OVA Walks

 

                       

 

We produce a quarterly programme of free, led walks – all are welcome on our walks, members and non-members.  Where a walk requires booking, it will say so in the walk description – this is not to limit numbers but so that unavoidable last-minute changes of plan can be communicated. 

We list our walks in the quarterly "Otter Life" OVA magazine and locally on posters around the area, but check here for updates to walks and new walks added to the programme after the printing deadline.

We provide a mix of walks of various lengths and, whilst many are in the Otter Valley, we do venture further away.  We encourage car-sharing and use of public transport.  The walk pace is adjusted to suit those walking with us.

What to bring:

  • Good shoes/boots for the Devon terrain (often muddy in places!)
  • A flask of tea or coffee, or your drink of choice – we always have a refreshment break
  • Check in the walk description to see if you need a picnic
  • Waterproofs … just in case!
  • Any personal medication that you might need (walk leaders carry a first aid kit)
  • Your contact details written on an ‘in case of emergency’ card (ask us for a blank card if you need one)

 

Suggestions are welcome and if you would like to contact the walk team our e-mail is [email protected]  
 

 

We also offer a walks booklet comprising 14 of our favourite walks around the area.  Members receive this walks booklet free of charge as part of their membership benefits. Others can obtain it from local shops or information centres.

 

Thursday 23rd April 10.00 am - 6.5 miles - 3.5 hoursView

 

“Ever Walked on a Swan’s Neck?”

Thursday 30th April 10am about 5.5 miles - 3 - 3.5 hoursView

 

“Shaldon and The Ness”

Thursday 7th May, 10.30am - about 3 miles, 2.5 hours – BOOKING REQUIREDView

“A Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust Guided Walk on Dartmoor” 

 

Saturday 16th May, 11.00am - less than 1 mile, 1.5 hoursView

“East Budleigh around 1580 -1600”

 

Wednesday 20th May, 10.15am - 7 miles, 3.5 hoursView

“Budleigh to Sidmouth by the Coast Path”

 

Tuesday 26th May 2026, 10.00am - 5.5 miles, 3 hoursView

 "Archimedes in a state of flux"

 

Saturday 30th May, 10.00am - 6.5 miles, 3.5 - 4 hoursView

“Taw Valley” taking in Coldridge, Brushford and Nymet Rowland and their Churches”

 

Thursday 4th June, 10.30am - 7.5 miles, 4.5 hours (including breaks)View

“Branscombe Figure-of-eight”

 

Tuesday 9th June, 5.30pm - 'Ghost Train': 4.5 miles 2 hoursView

An illustrated (old photos) walk with memories of the steam trains in the Otter Valley. 

Tues 30 June 10.30am – about 5.5 Miles - allow 4 hours to include ferry trip – BOOKING REQUIREDView

The Templer Way part 5 – from Newton Abbott to Teignmouth” – mostly flat, but expect some mud and uneve

Wednesday 15th July - 10.00am - about 6 miles, 3 hoursView

“Let’s go to the beach“

 

Tuesday 21st July, 10:00am - 7 miles, 4.5 hours - BOOKING REQUIREDView

"Bennett’s Cross and Hookney Down" 

 

Wednesday 29th July: 10.00, 7.5 miles, 3-4 hours - BOOKING REQUIREDView

“Southern Commons, Pond and Reservoir”