River Sid & Soldiers Hill Walk, Roncombe Valley, Devon

Continue through the parkland (The Byes / Sid Meadow) beyond the Toll Gate, following the upstream course of the River Sid. Use any of the first three bridges to cross the river. 200 yards above the third bridge, cross a tributary stream by footbridge and pass through the gate into Margaret’s Meadow. At the gate out of the meadow, turn right to pass Gilchrist Field on the right. Beyond the field, turn right on the path to Fortescue.

Recross the River Sid and pass through two gates into Fortescue.

At the road junction, swing left to pass a telephone box. 50 yards beyond, turn right into Griggs Lane, following the signpost to Salcombe Regis. A steep climb ensues.

Entering the trees, maintain the previous line toward Soldier’s Hill, taking in first 48 steps and then another 32 along the way. Where the ground levels out, cross a stile and continue straight on through the edge of the wood. Throughout the wood, a bluebell wonderland awaits (in season).

Another stile exits the woodland, then cross the field keeping close to the left hand boundary. A gate leads out onto a road. Turn right, pass the memorial (Soldier’s Hill) heading in the direction of Sidmouth. Pass the entrance to the Scout Field on the right, and in 100 yards pass through a gate on the left and enter the woodland. After five minutes a major footpath junction is encountered. Turn right along the edge of the wood and right again at a barn to return to the car park.