Budleigh Salterton to Otterton Walk

Budleigh Salterton to Otterton Walk

Since the completion of the new lower River Otter restoration project, the Budleigh Salterton River Otter walk has become one of my favourites and most recommended things to do.

The work has seen the re-flooding of the tidal floodplain, new creeks, hedgerows and trees planted,  making it even more wildlife and bird friendly. There are new wildlife viewing platforms and interpretation boards,  so whatever your level of interest in bird watching there is something for you.
For walkers 2 miles of new and refurbished paths have been made accessible, a new 70 meter foot bridge and car park have made the whole site a fantastic new area for walkers, runners and explorers.

Where is the River Otter?

Budleigh Salterton is a popular coastal town that has a long pebble beach and forms part of the Jurassic Coast. It is roughly half way on the popular 12.5 mile section of the South West Coast Path of Sidmouth to Exmouth which makes it a great place to stop for a break. The route will take you through the Lower Otter river estuary.

The River Otter Restoration Project

The River Otter Estuary covers an area of 33 hectares, flanked by the red Triassic sandstone cliffs of Otterton Point it is designated a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The enhanced area includes the fine saltmarsh habitat where over 120 species of bird have been recorded on the site and of  paleontological interest are the  rocks that form part of the Jurassic Coast.

A Choice of Walks along the River Otter

The area offers lovely walks and relatively easy ones as it’s all along the flat.

Either at the start or the end of you walk make sure you pop up onto the beach and enjoy the views of the sea and the estuary  with the iconic row of trees on the cliff edge. There is a lovely pedestrian walk way along the sea front with it’s pretty beach huts in the summer and a cafe in a kiosk.

Parking

My preferred option is to park at Lime Kiln car park near the seafront. (EX9 6JD, Council run, pay and display or RingGo) but the new Otter Estuary Nature Reserve car park is another option (EX9 7AZ).

From Lime Kiln walk with your back to the beach through the car park keep the play park on your left. This will lead you over the new pedestrian bridge.

From here it’s a straight walk with the river estuary on your right and and the wetlands on your left.

2 or 3 mile circular Estuary Walk

The great thing about the new development at Budleigh Salterton is the choice of walks. For those looking for a shorter walk, then the new paths are perfect for anyone short on time, with pushchairs, mobility scooters or younger children. Children will love peering through the peek holes at searching for birds or looking out for beavers and other wildlife.

For a 2 mile walk head up the river until reaching new South Farm Road bridge. Head left along the road and over the bridge and re-join the path on the other side. It’s not a busy road.

For a slightly longer option of just under 3 miles keep going to the next loop known as Big Bank. At very high tides this crossing may be flooded.

5 mile circular walk to Otterton

Keep following the river towards Otterton for a 5 mile loop.

Although generally flat, the path is not fully accessible the whole way along the river to Otterton. At the time of writing there was some repairs being made to the path (hopefully by early 2025 this may be improved).

It is a lovely route along the river with shallow sections perfect for children and dogs to paddle.  If you are keen to look for wildlife then go quietly and look for the beavers which have been recently introduced to the river.

Otterton Mill

Once you reach Otterton the cafe at the mill by the river is a great place to stop, popular for it’s cream teas. There’s also a lovely small shop that’s packed full of goodies and table outside perfect in the summer. On selected days throughout the year you can watch the mill in use and buy the flour.
There is also a pub in the village.

Walk to the South West Coast Path

For a longer walk it’s easy to extend your walk out towards Ladram Bay and along the coast path. Head down past the pub and turn right to pick up a lane heading towards the sea. There’s a choice of paths (see the map below) and more details and photos on this previous coast path post here.

It really is a beautiful area to explore and well worth the time to return more than once.

More details about the Otter Estuary can be found on the Pebblebed Heaths website.