The 2025 Sidmouth & East Devon Walking Festival will run from Saturday 13th to Friday 19th September 2025. It is supported by members of East Devon Ramblers with help from Sidmouth Town Council.
This year’s offering of over 30 varied, mostly free, guided walks includes 12 different Coastal and Countryside walks, and for the first time 6 circular walks based on different parts of the East Devon Way. The popular specialist walks include a stroll around Sidmouth’s churches, a boat trip, a tramway ride, and specially arranged guided tours of the Donkey Sanctuary, Cadhay House & Gardens, & Exeter’s historic Quayside. There is something for everyone and all levels of walking ability are catered for.
The new circular walks, all leading from starting points on the East Devon Way, showcase the variety of the East Devon countryside. They range in length from 4.5 to 11 miles and were designed by a partnership between East Devon Natural Landscape and East Devon Ramblers.
New Specialist Walks include –
Seaton Tram ride with visit to historic Colyton. Enjoy a 3-mile tram ride through the glorious Axe Valley to arrive in Colyton where an experienced guide will introduce some of the historic buildings in this charming small market town.
Donkey Sanctuary VIP Experience. This walk provides a behind the scenes tour of this award-winning attraction. A member of staff will lead the group on a guided tour of the sanctuary, meeting many donkeys while taking in the stunning views.
Cruise and historic Exeter walk. Enjoy a 2.5-hour cruise from the seaside town of Exmouth, to reach the historic Exeter Quay. There one of the Exeter ‘Red Coats’ guides will provide an informative history walk around the canal basin.
Historic Cadhay House and Garden with cream tea. This will include a short walk into Ottery St Mary, the birthplace of Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Cadhay, an enchanting Tudor Manor House. This features a guided tour of the house and gardens, followed by a Devon Cream Tea.
Cllr Edward Willis Fleming, Chair of the Tourism & Economy Committee on Sidmouth Town Council said: “Sidmouth Walking Festival provides local people and visitors with a unique opportunity to discover East Devon’s varied and exceptional natural landscape in a sustainable way that also promotes health and wellbeing. As with so many of the events that make Sidmouth a special place to live and visit, the Walking Festival’s greatest strength is its team of committed and enthusiastic volunteers. The Town Council is grateful to all those who give their time to make the Festival such a great event.”
The full programme is now available from East Devon Tourist Information Centres and most accommodation providers & pubs. This year, for the first time, Visit Sidmouth have enabled potential visitors to download the full programme in advance.
All walks promoted will be led by an experienced local walker who will share local knowledge, and history of some of parts of East Devon which you might not have stumbled upon otherwise. As most walks are free of charge, there is a limit on numbers and all places need to be booked in advance. Bookings can be made in person at Sidmouth’s Tourist Information Centre or by email to tic@sidmouth.gov.uk or phone 01395 516441.
Summary of walks for 2025, download full programme for details.