The Otter Valley

East Devon

A Walking Itinerary

Pick a length, plot the river

A suggested source-to-sea route over three days (or three relaxed weekends), broken into three legs, each ending near a pub or a bed. The river itself is approximately 44 km / 27 miles long; the walking route is longer or shorter depending on the rights of way and lanes you join.

The route

33.6 miles · 3 legs

The River Otter itself is approximately 44 km / 27 miles long. Suggested walking, cycling or driving routes may differ — they follow public rights of way, lanes, bridges and access points rather than the river channel. The Otter Valley Trail is a curated guide, not a single continuous waymarked path.

Key
  • Food & Drink
  • Lodging
  • Cider
  • Orchards
  • Trees
  • Other
Leg I12.1 mi · 19.5 km

The Upper Valley

Blackdown Hills to Honiton

Wilderness, hidden springs and traditional markets.

Start Otterford / Upottery · EX14 9QE

Start at Otterford Lakes where the river first runs clear, then follow rural lanes and public footpaths south through Upottery, finishing in the lace-and-antiques town of Honiton.

Why this leg leaves the river In its upper reaches the Otter runs through private farmland with no continuous riverside footpath. The walking line therefore follows the western ridge via Luppitt and Dumpdon Hill — an Iron Age fort and one of the finest viewpoints in East Devon — before rejoining the valley at Honiton.

Stops along the way

  1. 01
    The Sidmouth ArmsUpottery

    A historic coaching inn — the obvious lunchtime stop.

  2. 02
    Honiton Antique & Lace QuarterHoniton

    Famous worldwide for its lace-making heritage; the antique shops are still going strong.

  3. 03
    Thelma Hulbert GalleryHoniton

    Award-winning public gallery for contemporary art and craft in a Georgian townhouse.

  4. 04
    Heron FarmWeston

    Riverside vineyard, kitchen and farm shop on the banks of the Otter and Wolf — beaver and otter spotting from the paths.

    Address
    Heron Farm, Weston, Honiton EX14 3NZ

Where to stay

Town-centre guesthouses or a boutique B&B in Honiton.

Leg II9.6 mi · 15.4 km

The Middle Valley

Honiton to Tipton St John

Cider orchards, ancient churches and local produce.

Start Ottery St Mary · EX11 1DQ

South from Honiton along the valley basin, through Alfington into Ottery St Mary, then on along the riverside to Venn Ottery and finally Tipton St John.

Stops along the way

  1. 01
    The Fat OtterOttery St Mary

    Lunch at The Fat Otter — the independent kitchen that took over the old Rusty Pig site.

    Address
    11A Yonder Street, Ottery St Mary EX11 1HD
  2. 02
    St Mary's ChurchOttery St Mary

    A 14th-century miniature of Exeter Cathedral, with a rare astronomical clock.

  3. 03
    Bowhayes TreesVenn Ottery

    A coffee on the deck, looking out over rows of field-grown trees.

    Address
    Bowhayes Farm, Venn Ottery, Ottery St Mary EX11 1RX
  4. 04
    Bowhayes OrchardsVenn Ottery

    A glass of homegrown cider next to 1,000-year-old St Gregory's Church.

    Address
    Bowhayes Farm, Venn Ottery, Ottery St Mary EX11 1RX
  5. 05
    Bowhayes FarmVenn Ottery

    Glamping bell tents and shepherd's huts on a working farm.

    Address
    Bowhayes Farm, Venn Ottery, Ottery St Mary EX11 1RX
  6. 06
    The Golden LionTipton St John

    Finish the day with a locally sourced supper at the village pub.

Where to stay

A bell tent at Bowhayes Farm, or a room at the Tumbling Weir Hotel in Ottery St Mary.

Leg III11.9 mi · 19.1 km

The Lower Valley

Tipton St John to Budleigh Salterton

Watermills, wetland wildlife and coastal crafts.

Start Otterton / Budleigh Salterton · EX9 6HG

Follow the Otter Valley path south from Tipton St John through Otterton, alongside the wetlands, and out to where the river meets the sea.

Stops along the way

  1. 01
    Otterton MillOtterton

    Watch the wheel turn, browse the gallery, eat freshly baked.

    Address
    Fore Street, Otterton, Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HG
    Hours
    Daily 10.00–16.00 (mill demos Tue & Thu, 11.00 & 14.00)
  2. 02
    Otter Estuary Nature ReserveBudleigh Salterton

    Boardwalks over the saltmarsh — wild beavers, migrating waders, sea lavender in summer.

  3. 03
    Devon Beaver & Wildlife ToursBudleigh Salterton

    A guided dusk walk to see the beavers up close.

    Address
    Meet point shared on booking — typically Lime Kiln car park, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6JN
    Hours
    Tours May–Sep, dusk only · booking essential
  4. 04
    The Longboat CaféBudleigh Salterton

    Coffee, cake and crab sandwiches on the pebbles.

    Address
    Marine Parade, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6NS
    Hours
    Daily 9.00–17.00 (winter to 16.00)
  5. 05
    The Feathers HotelBudleigh Salterton

    A pint and a plate on Budleigh Salterton High Street.

    Address
    29 High Street, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6LE
    Hours
    Bar 12.00–23.00 · Kitchen 12.00–14.30 & 18.00–20.30

Where to stay

A seaside cottage or an independent B&B in Budleigh Salterton.