People heading out for walks on the South West Coast Path are being asked to avoid the most popular areas, to reduce the risk of erosion.

With more people enjoying local walks during lockdown, along with the effect of winter weather, the South West Coast Path Association has warned that parts of the route have been damaged.

The association is also anxious that people should observe social distancing and the 'rule of six' when using the path.

Spokeswoman Becky Millington is asking local residents to 'think about going a bit broader and not just hitting those honey-pot sites that we all know about'.

She said these sites tend to be located near beaches, especially those with facilities nearby - and suggested that instead, people explore some of the circular routes that take them inland as well as along the coast.

Some of the South West Coast Path routes around the Sidmouth area are: Sidmouth to Seaton, Sampling Salcombe Hill, Salcombe Hill (a longer walk), and Peak Hill.