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United Kingdom
England
South West England
Devon
East Devon

Ottery St Mary

The best hikes from bus stations around Ottery St Mary

4.6

(891)

8,055

hikers

18

hikes

Bus station hiking trails around Ottery St Mary offer access to the diverse landscapes of the East Devon National Landscape. The region is characterized by the tranquil River Otter and its valley, providing peaceful riverside walks. Surrounding areas feature rolling hills, dense woodlands, and picturesque farmland, creating varied terrain for hikers. While inland, the town is also a short distance from the dramatic coastal scenery of the Jurassic Coast.

Best bus station hiking trails around Ottery St Mary

  • The most popular bus station hiking route is Pixie's Parlour Cave – St Saviour's Bridge loop from Ottery St. Mary, an easy 3.2 miles (5.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 21 minutes to complete, exploring riverside paths.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is St Saviour's Bridge – Tipton Mill Bridge loop from Ottery St. Mary, a moderate 6.2 miles (9.9 km) path. This route leads through the scenic Otter Valley, offering views of the river and surrounding countryside.
  • Local hikers also love the Redbridge Over the River Otter – Harpford Woods loop from Harpford, a 4.7 miles (7.6 km) trail leading through woodlands and along the River Otter, often completed in about 2 hours 11 minutes.
  • Hiking around Ottery St Mary is defined by the River Otter, rolling hills, and dense woodlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy riverside strolls to moderate climbs through the countryside.
  • The routes in Ottery St Mary are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 800 reviews. More than 7,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Ottery St Mary's varied terrain.

Last updated: July 1, 2026

4.6

(5)

31

hikers

#1.

Harpford Woods – Redbridge Over the River Otter loop from Harpford

6.57km

01:45

70m

70m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Popular around Ottery St Mary

East Devon Trail — wildlife spotting from coast to country

Other adventures around Ottery St Mary

East Devon Trail — wildlife spotting from coast to country

Mountain Biking Collection by

Katherine Moore

Tips from the Community

bowden2017
July 11, 2025, Harpford Woods

park in the layby at the top of Four Elms hill. Lovely shady walk

2

0

Zj
May 16, 2023, Harpford Woods

This beautiful place has been ruined by euroforest tree felling and not clearing up after the utter devastation they've caused. The personal responsible for the mess should be strung up in this forest for all to see

4

1

This cave, known locally as 'Pixie's Parlour', is situated on the east bank of the River Otter, near Ottery St. Mary, Devon. Pixie Day is an old tradition which takes place annually in June, commemorating a legend that tells of of pixies being banished from the town to the local caves known as the 'Pixie's Parlour'.

1

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Listed on the National Heritage List for England.

1

0

Andrew
March 30, 2021, Harpford Woods

Glorious woodland to walk through, good for bird watching. My partner and I saw a Greater Spotted Woodpecker and a Goldcrest on our last walk here.

4

0

Kit P
November 3, 2020, Harpford Woods

Just east of the tiny village of Harpford, these woods are like a magical world. Vibrant, luscious and filled with ferns, walking along the trail here transports you to this other world. The trees are improbably tall and a disused Victorian railway lies on the north side of the trail, covered in creeping ivy. These woods are simply stunning and the stream running along the south side of the path is the icing on the cake.

4

0

Redbridge is an old, pretty stone footbridge that forms part of the East Devon Way and links the village of Harpford to Newton Poppleford. Crossing the River Otter, it’s a quiet and secluded spot to see if you can spot any of the river’s majestic wildlife. From the bridge, the tops of Harpford’s buildings like immediately east and tranquil fields to the east. Otters and beavers live on the river although birds and dragonflies are rather more easily spotted.

2

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many bus station hiking trails are available in Ottery St Mary?

There are 18 hiking routes accessible from bus stations around Ottery St Mary. These include 7 easy trails and 11 moderate options, offering a good variety for different fitness levels.

Are there any easy, family-friendly bus station walks in Ottery St Mary?

Yes, Ottery St Mary offers several easy walks perfect for families. A great option is the Pixie's Parlour Cave – St Saviour's Bridge loop from Ottery St. Mary, which is just over 5 km and takes you past the legendary Pixie's Parlour Cave. Another easy choice is the Harpford Woods – Redbridge Over the River Otter loop from Harpford, offering peaceful riverside paths.

What kind of landscapes can I expect on bus station hikes around Ottery St Mary?

The bus station hikes in Ottery St Mary showcase the diverse beauty of the East Devon National Landscape. You'll find tranquil riverside paths along the River Otter, rolling hills, dense woodlands, and picturesque farmland. Some routes also offer glimpses of the wider countryside views.

Are there any circular walks accessible from bus stations?

Many of the routes accessible from bus stations in Ottery St Mary are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the St Saviour's Bridge – Tipton Mill Bridge loop from Ottery St. Mary is a moderate 9.9 km circular route through the Otter Valley.

What interesting natural features or landmarks can I see on these trails?

Along the trails, you can discover several points of interest. The River Otter itself is a highlight, known for its tranquil beauty and reintroduced beaver colony. You might also encounter the legendary Pixie's Parlour Cave. For broader natural beauty, consider visiting the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a significant site for migratory birds, or the dramatic Ladram Bay Sea Stacks, though these might require a short additional journey from some bus stops.

Are the bus station trails in Ottery St Mary suitable for dog walking?

Yes, many of the trails around Ottery St Mary are dog-friendly, offering open spaces and riverside paths for your canine companion. Always remember to keep dogs under control, especially near livestock, and follow local signage regarding leads. The peaceful Redbridge Over the River Otter – Harpford Woods loop from Harpford is a good option for a walk with your dog.

What is the best time of year to hike from bus stations in Ottery St Mary?

Ottery St Mary is beautiful year-round. Spring brings wildflowers and lush greenery, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days and warmer weather, and even winter can be pleasant for crisp walks, though some paths might be muddy. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Are there any moderate or slightly more challenging routes accessible by bus?

Absolutely. If you're looking for a moderate challenge, routes like the Tipton Mill Bridge – Redbridge Over the River Otter loop from Harpford offer a good distance and some elevation gain. There are 11 moderate trails in total, providing varied terrain and longer durations for those seeking more activity.

What do other hikers say about the bus station trails in Ottery St Mary?

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience around Ottery St Mary, with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 800 ratings. Hikers often praise the tranquil riverside sections, the variety of landscapes, and the well-maintained paths that make exploring the area enjoyable.

Can I find routes that combine woodland and riverside scenery?

Many routes in the area beautifully combine woodland and riverside scenery. The River Otter is a central feature, and trails often weave through adjacent woodlands and open fields. The Harpford Woods – Redbridge Over the River Otter loop from Harpford is a prime example, offering a blend of both environments.

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