Take in Otterton and Budleigh Salterton with a walk along the River Otter

Enjoy the summer weather with a walk along the River Otter.

Walk: 6.9 miles

Time: Allow 2½ - 3 hours, or longer if you’re stopping in Otterton for lunch!

Terrain: Mostly flat. Two inclines.

Car park: the walk starts and finishes at Lime Kiln car park, EX9 6JD. The car park is pay and display.

What to bring: suitable footwear, binoculars for along the River Otter. Money for refreshments in Otterton/Budleigh.

The walk: Explore the peaceful River Otter and spot some of the wonderful wildlife which lives here including beavers, otters and kingfishers.

The route:

From here walk away from the sea, taking the path along the river.

The River Otter rises in the Blackdown Hills just inside Somerset. It flows 32km to the western end of Lyme Bay forming a tidal estuary at Budleigh Salterton, part of the Jurassic Coast a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The river flows left to right in front of the distinctive hill, the marsh foreground is separated from the sea by a steep pebble bar and is home to an abundance of bird life.

Walk along the path, passing interpretation on birds, and the Devon Birds hide, where you can stop for a closer look for wildlife.

Follow path until you reach a road. Here turn right over the bridge then take the first left up a track. Follow the path along the river, under the shelter of trees all the way to another road. Here take a left hand turn leading to Otterton. Turn left when you reach Otterton High Street.

Otterton village is well known for its beautifully thatched roofs and quaint cob and brick cottages. Home to one of the oldest working water mills. Visit the mill to learn about the ancient methods used, browse local arts and crafts and enjoy food from the award-winning café/restaurant. The Kings Arms pub is also a popular stop for walkers.

Once you have explored the village, continue along the High Street crossing over the river, then immediately take the footpath on your left. Follow the river. Once you have passed through a gate, take a right hand turn, following the fingerpost sign to Budleigh Salterton.

This path will lead you to a road. Here you can either cross over the road and take the river path to the start or you can add an a little extra (approx. 1.5 miles) to your route by turning right along the road.

Follow the road to a small junction. Turn right at the junction and then cross over the main road. Take the steps which lead to a footpath under a tree canopy.

At the end of the track you will meet a road, turn right up the road then take the first right-hand turn on to Westfield Close.

On Westfield Close, take a right-hand turn down a path marked with a cycling sign. At the end of the track turn left and follow the road down. At the end of this road turn left towards Budleigh High Street.

Budleigh Salterton is a picturesque seaside town. If you’d like to explore the town, visit the High Street and then return to the walking route. The High Street has a gently flowing brook, a museum and some lovely shops and cafés. Did you know that Budleigh Babberton in J K Rowling’s Harry Potter books was named after Budleigh Salterton?

Once you have explored the High Street take the left-hand turn up Victoria Place. Follow Victoria Place up to join the South West Coast Path. Turn left and follow the coastal path along the seafront and back to Lime Kiln car park.

Visit: wildeastdevon.co.uk or contact the team via email: countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk or phone: 01395 517557.