Autumn is walking season
Autumn is a magical time for walking around East Devon - the air crisps, the colours deepen, and there’s a peacefulness to the landscape that’s often lost in the busier summer months.
The cooler temperatures make walking more comfortable and less of a slog in the summer heat. The crowds have thinned out by mid-September and the early sunsets give a chance for dramatic skies if you time it right. There’s also plenty of wildlife to see: birds on migration, and more visible foxes and deer.
When you stay with us at The Old Bakehouse in Colyton, you can try two of our favourite walks along the Jurassic Coast that really come alive in autumn: the East Devon Way from Colyton to Lyme Regis, and the South West Coast Path stretch from Seaton to Sidmouth via Beer and Branscombe.
Here’s a guide to why each is special in autumn, what to look out for, and tips to make the most of them.
East Devon Way: Colyton ↔ Lyme Regis
This is a nine‐mile (14.4 km) walk, taking roughly 3 hours, along easy to moderate terrain.
You start in Colyton, heading down Dolphin Street, crossing over areas by the River Coly, past an old mill, over fields and footbridges, finally following the River Lym into Lyme Regis.
It’s a calm, restorative walk, with the chance to enjoy golden autumn light as it filters through woodlands, leaves turning burnished reds, oranges and bronze. Mornings and late afternoons are the best time of day, when the light can be atmospheric with mist and low sun. The approach into Lyme is lovely, along quiet riverside paths, before emerging into the bustle of the seaside town.
You can find the full route at: eastdevon-no.org.uk
Practical Tips
Take waterproof and sturdy footwear—ground can be damp or muddy especially under trees or near rivers.
There are signposts: the route is way‐marked with the foxglove or pink arrow markers.
Start earlier in the day to make sure you have plenty of daylight. Maybe plan a stop in Lyme Regis for tea/dinner before heading back or staying overnight.
Check the weather—autumn can bring sudden rain, fog, or wind.
Stunning scenery along the East Devon Way
The bustle of Lyme Regis
The South West Coast Path: Seaton → Beer → Branscombe → Sidmouth
This is a more rugged stretch but richly rewarding. The whole Sidmouth to Seaton section is about 10 miles (16km) and includes steep climbs and descents, with lots of geological interest.
Autumn means fewer people on the pathways and a real chance to find some solitude to soak up the natural sounds of the wildlife and waves meeting the shoreline. Pubs and cafes are still open, but less bustle means you’ll find plenty of stopping options along the walk to Sidmouth.
Key Sections & What Makes Them Special
Seaton to Beer: Starting in our closest seaside town of Seaton, the path goes along the beach, then climbs toward Beer. Views back over Seaton Bay are expansive, and the light can be particularly clear in autumn.
Beer to Branscombe: This section offers geological drama, with transitions from red Triassic sandstone to white chalk cliffs and beautiful cliff‐top views. The undercliff and vegetative zones warmed by summer hold late wildflowers and insects.
Branscombe to Sidmouth: More climbs, ridges, red cliffs giving way to chalk and changes again toward Sidmouth. In autumn the ploughed fields inland contrast with cliffs and sea, there are good chances to see migrating birds, and coastal scrub turning colour.
Challenges & Things to Plan For
The terrain is steeper and rockier than the East Devon Way; expect strenuous bits. Good fitness helps!
Exposure: parts of the trail are unprotected cliff‐edge, so wind can be a factor. Dress in layers.
Refreshments and shelter are more sparse in certain stretches—Branscombe has limited services in winter so plan breaks carefully.
Public transport: check buses (especially returning) because frequency drops in the cooler months.
You can find more detail about this route at: southwestcoastpath.org.uk
Stunning cliff top views of Seaton Beach
Beautiful Beer
Dramatic skies over Sidmouth