Regular visitors to Ladram Bay will undoubtedly know about the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coastal Path that runs 95 miles through East Devon and Dorset.
Our latest post takes sections of this UNESCO natural World Heritage Site and breaks it down into more manageable family friendly lengths and includes paths well trodden by most of the Ladram Bay team.
We’ve tried to pick routes with all ages and abilities in mind and have graded our routes based on their difficulty.
Difficulty Rating:
Short Stroll: |
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Mid-Length Jaunt: |
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Steeper Climbs: |
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Ladram Bay circular walking route
This walk takes in the village of Otterton with it’s quaint traditional thatched Devon cottages, stunning scenery along the river banks and the beautiful Jurassic Coastline.
Route: 8km / 5 miles
Estimated time: 1.5 hrs – 2hrs
Coordinates: EX9 7BX – OS Ref: SY 096850
Difficulty:Â 

Route Details:
1) Turn left the main entrance to Ladram Bay Holiday Park and take the lane down the hill into the village of Otterton.
2) Continue along Fore Street to cross the river, turn left onto the footpath alongside the river and follow it downstream, passing the Clamour Bridge.
3) Reaching the aqueduct as a path joins from the right, carry on ahead for a few yards and then take the next path to the right, which curves around to the left. Ignore the next path heading to the right, to carry on ahead parallel to the river, passing a road bridge topped with a small windmill on your right and continuing ahead to go through the gate onto the western side of South Farm Road.
4) Cross the road and carry on along the path ahead , which will bring you back to the Lime Kiln car park.
5) From the Lime Kiln car park in Budleigh Salterton pick up the South West Coast Path as it head inland beside the river, following the tarmac path to South Farm Road.
6) From South Farm Road turn right to cross the river, and then turn left onto the lane which continues inland alongside the other bank of the river, travelling through trees.
7) Carry on past the pillars and Clamour Bridge, to follow the path alongside the river, continuing ahead along the tarmac surface of Park Lane.
8) At the T-junction turn left, bearing left shortly afterwards onto Churchill Hill, following the road to the right around the churchyard and then the Church. Take the main road up through Otterton and back to the Holiday Park.
Alternative  Walk:
You can extend this walk by leaving Ladram Bay and heading west along the Coast Path following the blue dotted route (see map above) and joining up with the red route at point 6 on the map. Here you can either turn left and take longer walk back via the Lime Kiln car park and the aqueduct, or turn right to take the shorter route back via Clamour Bridge. Both routes take you back through the pretty village of Otterton.
Otterton and Mutter’s Moor Walk
For the more experienced walker, the Otterton and Mutter’s Moor walk is the perfect route to take if you intend to spend most of the day out and about. You’ll hike through beautiful woods and moorland and view the landscape which is crisscrossed with ancient pathways.
Route: 11.3km / 7 miles
Estimated time: 2.5hrs – 3hrs
Coordinates: EX10 0NW
Difficulty:Â 


Route Details:
1) Take the Coast Path, west from Ladram Bay Holiday Park and cross the field, staying above the sea as the path pulls out around Smallstones Point.
2) Turn right on the permissive path on the far side of the second field, and follow it inland, going straight ahead onto the lane when you arrive at the buildings on your right, to where it comes out on the road by Stantyway Farm.
3) Â Ignoring Piscombe Lane, on your right just before you reach Stantyway Farm, turn right onto the road a few yards further on, Stantyway Lane, and follow it in a roughly north -westerly direction into Otterton.
4) At the next junction, when Bell Street turns into Fore Street, turn right and walk up Ottery Street for about a mile, ignoring Chockenhole Lane, on your right a little way up.
5) At Pinn Lane Corner fork left and continue along the road past Burnthouse Farm until you come to Pavers and Passaford.
6) Turn right onto the footpath just beyond Passaford and follow it steeply uphill and into the woods.
7) In the woods turn left onto the track, and then sharp right, to reach the track on the open ground at the top. Turn left here and follow the track to the far end of Mutter’s Moor.
8) Ignoring the path which doubles back to your right, take the track to the right which drops downhill along the edge of the forest, turning right again about 150 yards later to pull back uphill along the far edge of Mutter’s Moor.
9) Stay on this track as it runs along the edge of the moor, beside the forest, all the way back to the car park.
10) From the car park cross the road and go through the gate and onto the area of open grassland, heading towards the sea. When you meet the Coast Path, turn right and drop downhill with it to Windgate.
11) The path starts to rise again towards High Peak, and goes into woodland. Ignore the track which bears away to the right, instead staying on the South West Coast Path as it makes its way through the woods. Dropping downhill, it comes out of the trees and heads towards the holiday park.
Bystock Wild Walk
Explore the Devon Wildlife Trust Bystock Pools Nature Reserve and East Budleigh village by lacing up your walking boots and embarking on this trail. With plenty of wildlife to look out for such as the Emperor dragonfly, common pipistrelle bat and Grayling butterfly, this is the perfect walk for nature lovers. You will even get the opportunity to pass Hayes Barton, the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh.
Route: 9.5km / 6 miles
Estimated time: 2hrs – 2.5hrs
Coordinates:Â EX8 5EE
Difficulty:Â 

Route Details:
1) Go through the gate at the corner of Bystock nature reserve north entrance car park and downhill across the field to a wooden gate at the bottom. Take a narrow path on the right and turn right in front of a large beech tree, then left onto a boardwalk. At the end of this loop turn left uphill. About 400 yards later at a path junction go left and very shortly afterwards descend towards the ponds. Follow the boardwalk past a pond to the end and then go straight onto a path. At a T-junction turn right over a bridge and through a gate, and eventually you arrive at a large pool. Go past a bench and continue round the boardwalk as it bends right and along the end of the pool to a lane. This marks the reserve boundary.
2)Â Turn left along the lane and right at the top of a rise onto a footpath. Follow the yellow waymarkers down the right-hand edge of a clearing, then past Squabmoor reservoir, keeping the reservoir on the right. At the dam follow the waymarkers down a field edge into a wood. Continue straight on, eventually passing a metal field gate where you continue straight on until you bear right onto a track and left onto a lane at Dalditch Farm. Go straight on along the lane to Brookside Cottage where you take a track on the left and approximately 300 yards later turn left onto another track.
3) After 300 yards bear right by a yellow waymarker onto a path. Take the left path at a fork, which goes uphill along the edge of a wood. At the top of a rise ignore a small path on the right and continue straight on along a grassy path into a clearing. Cross a couple of forest tracks to a yellow waymarker then continue five yards and turn left to a stile. Cross this and follow the field boundary, ignoring a metal gate. At the bottom of the field go through two gates and over a stile. Follow a yellow waymarker straight on, down a track and over a stile. Cross a second stile onto a track and turn left.
4)Â At the lane turn right past the free car park (alternative start point for the walk) into the village of East Budleigh. After your visit to the village, opposite the Sir Walter Raleigh pub retrace your steps up Hayes Lane, past the free car park.
5) Continue about 1Â mile (1.6km) until you pass Hayes Barton. Walk another 0.5 miles (0.8km) to a T-junction where you go left. At the next road junction take a path on the right and turn left after 10 yards to join a path parallel to the road you just left. At the fork in the path go left, leaving some quarry workings on the right. 100m after this junction turn left up a path to rejoin the road, where you turn right back to the Bystock nature reserve car park.
West Down Beacon Walk
This walk travels along the route of the old railway line, taking you along the coast where there is the opportunity to see stunning ocean views. There is also an array of wildlife just waiting to be discovered including bats and lizards.
Route: 6km / 3.7 miles
Estimated time: 1 hrs – 1.5 hrs
Coordinates: EX9 6RJ
Difficulty:Â 


Route Details:
1) From Budleigh Salterton’s Public Hall, walk northwards up Station Road, carrying on along Moor Lane to come out at the top of Dark Lane, by the school. Turn right onto Dark Lane, and then almost immediately left, to carry on in the original direction up Bedlands Lane.
2)Â From the top of Bedlands Lane, turn lift onto the B3178 and then right a moment later to walk up Rear Lane.
3)Â At the railway bridge pick up the cycle path on your left, leading towards Exmouth, and follow it through the woods to Castle Lane.
4) Turn left up onto the path to Castle Lane, turning onto the lane at the top to head roughly southwards.
5) When Castle Lane turns sharply right, take the footpath ahead which continues in your direction, and follow this alongside the Golf Club for about 1 mile, ignoring the Littleham Church path which crosses yours, also ignoring the detours to the left shortly afterwards.
6) Turn left when you come to the South West Coast Path, and follow it for about three quarters of a mile towards Budleigh Salterton.
7) From West Down Beacon the Coast Path descends gently into Budleigh Salterton. Carry on along it, past the first few houses, until you come to an open green area. At the far end of the field turn left, to walk up Victoria Place and onto the B3178 road beyond.
8) Turn right here, and then take the next left, into Station Road, to return to the start of the walk.
Looking for more walking routes in East Devon? Take a look at our Coastal Walks in East Devon.
Our latest post highlights the benefits of Holiday Home Ownership in the UK.
Obviously we’re going to be (a little) biased for this one but for those of you who may never have considered Holiday Home Ownership it’s a pretty compelling argument.
1. Having a hassle-free holiday
Nobody likes being stuck in crowded or overpriced airports, putting up with cancelled flights or unsuitable accommodation. The small details such as overseas insurance, transfers or setting aside holiday money can soon add up to become more hassle in our busy lives. Luckily, if you have a Holiday Home in the UK, you won’t have to put up with any of it. Once you’ve bought the home, that stress can all be a thing of the past.
2. Time in a great location
There’s nothing better than spending time in an area you love, exploring the culture, activities, food and attractions, going for long walks or even just pottering about.
3. Holidays on demand
A Holiday Home is yours to use at any time when you so choose, and if you buy somewhere closer to home a last minute escape is always an option.
4. Your escape, your way
When you have a Holiday Home of your own, there’s no need to constantly bring all of your stuff back and forth each time you want to have a break and you can personalise your space to suit your tastes. Spend less time packing and more time relaxing. Everything is right where you left it.
5. Time with the family
Buying a Holiday Home is an investment in your family, not just a financial investment. Giving your family fond memories of time spent with each other is priceless.
6. The dog can come with you
If you have a Holiday Home in the UK it’s easy to take the dog, so none of the family have to be left behind. We allow Owners to bring up to 2 dogs per visit.
7. De-stressing is good for you
The perfect time to unwind and de-stress is while you’re on a holiday, away from the problems of daily life. If you stay in the UK, you don’t need to worry about aspects of local life and travel you’re unfamiliar with, and potentially there’s less to go wrong. Avoid stress and stay in the UK.
8 Have a tech-break
It’s hard to put phones down and turn the TV off at home, but when you arrive at your Holiday Home it can be your conscious choice to detox from technology, if you want it to be.
9. An investment opportunity
If you’re happy to sublet, you could consider the subletting scheme offered by Ladram Bay Holiday Park. The remuneration made from this scheme can certainly help pay toward your site fees and annual expenses.Â
10. Treat yourself
Most of us occasionally also need a little space from time to time, to rest, recharge our batteries and return to our jobs and families healthy, happy and energised. Having you own escape in case you need a bit of peace and quiet can keep you in better shape both mentally and physically so it’s not necessarily totally indulgent, it’s common sense too.
Considering Holiday Home Ownership at Ladram Bay Holiday Park? We’ve a sensational selection of Brand new and Pre-loved Holiday Homes waiting for your perusal. Simply pop into our Sales Showground or call our friendly team on 01395 568761 to book your park tour. We look forward to welcoming you to our fabulous 5-star park.
10 Reasons to buy a Holiday Home
On Wednesday 17th July 2019 Mascots from across Devon participated in the annual Adventure Golf championship.
Prior to Shane Lowry’s success at the Royal Portrush on Sunday, the golfing world’s attention was focused Ladram Bay – it just wasn’t picked up mainstream media. Many in the club house (also known as the swimming pool complex) were calling this the unofficial 5th major of the year & looking at the team lineups it was easy to see why.
Our player guide certainly demonstrates the stiff competition Pickles, Ozzie & Captain Scratch were up against.
With so many plots & sub-plots, a riveting narrative surrounded the 2019 event, held one one of Devon’s most famous links course. Could Crealy’s Blossom Bear emulate the form Buddy the Bear, which had seen him win in 2016 & 2017, or would Gilbert the Station Master become only the second entrant (after Buddy the Bear) to win back-to-back tournaments?
Being super profession partiality was required on our behalf, but only the most partisan fan would begrudge ‘Appy Angus a victory – having finished on the podium in 2016 (3nd) & 2nd in 2017 & 2018.
The Winner:Â Pickles the Parrot
Pickles the Parrot celebrates with the other 10 mascots overlooking Ladram Bay
A tense opening round saw little to separate the leading group. The smart money had been on the players with big tournament experience, but as it transpired Pickles the Parrot held his nerve to clinch his first Mascot Golf Championship. In second place was Ella the Owl, who held off a late charge from Captain Scratch. The Ladram Bay mascots are ultimately thrilled with their performance, having beaten the previous best showing of 3rd in 2018 (tied with Pippa Pig from Pennywell Farm).
Mascot Golf 2019: Image Gallery
Player guide
Pickles the Parrot greeting fans at the tee off.
Pickles the Parrot
Representing: Ladram Bay
Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2016
2019 Result: 1st
Consistent short game form Ella the Owl
Ella the Owl
Representing: Hospiscare
Previous form guide: New entrant for 2019
2019 Result: 2nd
Captain Scratch in the zone
Captain Scratch
Representing: Ladram Bay
Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2018
2019 Result: 3rd
Ozzie looks to build on his 3rd in 2018
Ozzie the Otter
Representing: Ladram Bay
Previous form guide: 3rd in 2018 (tied with Pippa Pig)
2019 Result: Group stage exit
Grecian the Lion silencing an Argyle fan
Grecian the Lion
Representing: Exeter City Football Club
Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2017
2019 Result: Group stage exit
Buddy the Bear celebrates with the fans
Blossom Bear
Representing: Crealy
Previous form guide: New entrant for 2019.
2019 Result: Group stage exit
‘Appy Angus offering advice on the 5th
‘Appy Angus
Representing: World of Country Life
Previous form guide: 2nd in 2018, 2nd in 2017 & 3rd 2016
2019 Result: Group stage exit
2018 winner Gilbert the Station Master
Gilbert the Station Master
Representing: Seaton Tramway
Previous form guide: 1st in 2018
2019 Result: Group stage exit
The Dragon gets fired up at the 3rd hole
The Dragon
Representing: Pete’s Dragon
Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2018
2019 Result: Group stage exit
Ambrose the Bear putting in it
Ambrose the Bear
Representing: Devon Air Ambulance
Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2016
2019 Result: Group stage exit
Ledley tee’s off with a putter
Ledley
Representing: LED Leisure
Previous form guide: Group stage exit 2016
2019 Result: Group stage exit
Mascots Golf Championship 2019
In recent years we’ve made several new additions to our beach facilities aimed at pleasing kids & big kids alike. So if you’re new to Ladram Bay or haven’t visited in several years, the following post covers things to do whilst on the beach, allowing you to make the most of your family getaway.
You’ve just arrived at Ladram Bay, checked-in, ticked off the essentials shopping list & got your uniform inflatable primed. Firstly take a minute to appreciate your amazing parenting skills & then think about your next port of call, the beach.
Use the bullet points (below) to navigate directly to a particular beach based activity. Should it take your fancy, simply click on it to skip to that section.
Paddle board hire
Kayak hire
Motor boat hire
Freshly caught seafood
Rockpooling at Ladram
Paddle board hire…
The relatively calm waters of the bay make Ladram an excellent place to try your hand (& balancing skills) at paddle boarding in East Devon. This activity is suitable for competent swimmers only.
Cost: Paddle boards can be hired directly on the beach & cost £15 for an hour.
Kayaking hire…
Our stunning stretch of Jurassic Coast is best appreciated from sea & we can think of few better (or more gratifying) ways to take in the scenery than paddling out on a kayak.
Cost: Single person kayaks can be hired on the beach & cost £12.50 per hour. Double kayaks cost £18 per hour.
Motor boat hire…
Whether your feeling like a lucky fisherman or want to take the children on a maritime adventure, Ladram Bay have motor boats for hire throughout the season. Please note boat hire is weather dependent.
Cost: Motor boats can be hired from the beach & cost £35 for 1 hour, £60 for 2 hours and £90 for 4 hours.
Freshly caught seafood…
Ladram Bay have several (very) seasoned fishermen & being situated by the ocean means we can offer some seriously fresh seafood for guests to cook up. If you are staying with us please ask a member of staff on the beach for quantities & availability – our fishermen might be good but they can’t predict what will be caught!
Rock pooling at Ladram
Ladram Bay provides the perfect rock pooling environment to bring out the zoologist in each of us & is best experienced when the weather is calm & dry as the rock pools will be still and therefore easier to spot creatures.
As rock pooling is one of our favourite things to do at Ladram check out our top tips on our dedicated blog post. Within our ‘guide to rock pooling in East Devon‘ we outline when to go, where to look & what you can expect to find.
If you’re lucky enough to find a pipefish, crab or starfish remember to return all creatures back to the area you found them.
Things to do on Ladram beach
Dogs are a man (& women’s) best friend, many of us plan our holidays around them and dread the look on their faces when the holiday bags are being packed and they get left behind.
To avoid disappointing your pooch Ladram Bay has put together a dog-walking guide. You’ll be enjoying your holiday while your canine counterpart is lapping up the best smells, swimming opportunities and chasing the odd rabbit.
In the interests of keeping the beach as clean and family friendly as possible, dogs aren’t allowed to roam across the pebbles at Ladram.
However dogs are free to enjoy all the delights of the local area, a bit like this guy did last summer his with his owner Danny James.
Below we have put together 6 of our favourite dog friendly walks complete with an interactive map, so your dog will spend more time retrieving sticks and less in the boot of the car.
Peak Hill
Start: Ladram Bay – EX9 7BX
End: Ladram Bay
Distance: 5.1 miles / 8.3 km
At Ladram some of the best dog walking routes are on our doorstep (literally). From Ladram take the Southwest Coast Path that leads (no dog pun intended) up Peak Hill and carry on along the footpath until you reach a lookout point , from here you’ll have incredible views East to Dorset and West towards Exmouth and the Exe Estuary. If you needed some inspiration before tackling the hills ascents to come back, rest assured that Taste in Sidmouth provides some of the best Ice Creams we’ve ever tried.
Info: If you’re not a resident of Ladram you will need to pay £5 to use the car park. We would advise keeping dogs on leads when close to the cliff edge and in and around Sidmouth as it can get busy during the summer months.
The River Otter
Start: Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton – EX9 7HG
End: Otterton Mill
Distance: 4.4 miles / 7.1 km
Just down the road from Ladram Bay, this dog walk will see you head south along the river to Budleigh beach. Along the way you’re dog is likely to find plenty of friends, swimming spots and potentially beavers. On your return you can stop off at the Otterton Mill to refuel before a short trip back to Ladram.
Info: Leads are advisable for the start / finish of the route.
Woodbury Common
Start: Woodbury Castle – see Google Maps
End: Woodbury Castle
Distance: 2.4 miles / 3.8Â km
Another short journey from Ladram Bay, Woodbury Common is owned by Devon Clinton Estates and the castle (our start point) sits 550ft above sea level, the views over the Jurassic Coast and Exe Estuary are stunningly beautiful. Your dog is less likely to be concerned about the history and they can rest assured no leads are required and the choices of routes are huge. Follow the footpath signs depending on the length of walk desired.
Local knowledge: Before you go looking for a castle – it’s a natural fortified position that dates back to the Iron Age, so not turrets or drawbridges.
Info: Dogs, bikes and horses can roam free; all car parks in the area are free.
Salcombe Hill
Start: Salcombe Hill Car Park – EX10 0NY
Finish: Salcombe Hill Car Park
Length: 1.8 miles / 3 km
From Ladram Bay look east beyond Peak Hill and beyond to the next big rise in the coastline, that’s Salcombe Hill. Ambitious dogs (& owners) could walk from Ladram, but we suggest starting at Salcombe Hill car park. Cross the Alma Bridge and you’ll soon be on the cliff path zigzagging your way up the hill. At the top of the hill you’ll have fantastic views of Ladram Bay, while your pooch will be more than content with the shingle beach (dog friendly) along the route.
Info: Car park is free, less well-trained dogs might require the leads if you venture near to the cliff edge and around the quiet roads at the start / finish areas.
Exeter Canal
Start: A379 just off Bridge Road – EX2 6LT
Finish: (above)
Distance:Â North Route: 4.9 miles / 8 km | South Route: 6.2 miles / 10 km
This location gives you 2 potentially lovely walks, go downstream and after 3 miles you’ll reach The Turf Locks (a dog friendly pub). Walk upstream and you’ll arrive at Exeter historic quay where there are a great variety of places to grab a bite to eat overlooking the water. Both routes travel along a canal footpath, downstream has a separate cycle lane, upstream doesn’t – with cyclists and fishermen scattered along the route its advisable to keep you dog on a lead unless they are very well trained.
Info: The cark park is free however the A379 can be a busy road so have your lead ready when you open the boot.
Hooken Cliffs
Start: Anchor Inn, Beer – EX12 3ET
Finish: Anchor Inn, Beer
Length:Â 7.3 miles / 11.8 km
Jump in the car and head 13 miles east towards Seaton. This circular route cuts through the picturesque villages of Beer and Branscombe, with impressive cliff-top views of the Jurassic Coast. Your dog will thank you once you reach East Beach (dog friendly) by going in the sea and then shaking dry in close proximity to you.
Local knowledge: Branscombe beach allows dogs throughout the year however dogs are not allowed 150m east and west of the pole at the front of the café.
Info: The car park is free and the route is steep in places. We would advise keeping your four legged friend on a lead when nearing the cliff edge.
6 East Devon Dog Walking Routes