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Newton Poppleford - Colyton

Distance: 16 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
End points:
- Newton Poppleford (Grid Ref SY086898)
- Colyton (Grid Ref SY247943)

Much of this section crosses a quiet and remote, but always very scenic, part of East Devon.

After climbing out of the Otter Valley the Way reaches a tremendous viewpoint at Fire Beacon Hill, before descending gradually into another, parallel river valley, that of the River Sid.

Passing through the picture-postcard village of Sidbury, the valley is then left with a stiff climb to reach a plateau area of heathland and woodland.

There is then a long descent down the beautiful valley of the River Coly to arrive at another superbly attractive village, Colyton.

Mileages between towns on route:
Newton Poppleford-Sidbury: 4.5 miles
Sidbury-Farway: 7 miles
Farway-Northleigh: 0.75 miles
Northleigh-Colyton: 3.75 miles

Public Transport: Buses at Newton Poppleford, Sidbury and Colyton.

Relevant maps/guides: 1:25,000 scale:Explorer no. 115 Exmouth and Sidmouth, 116 Lyme Regis and Bridport

Facilities along route: Shops and pubs at Newton Poppleford, Sidbury and Colyton.

Notes on route: A very steep slope of 110m/360 feet east of Sidbury; another of 80m/260 feet near Farway; otherwise generally level.