Otterton Mill and River Otter Walk
Devon
This gentle 6.4km circuit follows the River Otter through quiet East Devon countryside near Budleigh Salterton, starting from the historic Otterton Mill, one of the last working watermills in the county. The route traces the riverbank through water meadows and patches of woodland, with the river running clear and shallow over gravel beds for much of the way. Otters have returned to this stretch, and kingfishers are a regular flash of blue along the banks. The landscape has an intimate, sheltered quality, with high hedgerows and the gentle sound of water throughout. Just 48 metres of climbing makes this entirely flat in character.
Off-lead potential on this dog friendly walk is limited as the route passes through fields where livestock graze regularly, so leads should be kept on through the pastoral sections. The River Otter provides excellent water access for paddling and drinking at multiple points, with shallow gravel margins that suit dogs of all sizes. The paths can be muddy after rain, particularly through the water meadows in winter. Otterton Mill has a café and shop that welcome dogs outside, and the mill itself is worth a look. The walk can be extended to the coast at Budleigh Salterton for a longer day combining river and sea. A calm, undemanding walk that suits older dogs or relaxed outings.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- River, Coastal
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Otterton Mill cafe, Shop, Toilets
- Parking
- Pay and display car park at Otterton Mill
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Otterton Mill and River Otter Walk dog friendly?
Yes, this is a well-suited walk for dogs, earning a solid 8/10 on our dog-friendly rating. The River Otter offers multiple spots for paddling and drinking along the way, with shallow gravel margins that work well for dogs of all sizes. Otterton Mill's café and shop also welcome dogs outside, making it a nice place to stop before or after your walk.
Can dogs be off lead at Otterton Mill and River Otter Walk?
Off-lead opportunities are limited on this route, as the path passes through fields where livestock graze regularly , so you'll want to keep your dog on the lead through those pastoral sections. That said, the River Otter provides plenty of supervised water access at various points along the way, which most dogs find more than enough of a treat.
What should I know before visiting Otterton Mill and River Otter Walk with my dog?
The paths through the water meadows can get muddy after rain, particularly in winter, so it's worth coming prepared with a towel or blanket for the car. At just 6.4km with barely any climbing, this is a calm, undemanding circuit that suits older or more relaxed dogs especially well. There's pay and display parking at Otterton Mill, along with a café, shop, and toilets on site.
What’s Nearby?
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