Coast
Beer to Branscombe — Rattenbury's Run
A classic East Devon coastal walk from Beer to Branscombe, combining white cliffs, the Hooken Undercliff and the story of smuggler Jack Rattenbury.
3moors Verified
This route has been reviewed and prepared by 3moors using mapping, terrain analysis, local knowledge and editorial review.
About this walk
This stretch of the Jurassic Coast feels alive — shifting, slipping, and reshaping itself. From Beer, the path climbs quickly to Beer Head, where the white cliffs glow in the light and the coastline stretches away in both directions. It's open, exposed, and spectacular. Then the route drops to Branscombe Mouth, where the sea meets the pebbled shore. But the real character of the walk comes on the return. The Hooken Undercliff is something else entirely — a tangled, landslip landscape of trees, narrow paths and hidden corners. It's easy to see why this terrain suited smugglers like Jack Rattenbury, offering concealment and confusion in equal measure.
Who this walk is for
Who this walk is for
- ✔Those who enjoy coastal drama and varied terrain
- ✔History and smuggling folklore enthusiasts
- ✔Walkers happy with steep sections and uneven paths
- ✔Dogs welcome (with care near cliffs)
- ✖Not ideal in poor weather or after heavy rain
- ✖Not suitable for young children or nervous walkers
The Experience
• Effort: Moderate with steep sections • Highlight: Beer Head cliffs + Hooken Undercliff • Experience: Coastal drama with hidden, maze-like return • Hook: Smuggling routes and Rattenbury's story
Elevation Profile
Illustrative profileRoute Summary
Start in Beer village. Join SWCP and climb to Beer Head. Follow cliff path to Branscombe Mouth. Drop to beach area (facilities available). Join Hooken Undercliff path. Navigate woodland trail back towards Beer. Rejoin paths near village and finish.
Landscape & History
Beer Head marks one of the most dramatic points on the Jurassic Coast — white chalk cliffs meeting blue water, with views that stretch along the Devon and Dorset coastline.
The Hooken Undercliff was created by a major landslip in 1790, forming a complex, enclosed landscape of tumbled rock, woodland and narrow paths. This terrain was ideal for smuggling: disorienting, well-concealed, and difficult for excise men to patrol.
Jack Rattenbury (1778–1844) was one of the most notorious smugglers along this coast. A Beer native, his memoirs — published in 1837 — give a rare first-hand account of the trade, including the routes, risks and characters involved. Beer Quarry Caves also feature in local smuggling lore, used for storage and concealment.
This walk connects the open drama of the coast with the hidden intimacy of the undercliff — and the history runs through both.
Safety & Conditions
Weather
Cliff edges throughout — keep back from drops and take extra care in wind. Not suitable in poor weather or darkness. Winter conditions make this route more hazardous.
Navigation
Waymarked by South West Coast Path (SWCP). Undercliff paths may close after landslips — always check signage before entering. Route may be muddy and uneven in places.
Livestock & Wildlife
Take care with dogs near cliff edges, ground-nesting birds and wildlife. Keep dogs under control on cliff sections.
Footwear
Good boots recommended. Undercliff paths are muddy and uneven. Steps and steep sections on the cliff path.
Variations
Easier option: High cliff path out-and-back only (omit undercliff return). Extend: Explore Branscombe village (+2–3 km). Reverse route: Start at Branscombe for a different experience.
Access & Parking
Start and finish at Beer village. Car park in Beer or alternative parking at Branscombe. Pubs and cafés in Beer; kiosk and toilets at Branscombe Mouth. Coastal bus routes available.
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Wildlife you might see
Common sightings along this route — based on habitat and recent reports
Peak seasonHerring Gull
marine-life
Peak seasonPeregrine Falcon
bird
Fox
mammal
Season approachingBilberry
plant
Peak seasonMoorland Fungi
fungi
Recent sightings on this walk
Real sightings submitted by walkers on this route
No sightings reported for this walk yet — be the first to add one.
Walk information is based on direct experience and local knowledge. Conditions on the moor can change — always use your own judgement.
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