It’s not often you get to rediscover a piece of nature as it once existed hundreds of years ago. 

Thanks to the Lower Otter Restoration Project, this section of Otter Estuary has been transformed back to its early 19th century state, reverting manmade changes to the river’s course which were carried out in favour of agriculture, a railway line and a refuse tip.

Today, while we’re unlikely to see the 100-tonne ships that once travelled along the river all the way up to Otterton, it’s the restored biodiversity and improved wildlife habitats that shape this new landscape, with better ability to cope with flooding events and an improved site for visitors to come and enjoy nature.

The walking route starts from the back of the car park, where it’s all change from the offset. A viewing area invites you to spot various birds like egrets and curlew, while giving more information on the wildlife that can be found here – including the first wild breeding population of Eurasian beavers in England for over 400 years. 

A map is available here showing you how to extend your route further up the estuary to ‘Big Bank’ before crossing and looping back. (!) Be advised that the path across here cannot be passed at high tide – check before starting your walk.

(1) Follow the path towards and across the new Elizabeth Bridge spanning the estuary, signposted coast path Ladram Bay. This tidal section of the estuary hasn’t seen flow in over 200 years!

Continue along the path and enjoy walking between the Otter Channel and the salt marsh and intertidal mud flats on your left. There are great viewing opportunities on each side here, allowing you to view reed beds and birdlife, and with benches and information to learn more.

After some time you’ll reach the newly improved South Farm Road which spans the tidal creeks. (2) If following the longer route, you can continue onwards across the road, otherwise immediately before this, take the path on your left and follow the path through this open stretch to another large viewing area, looking back towards the coast.

(3) Continue on this path to the other side of South Farm Road where you will rejoin the return path. You can view the northern mud flats and see Northern Big Marsh, as well as the new Budleigh Cricket Club which has been relocated to avoid the regular flooding it saw in the past.

(4) The return path is much more open, offering further views of the estuary before bringing you back to the car park where you started.