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East
Devon Holiday Guide
The East Devon Landcape
The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just
that - outstanding!
People have been living and working here for thousands
of years. Their activities, along with nature and the geology
beneath, have helped shape the landscape we see today, so
this is the perfect place to become a landscape detective!
The different types of local building stone give our towns
and villages much of their character. There is a great deal
to discover, from prehistoric deserts, to ancient Bronze Age
burial mounds and historic lookout posts.
Much of East Devon is made up of greensand ridges. These
ridges and valleys characterise the northern and central parts
of the AONB and contrast with the smaller area of coastal
chalk plateaux, the only chalk in Devon and the most westerly
in England. Whilst the western end of the AONB is characterised
by an extensive band of pebble beds.
The coastal scenery varies from estuaries with shingle bars,
to cliff scenery of varying colours, heights and formations.
Lower cliffs of more easily eroded sandstone, marl and pebble
beds form steep faces. Higher cliffs are capped with greensand,
chalk and clay with flints. Where erosion of softer rocks
has undermined the upper layers, spectacular undercliff scenery
is formed, creating havens for wildlife.
Wild days out…
Fire Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve - Once the location
of a Spanish Armada beacon, this heathland overlooking Sidmouth
is a prime vantage point over the surrounding countryside.
See www.eastdevon.gov.uk
for information on Local Nature Reserves and the Education
Ranger service. 01395 517557
Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve
- Wilderness set within the best example of an active landslip
system in Europe.
www.english-nature.org.uk
01626 832330
Woodbury and adjacent commons - Experience the world-class
heathland of the Triassic pebble bed heaths, home to over
70 species of bird, rare butterflies, moths and dragonflies.
www.clintondevon.com
Picturesque villages…
The settlement pattern of scattered villages and isolated
farms, still seen today in the East Devon AONB landscape,
has changed little in the last 400 years. Some grew up around
large estates or around what used to be ports, such as Axmouth.
Many are well worth visiting, with their rich heritage, such
as the Colyford Goose Fayre, and excellent hospitality.
Walking, cycling, horse riding and bus (Traveline 0870 608
2 608 or www.traveline.org.uk)
are all great ways to get out and enjoy the AONB. As you explore
the many high ridges and hills, you will get to experience
some breathtaking and inspirational 'buzzard's eye' views.
East Devon Way - A 40 mile memorable walking experience
linking footpaths, bridleways and stretches of country lanes
to create an inland route from Exmouth, through the AONB to
Uplyme - clearly marked with the foxglove logo. Circular village-based
walks allow walkers to explore further, distinctive areas
of East Devon. www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk
Buzzard route - An 80-mile cycle route around glorious
East Devon that forms part of the Sustrans regional route
number 52. www.sustrans.org.uk
Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton cycleway - An old railway
line ideal for family friendly days out.
Walk through time…
South West Coast Path
In 95 miles of breathtaking coastline, you can walk through
185 million years of history.The rocks beneath the AONB's
beautiful landscape tell another fascinating story - the story
of life on Earth. The geology of East Devon and Dorset is
so special that the coastline has been designated England's
first natural World Heritage Site - the Jurassic Coast. www.jurassiccoast.com.
Tackle 30 miles of the 630 mile South West Coast Path National
Trail, Lyme Regis to Exmouth, or one of the three bite size
circular walks. www.nationaltrail.co.uk/southwestcoastpath
These are just some of the places where you can enjoy its
fantastic scenery, wildlife, heritage, coast and countryside.
East Devon has lots to offer you and your family, with many
places to visit and things to see. To discover more events
and attractions in this special area, visit www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk
or your nearest Tourist
Information Centre.
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