WALKING ROUTE / DEVON
Exmouth Coastal Loop
The Exmouth Coastal Loop is a varied, rewarding circular route that follows the South West Coast Path out to Sandy Bay, then loops back inland via quiet lanes.
The route at a glance
Why this walking route is worth doing.
The Exmouth Coastal Loop is a varied, rewarding circular route that follows the South West Coast Path out to Sandy Bay, then loops back inland via quiet lanes and cycle paths.
This coastal loop from Foxholes Car Park is a brilliant way to explore Exmouth’s seafront, red cliffs, hidden coves and countryside lanes — all in one go.
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Route overview
The Exmouth Coastal Loop is a varied, rewarding circular route that follows the South West Coast Path out to Sandy Bay, then loops back inland via quiet lanes.
Follow the route
The Exmouth Coastal Loop is a varied, rewarding circular route that follows the South West Coast Path out to Sandy Bay, then loops back inland via quiet lanes and cycle paths.
This coastal loop from Foxholes Car Park is a brilliant way to explore Exmouth’s seafront, red cliffs, hidden coves and countryside lanes — all in one go.
Whether you’re walking, cycling or just out for a scenic wander, this route offers big views, beach stops and plenty of places to refuel.
📍 Start Point
Foxholes Car Park, Exmouth (with public toilets) A handy place to begin, with facilities and direct access to the seafront.
🥾 Route Overview
- Distance: ~10–12 km (6–7.5 miles)
- Time: 3–4 hours (longer with stops)
- Terrain: Promenade, coast path, beach sections, quiet lanes, cycle route
- Difficulty: Moderate (some climbs and steps)
- Best for: Scenic walking, coastal views, family outings, active days out
Places to Stay in Devon
🗺️ Route Breakdown
1. Foxholes Car Park → Queens Drive
Start by heading east along Queens Drive, following the promenade past beach huts and cafés.
2. Join the South West Coast Path
Pick up the South West Coast Path as it climbs gently past Rodney Point and Rodney Bay, offering early views across the bay.
3. Orcombe Point
Reach Orcombe Point, the official start of the Jurassic Coast. The red sandstone cliffs here are iconic and the views are superb.
4. Sandy Bay Beach
Continue along the coast path above Sandy Bay Beach, with options to drop down to the sand if tides and access allow.
5. Littleham Cove & Devon Cliffs Viewpoint
Pass Littleham Cove and pause at the Devon Cliffs Viewpoint — a brilliant spot to take in the coastline and holiday park buzz below.
6. Northview Road → Castle Lane
Leave the coast path and follow Northview Road inland. Turn left onto Castle Lane, a quiet residential stretch.
7. Budleigh Cycle Route → Exmouth
Turn right onto the Budleigh Cycle Route, a smooth, green corridor that leads you gently back into Exmouth.
8. Return to Foxholes Car Park
Loop back to the car park via town paths or the seafront, stopping for food and drink wherever suits — there are plenty of options from beach cafés to pubs and takeaways.
Where to Stay in Exmouth
🍴 Food & Drink Options
- Seafront cafés for ice cream, coffee or fish & chips
- Town centre pubs for a sit‑down meal
- Beach kiosks for quick bites and drinks
💡 Tips for the Walk
- Footwear: Trainers or walking shoes are ideal
- Weather: Coastal sections are exposed — pack layers and sun protection
- Tides: Check tide times if planning to walk beach sections
- Facilities: Toilets available at Foxholes and along the seafront
- Best time: Morning or late afternoon for quieter paths and golden light
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The Exmouth Coastal Loop is a varied, rewarding circular route that follows the South West Coast Path out to Sandy Bay, then loops back inland via quiet lanes and cycle paths.
🌊 Exmouth Coastal Loop – A Scenic Circular Walk from Foxholes Car Park
This coastal loop from Foxholes Car Park is a brilliant way to explore Exmouth’s seafront, red cliffs, hidden coves and countryside lanes — all in one go.
Whether you’re walking, cycling or just out for a scenic wander, this route offers big views, beach stops and plenty of places to refuel.
📍 Start Point
Foxholes Car Park, Exmouth (with public toilets) A handy place to begin, with facilities and direct access to the seafront.
🥾 Route Overview
- Distance: ~10–12 km (6–7.5 miles)
- Time: 3–4 hours (longer with stops)
- Terrain: Promenade, coast path, beach sections, quiet lanes, cycle route
- Difficulty: Moderate (some climbs and steps)
- Best for: Scenic walking, coastal views, family outings, active days out
Places to Stay in Devon
🗺️ Route Breakdown
1. Foxholes Car Park → Queens Drive
Start by heading east along Queens Drive, following the promenade past beach huts and cafés.
2. Join the South West Coast Path
Pick up the South West Coast Path as it climbs gently past Rodney Point and Rodney Bay, offering early views across the bay.
3. Orcombe Point
Reach Orcombe Point, the official start of the Jurassic Coast. The red sandstone cliffs here are iconic and the views are superb.
4. Sandy Bay Beach
Continue along the coast path above Sandy Bay Beach, with options to drop down to the sand if tides and access allow.
5. Littleham Cove & Devon Cliffs Viewpoint
Pass Littleham Cove and pause at the Devon Cliffs Viewpoint — a brilliant spot to take in the coastline and holiday park buzz below.
6. Northview Road → Castle Lane
Leave the coast path and follow Northview Road inland. Turn left onto Castle Lane, a quiet residential stretch.
7. Budleigh Cycle Route → Exmouth
Turn right onto the Budleigh Cycle Route, a smooth, green corridor that leads you gently back into Exmouth.
8. Return to Foxholes Car Park
Loop back to the car park via town paths or the seafront, stopping for food and drink wherever suits — there are plenty of options from beach cafés to pubs and takeaways.
Where to Stay in Exmouth
🍴 Food & Drink Options
- Seafront cafés for ice cream, coffee or fish & chips
- Town centre pubs for a sit‑down meal
- Beach kiosks for quick bites and drinks
💡 Tips for the Walk
- Footwear: Trainers or walking shoes are ideal
- Weather: Coastal sections are exposed — pack layers and sun protection
- Tides: Check tide times if planning to walk beach sections
- Facilities: Toilets available at Foxholes and along the seafront
- Best time: Morning or late afternoon for quieter paths and golden light
Want more? Check out our facebook page
Some of Our Top Posts
Before you go
Practical information.
Terrain
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Accessibility
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Toilets and refreshments
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Dogs
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Safety
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Seasonal considerations
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
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Exmouth Coastal Loop FAQs.
How long is the walk?
~10–12 km (6–7.5 miles)
How much time should I allow?
3–4 hours (longer with stops)
Where does the walk start?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
How difficult is the route?
Moderate (some climbs and steps)
Can I take my dog?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Is the route accessible or suitable for pushchairs?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Are there toilets and refreshments?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
What should I know before setting off?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
When should I walk it?
This detail has not yet been verified for this route. Check the official visitor information before setting off.
Where next?
More walks in Devon.
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