys worldwide. Back in Branscombe, we curve down between two steep hills, delightful cottages adorned with hanging baskets lining our route. What better way to conclude than with a Devonshire cream tea at the wonderful Old Bakery! (7 miles, ‘B’ grade)

Travel Information

By rail: Branscombe is 7 miles from Honiton. Trains depart for Honiton three times an hour, either direct from London Waterloo, or from Paddington, changing at Exeter St David’s . The journey time is 3 hours.

By road: Branscombe is located between Sidmouth and Seaton on the A3052. Take any of the roads signposted to Branscombe from the A3052 between Sidmouth and Colyford. The Masons Arms can be found after travelling two miles through the village towards the sea