East Devon Way - Harpford Wood and the River Otter

This walk is being ably led by Devonians Mike & Jacqie. We meet 10:30am in Newton Poppleford (Grid Ref SY 086897). Any queries please email them here.

To find the start

Exit the M5 at Junction 30 Exeter Services. Take the exit signposted Exmouth and Sidmouth. Go straight across the roundabout at Clyst St Mary on the A3052 to Sidmouth. Follow this road for approx 6 miles to Newton Poppleford. Along the way you will you will pass West Point Showground, Crealy Park and the Half Way House Inn.

Drive through the main street of Newton Poppleford until you pass a garage forecourt on the left (see top photo) before a set of pedestrian traffic lights. St Lukes church is on your right. You will clearly see a signpost for a free public car park.

The walk
We then follow the East Devon Way as it winds its way through Harpford Woods and take a refreshment break at the Bowd Inn public house.

From there we descend the old railway line into Tipton St John and trace a path along the River Otter as it meanders back to our start point in Newton Poppleford.

The going is very easy indeed with well established footpaths. The few gradients en route are gentle. Plenty of shade and shelter in the woods. There are a number of access points to water but the middle section along the old railway is very dry. To that end, bottles for hounds recommended. Distance is approx 5.5 miles. We timed our slow ‘bimble’ at 3hrs 45mins, which included a 30min stop for refreshment. For those wishing to walk younger/older hounds you can enjoy the first section of approx 1 to 1.5 miles and easily cut back to the start.

On completion of the walk, for those who fancy a real Devon Cream Tea, Southern Cross Guesthouse can be found at the western end of Newton Poppleford. Apparently the best in the land. Jam on top of the cream.......of course!