Sidmouth and The Donkey Sanctuary

Our last day in Sidmouth and east Devon sadly. The plan had originally been to do a circular walk of around five miles taking in the Donkey Sanctuary. However after a leisurely breakfast and  a last wander down to the seafront time was against us.  

It has taken this long to discover 'The Byes Riverside Walk' ... We had previously walking up and down the High Street. 

It's a gentle walk between the Sidmouth Toll House and Sidford, partly beside the River Sid, flanked by pleasant meadows. It really is a beautiful green corridor of calm. 

As we progress towards the sea we find a ford through the River Sid. I notice that cyclists are not allowed to cross as deemed too dangerous!

 

The charming and unusual little toll house is thought to have been built for the Honiton and Sidmouth Turnpike Trust in 1817.

A small cottage in the Classical style with a small blue plaque indicates its origins as a toll house. The building is well cared for by the local council. It is Listed Grade II.

I have noticed a lot of blue plaques dotted around Sidmouth. In total there are 64. to commemorate notable buildings, or buildings associated with former notable residents of Sidmouth's historic past.  

I particularly liked the one one the remaining wall of what remains of the old jail complete with bars. Built around 1862, the jail had two small cells with barred windows and a slate roof. Next to it were two police cottages. The jail remained here until the 1890s.  

 

Saying goodbye to Sidmouth and hopefully not for the last time we move on to The Donkey Sanctuary. A British Charity devoted to the welfare of Donkeys. Founded by Elisabeth Svendsen in 1969 it is now one of the largest equine charities in the world. 

Many donkeys arrive at the charity because they are unwanted or have been neglected. But others are donated because of health reasons, companionship or the owner's circumstances have changed.

The main headquarters of the Donkey Sanctuary in Devon is open to the public 365 days a year from 9.00am to dusk with free admission and parking!

 

 

 

Donkeys of all ages live at the farm but a large percentage are elderly animals that remain there in order to be close to the veterinary hospital. Common problems for donkeys arriving at the clinics include signs of exhaustion, malnutrition and ailments of the teeth and feet.

Just inland from the Jurassic coast it is a beautiful and safe place for the donkeys to call home.

You can even adopt one of these creatures for just £3 a month. Sadly you can't one home, but you can be kept updated with what they are up to.

With support and funding donkeys are being helped not just in the UK but all over the world. It's a very quick stop off on our journey home and I'm sure we will visit again for longer in the future.