Three Hills walking and hiking route

Walk Instructions

Start Point

Set off from the free car park (situated opposite the church), turn right as far as the telephone box and enter the lane opposite (signpost – White Cross). Cross the driveway to the Manor House, noting the Gate House – 1884.

Pass through two gates then follow the right hand edge of the field, as it gradually curves left towards a stile (bearing the foxglove emblem of the East Devon Way). Keep close to the left hand boundary, cross a stile and turn right along a farm access road.

At a junction turn left walking uphill towards the farmhouse (Goosemoor) then pass through the second gate on the left. This leads into a narrow, yet colourful lane, the borders bedecked with numerous wildflowers and blossom in season.

A waymarked gate denotes the exit point and leads into open fields. Aim for a wide gap in the hedge directly ahead, then rise diagonally towards a stile set in the trees just below the ridge summit.

Keep in close contact with the trees on the left to savour retrospective views when reaching another stile. Maintain the same course across the next field, aiming for a wide gate and stile.

Exit the field and march straight ahead into the pine forest, but do make a brief detour to the right (White Cross – 236m) to experience the extensive westerly views. Ottery St. Mary and its church are prominently displayed far below.

Maintain the same direction after departing from the forest, and when entering another wooded area keep to the main track. Proceed beyond a crossroads, then veer right when the path splits (waymarker).

Emerging from the woodland (information board, no waymark) take the left track across the moorland plateau of Beacon Hill (224m), which soon affords extensive seaward views and the rooftops of Sidford.

Descend an obvious path to arrive at a crossroads and a myriad of waymarks. Veer left along a wide track that rises slightly, to follow a succession of waymarks through woodland where a section of boardwalk has been laid.

Turn left at a path junction and pass through what will undoubtedly be a bluebell paradise in season. Cross a footbridge and a stile, before trudging straight across a field to an exit stile. Turn right to walk downhill on a minor road.

Arriving at the main road cross over and turn left (extreme care hereabouts) to enter Sidford (refreshments, toilets). Proceed through the crossroads in the direction of Lyme Regis passing Bloaters fish and chips, the Blue Ball pub (food etc) before turning left along a secondary road towards Harcombe. Where the bungalows peter out turn right into the driveway to Boswell House, an attractive, well maintained residence, and Knowle House with its tall, imposing gates.

Immediately before the latter, turn left along an enclosed track. Pass through two gates, cross a footbridge and exit a field at a wide gate to arrive at the hamlet of Harcombe (note the Victorian post box). Turn left along the road passing Harcombe Farm, to enter a wide track on the right, opposite Pounds Court garages (no waymarker).

Follow the left curve towards Buckton Farm. Walk beyond the buildings and where the access road curves left, swing sharp right passing through a waymarked gate. The physically demanding terrain starts here. Buckton Hill the challenge. The final hill of the day. Walking straight ahead, make for a gate, situated on the underside of the woodland, (a good vantage point) then follow an obvious path upwards. Turn left at the top and proceed to a wide gate. Cross the field keeping close to the left hand boundary to exit at a stile.

Turn left at a signpost to enter Buckley Plantation, and descend steeply to arrive in a field, with Sidbury in sight. The White Cross, seen earlier, is on the horizon directly in front.

The exit point from the field is almost straight ahead. Entering a second field keep close to the right hand boundary for 25 yards to pass through a hidden gate on the right, then pass to the left side of a barn to reach a stile.

On the road turn right, then left, to enter Sidbury with those exquisite thatched cottages. Note the ancient H.U.D.C. notice near the bridge. At the main road turn right to return to the car park.

Disclaimer: This route was correct at time of writing. However, alterations can happen if development or boundary changes occur, and there is no guarantee of permanent access. These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that neither HPB Management Limited nor any other person connected with Holiday Property Bond is responsible for the safety or wellbeing of those following the routes as described. It is walkers' own responsibility to be adequately prepared and equipped for the ‎level of walk and the weather conditions and to assess the safety and accessibility of the walk.