15th January 2010

WALK OF THE MONTH: White Cross to Sidbury on the East Devon Way

THIS month’s walk comes to us courtesy of the East Devon Ramblers Association, following a beautiful six-mile route inland along the East Devon Way.

Start at White Cross car park (at the southern end of East Hill Strips).

Before setting off, enjoy the panoramic views to the west across the Otter Valley, with the tors of Dartmoor in the distance.

Follow the waymarked East Devon Way as it heads in an easterly direction, crossing fields and meadows and passing Goosemoor Farm.

Shortly after the farm turn off the footpath in a southeast direction on unmetalled roads to cross the A375 just to the south of Sidford Mill.

Still heading east, a footpath leads to the cemetery from where the lanes take you to Sidford.

After the River Sid bridge take the first turning right at St Peter’s, leading around the back of Sidford, and cross the A375 into Brook Lane.

A footpath leads from the lane to Burscombe Farm.

After the farm turn south on the lane before joining an uphill track, which continues to Hollow Head Cross, a few hundred yards from the starting point at White Cross.

Take time both on the outward and return route to enjoy the spectacular views across the Sid Valley.

This walk route is easy enough to follow if you want to walk it independently.

Alternatively, the East Devon Ramblers will be leading a group walk on Friday, January 15th, starting at 10 am from White Cross car park.

The group’s very experienced chairman, Ted Swan will be leading the way. After approximately an hour, the group will stop for refreshments (bring your own food and drink).

More about the East Devon Ramblers, from David Mason:

If you enjoy the wonderful Devon, Dorset and Somerset countryside and like to see more than is possible from a car window why not try a walk with the East Devon Group of The Ramblers.

The group, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2010, organises four walks a week ranging from five to 14 miles in East Devon, West Dorset, South Somerset and on Dartmoor and Exmoor.

To get started, try a leisurely, five or six-mile walk on a Friday morning.

The walks are normally in East Devon, lasting for two to three hours and can include some hills. A leisurely Sunday walk will normally be seven or eight miles, takes four to five hours and includes a picnic stop.

Again, it is likely to include some hills but is taken at a leisurely pace and with plenty of time to enjoy the views.

For those who want more of a challenge the longer walks on Wednesday and Sunday can take you well off the beaten track in Devon, Dorset and on the moors. These require a good level of walking fitness.

A crisp winter’s day is a great opportunity to get out of the house so if you are interested, give David Mason a call (01297) 23424, or visit the ramblers website: www.ramblers.org.uk, which includes details of the group walks.

Other East Devon Ramblers’ walks include:

Sunday January 17th

Meet at 10am, Salcombe Hill National Trust car park. 10-mile

“Cliff’s rollercoaster” walk along coastal path, via Weston Mouth, Berry Camp, Edge Barton, and Trow. Bring picnic.

Leaders: Cliff and Pam, telephone: (01395) 578699.

Friday January 22nd

Meet 10 am at Newton Poppleford, The Warren car park.

Leisurely five and a half miles Friday morning walk to Stowford, Pound Lane, and Hawkerland.

PICTURE: Views across Otter Valley from White Cross