Devon · MMXXVI

The Otter Valley

A Walking Itinerary

Pick a length, plot the river

Or pick by valley section

If you've only got a day, the lower valley is the easiest to reach and the easiest to walk. Flat surfaced paths, a watermill café, the chance of a beaver sighting at dusk and the sea at the end. About 5–6 miles return.

The route

4.1 miles · 1 leg

Leg I4.1 mi · 6.7 km

A Day on the Lower Otter

Otterton Mill to the Estuary

The most accessible stretch — watermills, wild beavers and the sea.

Start Otterton · EX9 7HG

Park at Otterton Mill (free for café customers) or Lime Kiln in Budleigh Salterton. Walk the riverside path south through the Lower Otter Restoration Project to the estuary, then on to the pebble beach at Budleigh. Lunch at the mill or fish and chips on Marine Parade. Catch the Stagecoach 157 back to your start.

Stops along the way

  1. 01
    Otterton MillOtterton

    Stoneground flour, a bakery and a café in a working watermill.

  2. 02
    Otter Estuary Nature ReserveBudleigh Salterton

    Boardwalks over the saltmarsh; the hide at the southern end is best at falling tide.

  3. 03
    The Longboat CaféBudleigh Salterton

    Coffee and crab sandwiches on the pebbles before the bus back.

Where to stay

Day trip — no overnight needed. Park-and-walk: 5–6 miles, mostly flat.