Walks & wildlife
Step out into the Otter Valley
River, coast, hedgerow and orchard — some of England's loveliest gentle walking is right on the doorstep.
Walks we love
Otter Valley Wildlife Walk
Wildlife-rich walk through the Lower Otter Valley with hides, viewing platforms, kingfishers, dragonflies and waders.
View routeOtter Valley Trail
A developing shared-use route connecting communities through the Otter Valley.
View routeOtter Trail Local Routes
Local cycling and walking inspiration around the Otter Valley.
View routeOttery St Mary to Budleigh Salterton
Follow the River Otter from Ottery all the way down to the coast.
View routeRiver Otter Circular
A scenic circular combining river, coast, countryside and Otterton.
View routeWhat might I spot?
spring
- •Blossom in the orchard
- •Birdsong at dawn
- •Pollinators
- •Fresh growth
summer
- •Butterflies
- •Bats at dusk
- •Dragonflies near water
- •Long warm evenings
autumn
- •Apples ripening
- •Migrating birds
- •Fungi
- •Golden orchard colours
winter
- •Quiet skies
- •Crisp walks
- •Owls
- •Cosy Pippin nights
Wildlife etiquette
- •Keep dogs on leads
- •Stay on paths where asked
- •Keep noise low at dusk and dawn
- •Don't feed wildlife or farm animals
- •Take litter home or use the bins
- •Use a red-light torch mode if you have one
- •Watch quietly and give wildlife space
Wildlife is wonderfully unreliable. That's part of the charm. Look, listen, and let the orchard do its thing.
From the Bowhayes blog
Cider Harvest 2025: From Blossom to Barrel
A year in the orchard — blossom, bees, apples and the rhythm of a working cider farm.
Read on bowhayesfarm.co.ukWinter Glamping at Bowhayes: The Quiet Magic of Shepherd's Hut 'Pippin'
Why the orchard is just as special when the leaves are down and the fire is roaring.
Read on bowhayesfarm.co.ukSummer at Bowhayes Farm: A Season of Growth, Guests, and Good Cider
The farm in high summer — long evenings, orchard life, and the promise of a good vintage.
Read on bowhayesfarm.co.ukLooking for more? Visit the Bowhayes Farm blog for guest stories, orchard updates, and local recommendations.