River & Sea Walk, Roncombe Valley, Devon

Continue on the right (west) bank of the river until a road interrupts the riverside footpath. At that point turn left, crossing the river (signpost Ladram Bay) to walk along the road towards a house. Immediately before the house turn right (signpost Ladram Bay) to walk along a field edged with high trees to your right. When the sea appears, look for a redundant pill box (which is now occupied by hibernating bats) at the bottom of the dip. Budleigh Salterton becomes evident to the right across the estuary.

A waymark situated near a telegraph pole indicates the way to the left along the coastal path.  This undulating route presents wondrous vistas and colourful meadows, the landscape further enhanced by the dark red soil. The coastal section is unforgettable, looking along the coast to Sidmouth and Beer Head. In season, one experiences seagulls twirling and screeching to the right and skylarks hovering and twittering on the left. Idyllic.

Half a mile beyond the derelict barn at Brandy Head, ignore a permissive path to Otterton (so avoiding a sewage farm!). Instead, march onwards another half-mile towards a second gate and, with the unmistakeable outline of Peak Hill in sight, swing left (signpost Otterton). The sea stacks at Ladram Bay (and the Holiday Park) are directly ahead at this point, but not visited.

The foot path passes through a gate and becomes a lane. Just before the road junction, turn right down another lane (with a football field to your left). At the end, turn left and follow the road back towards Otterton. To avoid the holiday traffic, fork left at the top of the hill and follow the line of the road (Behind Hayes) back to the church.