Salt of the Earth - Walk

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Start/End point: Budleigh Salterton (Grid Ref: SY073819).

Fine walking around former salt pans is just one of the highlights of this route.

West Down Beacon, at 400ft, offers marvellous views of Devon's east coast. A great sweep of cliffs from Torbay round to Portland Bill opens up, as well as a panorama of the lower Exe Valley.

This route takes in historic Littleham church and the genteel resort of Budleigh Salterton, with its attractive, whimsical medley of buildings. You begin at the car park by the River Otter, which contains an 1801 limekiln. Budleigh Salterton's salt pans (which gave the town its name) were here at the river's mouth. The area is now a Devon Trust reserve and a haven for birds, especially in winter.

Theme: Country, Coast,
Special Interest: Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Birdwatching, Nature, Wildlife, World Heritage Site,
Area: East Devon.

Relevant maps/guides: Explorer 115 Exmouth and Sidmouth, Landranger 192 Exeter and Sidmouth
Facilities along route: Budleigh Salterton has pubs, cafes, shops and toilets.
Will take roughly 3 hours for the average person to complete. The route has well signed footpaths and coast path (one moderate ascent), short sections of country lanes. 4 stiles. This area explores part of the Jurassic Coast, England's first natural World Heritage Site.