The Otter Estuary

Recommended by
Our view
"Along the banks of the peaceful River Otter to the pebble ridge at Budleigh Salterton."
Walk directions

The walk starts on the west side of White Bridge. Pass through a small gate, following Coast Path signs to Budleigh Salterton along the right bank of the river. This popular part of the path is very level and well surfaced. The large pebble bar at the mouth of the estuary can be seen ahead, created by a huge storm: plans to blast a shipping channel through this were dropped with the coming of the railway in 1897.

The Coast Path runs along an embankment, built by Napoleonic prisoners of war as part of a scheme to drain the land to form the meadows seen today. Pass a bird hide overlooking the Otter, in which there is information about identifying birds seen on the water and in the saltmarsh. Soon after, the path bears right past the cricket pitch to meet a footpath post, with the Coast Path signed ahead.

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Location
Additional information
  Terrain  - Good level paths, some muddy after wet weather
  Landscape  - Riverside meadows and saltmarsh
  Dog friendliness  - Keep on lead through nature reserve
  Parking  - Laneside parking near White Bridge
  Toilets en route  - In Limekiln car park, Budleigh Salterton
About the walk
Peaceful, tranquil, lush, idyllic – these are all words that can apply to this stroll along the banks of the River Otter. As the river wends its way to meet the sea just east of Budleigh Salterton, its lower reaches are a haven for a wealth of birdlife. The combination of the serene river meadows...
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About the area
Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape, with its magnificent coastlines, two historic cities, the world-famous Dartmoor National Park and south Devon’s glorious English Riviera. A fashionable and much-loved holiday destination, hiking and cycling in the National Parks is extremely popular among visitors, with a great choice of off-road routes.
Area image

The Otter Estuary

Recommended by
Our view
"Along the banks of the peaceful River Otter to the pebble ridge at Budleigh Salterton."
Family friendly
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Good level paths, some muddy after wet weather
  Landscape - Riverside meadows and saltmarsh
  Dog friendliness - Keep on lead through nature reserve
  Parking - Laneside parking near White Bridge
  Toilets en route - In Limekiln car park, Budleigh Salterton
About the walk
Peaceful, tranquil, lush, idyllic – these are all words that can apply to this stroll along the banks of the River Otter. As the river wends its way to meet the sea just east of Budleigh Salterton, its lower reaches are a haven for a wealth of birdlife. The combination of the serene river meadows...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

About the area
Area image
Devon
Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape, with its magnificent coastlines, two historic cities, the world-famous Dartmoor National Park and south Devon’s glorious English Riviera. A fashionable and much-loved holiday destination, hiking and cycling in the National Parks is extremely popular among visitors, with a great choice of off-road routes.