A NEW guide has been launched on how to make the most of a car free and care free day on East Devon's Jurassic Coast.

The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership, joint funded by Natural England, East Devon District Council and Devon County Council, has produced the "ride and stride" leaflet, which gives details of where the bus route links to different access points and attractions along the South West Coast Path between Sidmouth and Seaton.Axe Valley Mini Travel's CoastHopper 899 service makes it easier to discover more about the geology and landscape of this special area.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Chair of the East Devon AONB Partnership and Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "With Branscombe beach having been given the all clear by the National Trust recently, following the MSC Napoli grounding and subsequent clean-up, we are aware that many visitors will want to see the stricken vessel. This guide is a great opportunity to show the different ways people can visit the spectacular coastline at Branscombe and other locations along the coast. Whether it's by bus or walking, people can tour the area while helping to reduce their carbon emissions and minimising traffic congestion in this area."  

The leaflet shows walking times and distances to help plan your journey. It lists plenty of interesting attractions, such as the Norman Lockyer Observatory, the Donkey Sanctuary, Beer Quarry Caves and Pecorama, to take in along the route. It also highlights cafes and pubs offering well deserved refreshments!

Pete Youngman, East Devon AONB Project Officer, said: "When planning your ride and stride day out, I recommend the following; by hopping onto the bus at the start of the day and letting it drop you off at the start of your walk, it takes away any worries about getting to the bus stop on time, allowing you to relax and admire the outstanding views. By taking the bus you also don't have to worry about the narrow lanes and who is going to do the reversing!"

You can download the new  coast_hopper_899_leaflet (904.03 Kb) or it is available from local Tourist Information Centres and libraries. It adds to the family of Jurassic Coast bus travel information developed by Devon County Council and the World Heritage Site team, which includes the CoastlinX53 (Exeter to Bournemouth) and the CoastHopper 157 (Exmouth to Sidmouth).