{"id":465,"date":"2026-05-18T11:36:19","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T11:36:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devonlink.co.uk\/blog\/?p=465"},"modified":"2026-05-20T07:37:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T07:37:50","slug":"the-byes-sidmouth-walk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devonlink.co.uk\/blog\/the-byes-sidmouth-walk\/","title":{"rendered":"A Riverside Walk Through Sidmouth\u2019s Hidden Gem \u2013 The Byes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There\u2019s something special about a walk that completely exceeds expectations \u2014 and that\u2019s exactly what happened on our recent visit to Sidmouth and the beautiful riverside area known as The Byes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t visit Sidmouth all that often, mainly because Devon is packed full of amazing places to explore and there\u2019s always somewhere new calling our name. But after hearing so many good things about The Byes, we finally decided it was time to see what all the fuss was about \u2014 and honestly, we\u2019re glad we did.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"River
We loved stopping to listen to the relaxing sound of the River Sid flowing over the rocks.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How We Reached The Byes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To make the day feel even more relaxed, we travelled by bus and arrived at the Triangle bus stop right in the heart of town. Straight away, Sidmouth had that lovely traditional seaside atmosphere \u2014 independent shops, friendly faces, and plenty of character around every corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walking Through Sidmouth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From the Triangle we wandered past Kennaway House and along Church Street, taking our time to browse the mix of local shops along the way. The old-fashioned sweet shop immediately caught our attention, while the tempting smells from Brown\u2019s Kitchen Bakery made it hard not to stop for a treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continuing on towards the old Market area and into Old Fore Street, we found even more independent gems tucked away \u2014 jewellers, gift shops, caf\u00e9s, and quirky little businesses that give Sidmouth its charm. It\u2019s the sort of town where you can happily slow your pace and just enjoy wandering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Independent
Exploring the independent shops and traditional seaside charm of Sidmouth town centre.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Exploring The Byes Riverside Walk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Eventually we made our way down towards Alma Bridge and the riverside area known as The Ham, where our walk alongside the River Sid truly began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost immediately, the atmosphere changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sound of flowing water replaced the bustle of the town, and before long we were watching vehicles carefully crossing a shallow ford through the river \u2014 something you don\u2019t see every day. Crossing over, we soon reached the lovely old Byes Toll Gatehouse, which felt like the unofficial gateway into one of Sidmouth\u2019s hidden gems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And hidden gem really is the best way to describe The Byes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the River Sid northwards towards Sidford, the riverside section of the walk stretched for around 1.8 miles through peaceful parkland, open meadows, wooded areas, and beautifully maintained riverside paths. By the time we\u2019d walked from the Triangle bus stop, explored The Byes and returned back through Sidmouth, we\u2019d covered approximately 4.3 miles in total \u2014 although it certainly never felt that far thanks to the scenery along the way. Every few minutes there seemed to be another little bridge crossing the water, adding even more charm to the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Woodland
The walk passes through peaceful woodland, parkland and open riverside meadows.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wildlife, Bridges and Riverside Views<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What made the walk especially memorable was how relaxing it felt. The gentle sound of the river tumbling over rocks and small cascades created that calming background noise you could happily sit and listen to for hours. Along the way we spotted birds darting through the trees, squirrels playing nearby, and plenty of people simply enjoying the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n