Donkey Sanctuary, Branscombe and Weston Mouth Beach
6 people attending
14 places left
Meet travelling ODL members on holiday from up north on this walk!
We meet at the entrance to The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth to walk inland along country lanes to Branscombe and return along the cliff top paths via Weston Mouth beach.
Some of us will arrive an hour before the walk start time for a cooked breakfast at the Donkey Sanctuary cafe where you can watch the donkeys while you eat. Please join us if you wish.
Branscombe is beautiful, famous for being the longest village in England and for the MSC Napoli shipwreck during a huge storm in January 2007. The vessel, carrying over 2,300 containers, was severely damaged and beached at Branscombe. Hundreds of people plundered the scattered goods, including motorcycles!
There will be time to stop for an Ice Cream before we loop round through the village and head back along the cliff top back along the coastal path to Weston Mouth where we will stop for a swim at the clothing optional beach!
From the beach we head up the hill back to the The Donkey Sanctuary to explore the gardens and maybe get lost in the maze.
Dogs are welcome but owners must ensure they are kept under control at all times.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Image Credits: Images taken by event leader, Stephen Clifford, with permission for ODL use.
Donkey Photo © Copyright [Lewis Clarke] and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
What to bring
Anyone new to walking may wish to draw from the following as required:
Suitable well-fitted walking footwear is most important to keep you safe and comfortable. Sturdy trainers with cushioned soles and a good grip are often suitable but proper walking boots or shoes in wet conditions or on uneven ground are preferable. Smooth soles with no grip are not suitable. Thick, well-fitted socks cushion your feet, help to keep you dry, and prevent blisters.
Layers of clothing you can easily put on and take off according to changing temperature and weather conditions help to keep you warm and comfortable. Choose a base layer (vest or t-shirt), a mid layer (micro-fleece or long-sleeved shirt), and in cooler weather add an outer layer (windproof jacket or thick fleece). Breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry more quickly. Synthetic trousers are lighter and dry quicker than denim. Large pockets are useful.
Avoid jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, and take ages to dry out. On warm days shorts may be suitable, but consider rough foliage such as brambles or nettles on some routes. Check for ticks when walking through long grass, etc. with bare legs.
A hat or cap keeps your head and eyes shaded in direct sun. Sunglasses protect your eyes from glare and make it easier to see where you are going. Sun block is advisable during prolonged exposure. In colder weather or a biting wind, a hat, scarf and gloves are essential.
Bring waterproofs to stay dry in wet weather. Water resistant fabric loses effectiveness over time. It will need to be re-proofed or replaced periodically. Bring a towel and a set of dry clothes to change into if possible. A backpack rain cover helps to keep belongings dry. Gaiters are optional and help to keep lower legs and feet dry. An umbrella is impractical while walking.
A comfortable backpack of 20 to 30-litre capacity, allowing you to use your arms freely, is suitable for most day walks.
Walking sticks are optional and may assist when climbing or descending, or on uneven ground.
Bring any essential medicine you may need during the day for any on-going ailments or conditions, such as hay-fever or diabetes.
Food & drink
Bring plenty of drinking water. We will make time to stop and eat a packed lunch. There will be opportunities to buy food and drink en route. Join us to eat breakfast at the Donkey Sanctuary before the walk starts if you wish.