The River Otter rises, as a trickle, high in the Blackdown Hills, at a point on the slope of North Down. For about two miles it flows through Somerset before passing over the county boundary to Devon. At its southerly end it passes through or near: Ottery St. Mary, Tipton St. John, Venn Ottery, Harpford, Newton Poppleford, Colaton Raleigh, Bicton, Otterton, East Budleigh and finally Budleigh Salterton, lovely walking areas everyone. Half way between Otterton and Budleigh, the river widens into an estuary, but the seas entry is restricted by a natural pebble bar. The estuary is a good place for birdwatching, there is a hide (SX 076827) south east of White Bridge over looking the river and marshland. The keen eyed may also spot kingfisher and mink in this area.
Starting at Otterton or White Bridge (SX 076831) there is a lovely walk following the river Otter to the sea (East side below White Bridge), then turning East, along the cliffs for one and a half miles before turning inland back to your starting place. There are excellent views of sea birds on the cliff face and on the rocks and beach below.
Further Reading:
Along The Otter by Chips Barber, ISBN: 1 899073 42 6
Lots of evidence (foot prints & spraints) of Otter have be seen on our fieldtrips in the area.
