Rural Footpaths

Footpath availability has always been important at the SVA as shown by the following statement of intention made at the Founding Meeting in 1846:

'… preserving and securing to the Public the use of such paths both in this and adjoining Parishes, as it may appear they have been accustomed, and entitled to enjoy.' Minutes of the Sidmouth Improvement Committee, 1846 (later to be the Sid Vale Association).

Within the Sid Valley there are 39 miles of footpaths and 20 miles of bridleways. For around 30 years the SVA organised teams to carry out an annual survey of the condition of these rights of way. This work now falls to the Parish Paths group, funded by the EDCC, which exists to ensure that the entire rights of way network is legally defined, properly maintained and well publicised and is a way of involving local communities or groups in the management of the local path network. To find out more about the Parish paths Partnership, click here.

The SVA continues to maintain paths across its land and members also lead regular walks, (listed in the SVA Events diary).

Sid Valley Ring

Launched at the 2019 Sidmouth Walking Festival, the Sid Valley Ring route was created by Sidmouth Town Council and the Sid Vale Association using existing footpaths around the town. Read more...

Contact Us

If you would like to be involved in this sort of activity, please contact Phil Bradbury, Footpaths Liaison Officer on footpaths@sidvaleassociation.org.uk