Skip to content
The stream that runs the waterwheel for Manor Mill
The stream that runs the waterwheel for Manor Mill | © National Trust Images / David Sellman
Devon

Branscombe village walk

A short circular walk around the historic, beautiful village of Branscombe. Explore the village, take in coastal views, discover nature and perhaps stop for a drink or tasty treat at the Sea Shanty or Old Bakery Cafés.

Total steps: 5

Total steps: 5

Start point

Branscombe National Trust car park, EX12 3DB. Grid ref: SY197887.

Step 1

From the car park, cross the main street and head through the gate, past the toilets and information room to the Old Bakery. From here follow the path and cross the zig zag bridge, then follow the leat that channels water all the way to Manor Mill. Manor Mill operated as a corn mill from 1700 until 1939. Check the website for up-to-date opening times for the Mill.

Step 2

Walk down the track in front of the Manor Mill and then go through the gate on the right, following the surfaced path all the way to Branscombe Mouth. The path ends at the Sea Shanty Café.

Step 3

After exploring the beach, go through the gate and head up the steep path to West Cliff. The path passes a private home called the Lookout and two Second World War pillboxes. In spring this hillside is covered in wild flowers and butterflies. Keep following the path up to the viewpoint and then head through the woods, taking in the views of Branscombe village through the gaps in the trees.

Step 4

Turn right, down the hill, and carry on carefully down another steep slope until you reach the church.

Step 5

At the church, turn right and walk along the road passing the picturesque thatched cottages that Branscombe is so famous for. After passing Forge Cottage, on your left will be the Old Forge. This completes your walk.

End point

Branscombe National Trust car park, EX12 3DB. Grid ref: SY197887.

Trail map

Map showing the route of Branscombe walk
Branscombe village walk route map | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey

You made it

Share your experience

More near here

A view of the shoreline with the coastline in the background at Branscombe beach, Devon
Trail
Trail

Branscombe to Beer coastal walk 

Enjoy this scenic coastal walk in Devon, taking in the seaside village of Beer and Branscombe beach, where you can still see the anchor of MSC Napoli which grounded there in 2007.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 6 (km: 9.6)
Shipload Bay at East Titchberry, North Devon
Trail
Trail

East Titchberry circular walk 

Explore this circular coastal walk at East Titchberry near Hartland Point, with stunning views along the South West Coast Path.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 3 (km: 4.8)
A view up the River Teign seen from the gorge walk at Castle Drogo, Devon in autumn
Trail
Trail

Teign Gorge classic circuit 

Follow the breathtaking Hunters Path high above the river Teign for chances to spot wildlife and stunning views. The path then drops down into the beautiful woodland as you follow the river back to Castle Drogo.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 4.1 (km: 6.56)
Visitors walking alongside the Plym Estuary at Saltram, Devon
Trail
Trail

Saltram boundary walk 

Enjoy an easy circular walk following the perimeter of the Saltram estate, offering views of the Plym Estuary and Blaxton saltmarsh.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6)

Get in touch

Our partners

Cotswold Outdoor

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.

Visit website 

You might also be interested in

Blacksmith sends sparks flying at the anvil inside at Branscombe, Devon
Article
Article

Things to do in Branscombe 

Branscombe is part of the Jurassic Coast, but Branscombe has more than just the beach to explore. Discover the 18th-century forge and Manor Mill, restored and in full working order.

Visitors walking in the grounds at Knightshayes, Devon

Walking in Devon 

From rugged coastline with captivating views to gentle woodland strolls, these are some of the best walks in Devon this winter.

An aerial view of an adult and baby walking a dog along a path at Baggy Point, Devon
Article
Article

Staying safe at National Trust places 

The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.
Article
Article

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

A family walking alongside Lake Windermere at Fell Foot during winter, Cumbria

Walking 

Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.

A man and a woman enjoy the view whilst walking in the Peak District
Article
Article

Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner 

Learn about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor. Find out how they help us care for precious places and the exclusive discount available for National Trust supporters.