SOUTH WEST
02. DEVON, BUDLEIGH SALTERTON
Distance: 5.8 miles/9.3km | Time: 3.5 hours | Grade: Moderate | Total ascent: 123m
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River views, sea views, even beaver views if you arrive at dusk, this walk has them all. But the hero view comes at just 62m above sea level as you top Brandy Head to gaze across Lyme Bay over the shingle beach of Budleigh Salterton and its fabulous red cliffs.
Wander past breeding birds on the saltmarsh of the Otter Estuary, enjoy Devon lanes and rolling fields, then emerge on to the South West Coast Path (SWCP) for views towards Portland and Torbay.
1. START
Leave the car park to follow the SWCP inland along the course of the River Otter. The information boards will help you identify the abundant birdlife.
2. 1.5 MILES
Carry on up the river for about two miles to cross at the Clamour Bridge footbridge. Rather than being named for its modern metallic sound, this bridge would have originally been a Devon ‘clammer’ or stone slab. Climb to the lane to spot two stone pillars, then turn right to walk away from them.
3. 1.9 MILES
Follow the bridleway signs carefully to enter the green lane that will take you to Colliver Cross. At the top of the lane turn right then left down the unmetalled road.
4. 2.4 MILES
After about 300 metres, you will see a permissive path link to the SWCP on the right. Take this and continue round past the water works. You will start to spot the red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to your left as you continue.
5. 2.7 MILES
When you reach the coast path, turn right towards Budleigh Salterton. Looking ahead you will see Brandy Head Observation Post. This is one of the few steep climbs on this walk but the benches and vistas when you get there are worth it. On a clear day you can see all the way round the eastern coast of Lyme Bay to the wedge-shaped mass of the Portland peninsula.
As you reach the high point just before Brandy Head, the views towards Budleigh Salterton and the western reaches of Lyme Bay reveal themselves.
You can tell from the disappearing fence line here, how quickly this part of the coast is receding.
6. 4.2 MILES
You will get plenty more time to admire the view as you head down towards Danger Point and Otterton Ledge. There is no safe access across the River Otter to Budleigh Salterton here, so you will need to follow the coast path up the river.
7. 5.1 MILES
After some fields and a boardwalk, cross the Otter at the bridge by South Farm Court. Then turn left to head back the way you came along the river path to the car park.
USEFUL INFO
Starting point
The walk starts at Lime Kiln Car Park in Budleigh Salterton (charges apply). 1 Granary Lane, Budleigh Salterton EX9 6JD.
Buses with train connections are available from Exeter Bus Station. There are public toilets just along the seafront.
Terrain
Not wheelchair or pushchair friendly. Mostly on unpaved footpaths and lanes, with one short, steep section of coast path. Includes sections of unfenced cliff.
Map
OS Explorer 115
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