Peak Hill
1 / 10

Peak Hill

4.7
·47 reviews·, United Kingdom

A steep, rewarding climb offering breathtaking coastal views, sea stacks, and a path to Sidmouth's charm.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Clearer skies, better light

CrowdLow
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Peak Hill

Peak Hill

Best Time

Morning

Clearer skies, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A steep, rewarding climb offering breathtaking coastal views, sea stacks, and a path to Sidmouth's charm.

4.7
(47 reviews)

"Steep, rugged path with lovely views from the way up at at the top!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path is steep and rugged; good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable climb. :athletic_shoe:

Take Your Time

Plenty of benches are available for rest stops, allowing you to enjoy the journey and views. 🌊

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 47 reviews

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Summit Triangulation Pillar

Summit Triangulation Pillar

Summit

Reach the top for panoramic views from the triangulation pillar. A true marker of your achievement.

Sea Stack Views

Sea Stack Views

Ladrum Bay side

Marvel at the dramatic sea stacks visible from Peak Hill, especially on the approach from Ladrum Bay.

Sidmouth Coastal Panorama

Sidmouth Coastal Panorama

Ascent from Sidmouth

Enjoy breathtaking views back towards Sidmouth as you ascend this impressive coastal hill.

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Planning Your Visit

Steep Ascent, Rewarding Views

Prepare for a steep, rugged climb up Peak Hill. While challenging, the effort is rewarded with stunning coastal and sea stack views. Plenty of benches offer rest stops along the way, making it manageable for most.

Dog-Friendly Coastal Path

Peak Hill is a fantastic spot for dog walkers, offering a great route along the coastal path. Remember to keep dogs on a lead where necessary, especially near the cliff edges.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Clearer skies, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best day trips from Christchurch (under 2 hours drive) 🙌 #4 — Peak Hill ✨ A must-do hike in New Zealand if you’re up for a short slog. If you’d prefer the views from the bottom without effort, Lake Coleridge is well worth a visit. Such a stunning day trip from Christchurch. Find this on the Roady app 🧡
roadynz
577 likes • 32.2K views

Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path is steep and rugged; good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable climb. :athletic_shoe:

Take Your Time

Plenty of benches are available for rest stops, allowing you to enjoy the journey and views. 🌊

In 1985, Michèle Mouton shattered the Pikes Peak Hill Climb course record by 13 seconds. In the latest episode of the RACER Debrief podcast, Mouton reveals the pivotal moment where she committed herself 110%. #RACER
racer.hq
2.3K likes • 41.1K views
During the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, driver Jeremy Foley and his co-driver launched off the ‘Devil’s Playground’ section, rolling their car multiple times down a mountainside. Amazingly, both survived with only minor injuries.
badlydrivers
20.3K likes • 851.2K views

Dog-Friendly Adventure

A great walk for dogs, with access to the coastal path. Keep them on a lead near cliffs. 🐕

Capture the Scenery

The views are stunning in all directions, especially of the sea stacks and Sidmouth. 📷

We are proud to announce the induction of the legendary Michèle Mouton into the Pikes Peak Hill Climb Hall of Fame! 🏆 Her sheer determination, courage and skill set her apart from the competition, resulting in a new course record and becoming the first and only woman to earn the prestigious “King of the Mountain” title in 1985 with the Audi Sport Quattro. Read more in the official release and ch...
pikespeakhillclimb
5.3K likes • 68.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Wear Sturdy Shoes

The path is steep and rugged; good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable climb. :athletic_shoe:

Take Your Time

Plenty of benches are available for rest stops, allowing you to enjoy the journey and views. 🌊

Dog-Friendly Adventure

A great walk for dogs, with access to the coastal path. Keep them on a lead near cliffs. 🐕

Capture the Scenery

The views are stunning in all directions, especially of the sea stacks and Sidmouth. 📷

What Travellers Say

4.7
(47 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Peak Hill for its stunning coastal views and rewarding climb. The steep, rugged path is noted as challenging but manageable with rest stops, and the panoramic vistas, especially of the sea stacks and Sidmouth, are a major highlight. It's also a popular and enjoyable spot for dog walkers.

"A steep climb up a grassy hill that begins just above Connaught Gardens and Jacob's Ladder. At the top there's a gate out on to the road, and a signpost directing you through a wooded area to the coastal path and clifftop views. Did not go all the way to the top, but I enjoyed a lovely view back towards Sidmouth as I climbed the hill. Plenty of benches on the way up if you need to rest. A great place to walk a dog."

Valerie Hinchliffe

"Excellent view from the triangulation pillar on the summit of Peak Hill. Steep rugged path to the top needs care especially coming back down."

Brian Buckland

"Lovely walk up from Ladrum bay to Sidmouth over Peak Hill. Superb views of the sea stack on the Ladrum Bay side."

James L

What People Like

Stunning coastal views
Rewarding steep climb
Sea stack scenery

What People Dislike

Steep and rugged path

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Peak Hill is easily accessible from Sidmouth. You can start your climb from Connaught Gardens and Jacob's Ladder. The path is well-marked, beginning just above these popular spots. Reddit

Parking is available in Sidmouth town center, with various car parks leading you towards the start of the Peak Hill trail. Consider parking near Connaught Gardens for direct access. Reddit

Yes, a lovely walk connects Ladrum Bay to Sidmouth over Peak Hill. This route offers superb views of the sea stacks near Ladrum Bay. Reddit

Sidmouth is served by local bus routes, making it accessible without a car. From the town center, it's a straightforward walk to the base of Peak Hill. Reddit

Starting from Sidmouth, near Connaught Gardens, is a popular choice. Alternatively, you can begin from Ladrum Bay for a different perspective. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Peak Hill is a natural landmark and part of the coastal path, so there is no entrance fee. Access is free for all visitors. Reddit

Peak Hill is accessible at all times, as it's an outdoor natural area. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

There's no need to book tickets or make reservations. Peak Hill is a public access area, and you can visit anytime. Reddit

The main consideration is the steep and rugged nature of the path, which requires care. Always be mindful of the coastal environment and weather conditions. Reddit

Yes, Peak Hill is open year-round. However, weather conditions can affect the path's safety, especially in winter. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The climb is described as steep and rugged. While challenging, there are benches along the way to rest. Reddit

Expect stunning panoramic views of the coastline, Sidmouth, and dramatic sea stacks, particularly from the summit triangulation pillar. Reddit

The steep and rugged path might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Supervise children closely due to the cliff edges. Reddit

Absolutely! Peak Hill is a great place to walk a dog, offering access to the coastal path. Ensure your dog is on a lead near the cliffs. 🐕 Reddit

The time taken varies depending on your fitness and how often you stop. A moderate pace with rests could take around 1-2 hours for the round trip. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit with its triangulation pillar offers a great vantage point. Also, capture the sea stacks from the Ladrum Bay side and the sweeping views back to Sidmouth. Reddit

Mornings often provide clearer skies and softer light, while late afternoons offer the 'golden hour' for dramatic, warm lighting. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A telephoto lens can help isolate the sea stacks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan for long exposures. 📷

The steep path requires careful footing, so be mindful when handling your camera. Weather can change quickly, so protect your gear from wind and rain. Reddit

Drone usage may be restricted in certain coastal areas. Always check local regulations before flying. The views from the ground are spectacular enough! :iphone:

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