Ottery St Mary to Tipton St John Walk |
A delightful walk along the river Otter to Tipton St John and back through rural Devon.
 | What to See |
River Wild Life
Archimedes screw
 | KIngs Arms Inn Tedburn St Mary |
 | near hospital |
Difficulty:
Distance:6.5 miles
It follows part of the Otter Valley Way from Feniton to Budleigh Salterton & the Coleridge Link.
What Coleridge describes in 'To The River Otter' still applies!
Thy crossing plank, thy marge with willows grey,
And bedded sand that vein’d with various dyes
Gleam’d through thy bright transparence!
Due to severe flood damage the return journey has had to be diverted inland along old tracks and bridleways to rejoin the river near Ottery St Mary. See 'tips' below.
(Today, the original footpath along this short stretch of the river is totally overgrown with no warnings to the walker either end . Openstreet Map shows the current state of affairs)
In 1980 the pilot of Viscount G-ARBY had to make an emergency landing in a field near the dismantled railway; thanks to his skill and local knowledge the only casualties were two sheep.
An alternative route would be to do the Tipton loop and cross the river at Tipton Mill. Near here you will hear the sound of a recently installed Archimedes screw, fascinating to watch. There is no public access.
Talking to the owner, he admitted, 'It was quite expensive to install and the screw is making a bit of a clunking noise - but it will be well worth it. We've got further plans to develop the area.'
There is one pub at Tipton St John, the Golden Lion Inn.
length: | 6.5 miles |
terrain: | tracks, paths |
| lanes | |
stiles | yes |
main roads | 0 % |
quality of track | **** |
Download Route
There is one steady climb.
Walk from Ottery St Mary to Tipton St John
The 'Tipton Loop'
| Walks near by | |
| Ottery Town | |
 | This easy and varied walk crosses Knightstone estate - the private Manor is one of the best preserved medieval houses in Britain - and returns along the Otter. |
| Tipton St John | |
 | Various popular river walks from a village with a great pub. |
| Feniton | |
 | A not too strenuous walk towards Ottery St Mary taking you past the historic Cadhay Barton. |
| West Hill | |
 | A very pleasant walk along the tranquil banks of the Otter following peaceful green lanes with many beautiful views. |
| Coleridge Link | |
 | A delightful 9 mile walk following the route often taken by Coleridge. |
| East Hill | |
 | The woods on East Hill are quite a landmark in East Devon and a favourite place for dog walking. |
