Walk - Budleigh Salterton to White Bridge

Route Description

This walk is one of a series of walks to be found at www.phototrails.org The website aims "to help everyone discover and enjoy access to the countryside, tailored to their own needs and preferences." It is run by the Fieldfare Trust who work with people with disabilities and countryside managers to improve access to the countryside for everyone.

1. At the northern end of the car park (away from the sea) take the Coast Path to the right as it heads to the banks of the estuary and then curves to the left to travel inland beside the river.

The Otter Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Extending to 24 hectares (just under 60 acres), the valley consists of salt marsh, reed beds, low-lying meadows and pastureland, and it is very fertile, providing habitats for a rich diversity of wildlife. 

The salt marsh vegetation and valuable invertebrate life attract many different species of summer breeding and over-wintering birds. On the eastern side of the pebble ridge it is possible to see cormorants and oystercatchers, while in the seaward and salt marsh areas, wigeon and teal may be seen, along with other migratory ducks, as well as Brent Geese. 

Along the lower part of the estuary the richness of wildlife is supported by a variety of important salt marsh plants. These include glasswort, which is exposed at low tide, and the common cord-grass, whose tall flower spikes remain above the water. Further upstream rushes and reeds predominate, while bushes like hawthorn and blackthorn provide a riot of blossom in the spring and are an important supply of berries for the birds in the autumn. 

Swans and waders are often seen here, as well as herons and the much smaller white egrets. Out over the sea a wide assortment of gulls can be seen wheeling in search of fish. Upstream you may be lucky enough to catch the blue and orange flash of a kingfisher as it hovers over the water in its hunt for food. 

Fish in the river include brown trout, and several sea species like sea trout, grey mullet and even salmon can be seen a long way upstream.

1. When you reach White Bridge on South Farm Road, rest awhile and then retrace your steps along the footpath beside the river.

Public transport

Budleigh Salterton is accessible by bus from Exmouth and Sidmouth. Journey time 15 minutes from Exmouth, 25 minutes from Sidmouth. For timetable information, zoom in on the interactive map and click on the bus stops, visit Traveline or phone 0871 200 22 33.

Parking

Lime Kiln car park (fee payable)

Limited parking on the road running parallel to the seafront