Fire Beacon Hill local nature reserve near Sidmouth is a highly popular, free-to-access destination for dog walkers. Offering panoramic views of Lyme Bay, it features a mixture of woodland, heathland and open grassland with numerous paths, including the East Devon Way.
White Cross Car Park is found at the end of East Hill Strips near Ottery St Mary in Devon. It serves as a key access point for East Hill woods and provides direct access to the neighbouring Fire Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve.
- Facilities: Known for stunning panoramic views over the Otter Valley and contains two benches.
- Management: Forestry England manages the woodland area, which links to Fire Beacon Hill (East Devon District Council) and Core Hill (Woodland Trust).
- Surrounds: The car park is surrounded by conifer plantations. With beech and oak along some of the bridleways.
- Walks: It is a starting point for varied walks, including paths and longer, elevated walks towards Fire Beacon Hill.
- Terrain: Trails in the area are often steep, uneven, and can be muddy. Wheelchairs and pushchairs will have problems on the forest tracks.
- No dog bin, but there is one at Core Copse about a mile away. Some Dartmoor ponies are present in the summer months in certain parts and red Devon cattle during the winter. They help to keep the vegetation under control. Historic Nightjar birds are present during the March to July months – please keep your dog under control.