This will be our 121st walk and will be in the capable hands, or feet, of Andrew and Caroline.

It should be a very nice gentle stroll around the peninsular south of the village beside the river and sea - with maybe a chance of a paddle or more for the brave.

He wanted me to say that you need "fit hounds and fit people with stout shoes. packed lunch to cope with longish hills." Well I ask you, he's having a laugh: it'll be a doddle as usual. We follow the river bank, whoever heard of a hilly river and as for the seaside, well we all know the Devonian sea will be quite placid.

See you there.

Meet:

Start 10.30am at the village green of Otterton (SatNav of Kings Arms, close by is EX9 7HB) for an approx 5 mile walk along the River Otter and Jurassic Coastal Path with views toward High Peak & Lyme Bay. The walk will encompass the road through the village itself, track, bridleway, open land and the coastal path, which is well defined and safe in most places for nosey hounds. The 'going' is gentle and rolling with a couple of 'moderate' hills. For those that would like to take refreshment after the walk you can use the Kings Arms public house. Otherwise please park tidily in the street.

Directions from M5: Turn off at junction 30 signposted Exmouth A376 and Seaton/Sidmouth (A3052). Go straight across the next roundabout and head for Seaton/Sidmouth on the A3052. A long straight road, you will pass such landmarks as the Westpoint Showground and Crealy Adventure Park. After approx 4.5 miles you will come to a pub on the left hand side called Halfway House. Carry straight on for approx 4 miles and you will come to a mini roundabout at the village of Newton Poppleford. Turn right here on the B3178 to Budleigh Salterton. After 1.5 miles you will pass through the village of Colaton Raleigh. After a further 1.5 miles take the next left (Crossroads with a stone cross) signposted Otterton.

Please do not park directly in front of the thatched cottages opposite the village green which is just past the Mill on the left.

Maps: The route is here. Ordnance Survey Maps: Explorer 115 Exmouth & Sidmouth Pathfinder or 1330 Sidmouth.

Looking towards the River Otter and Budleigh Salterton. Ah, the red soil of Devon.

Click on map to enlarge

River Otter. Doesn't it look lovely? But could be improved by a pack of bassets don't you think?

Towards Ladram Bay & Sidmouth