Walk Reports 2026/2
Mileaters – Fleet of Foot : 9th April 2026
After 23C the day before, there was a welcome return to average temperatures for our fortnightly walk. Setting out from The Elm Tree in Langton Herring (re-opened last year after an amazing fund-raising effort by the local community) 20 Mileaters plus Molly and a guest appearance from Peggy, took the familiar path through Higher Farm and Ten Acre Plantation where the first bluebells were showing. “Highly rated” was the score on the doors for the loos at the caravan site, and then it was onward down to The Fleet for some birdwatching – egrets, herons, terns and mergansers were spotted as we stopped for coffee on the beach below the Coastguard Cottages. 80 plus years ago it was here that Barnes Wallis's bouncing bombs were put through their trials prior to the Dambuster's Raid.
The Coast Path was followed past Rodden Hive where the eagle-eyed amongst us spotted a Red Kite soaring above, to eventually arrive at the lane near Lower Farm; here some chose the shorter option for a quick return to the pub (I wonder why !) whilst others took the longer option via Rodden Ridge to enter Langton Herring from the valley to the north, thereby completing a 5 ¼ mile circuit of great views and varied landscapes. The very popular Elm Tree awaited our custom.
Nick Priddle
Mileaters on Holiday 20-23 April 2026 :
This year 28 Mileaters stayed in Exmouth to explore part of the East Devon AONB. The first afternoon’s walk comprised a five mile circuit on Woodbury Common, taking in heath and woodland and ending with a fine view over the Exe estuary.
Day two’s walk started from East Budleigh and followed the coast path looking over Devon’s fine red cliffs and back over Lyme Bay towards Portland. The sun was glorious, but the wind buffeted us at times making a sheltered coffee stop at Brandy Head Observation Post welcome. This simple single storey building was built in 1940 as a bombing range observation post monitoring the gunnery training range of Lyme Bay. Today it provides a place to sit and enjoy the coastline and even basic Airbnb accommodation. Continuing on, we left the coast path and headed inland to the village of Otterton where we occupied the village green benches for our lunch before heading back along the River Otter. There was no sign of the local beavers or otters but lots of ducklings and some large trout.
Day three started with a short train ride to Topsham and then a walk along the Exe estuary back to Exmouth, passing through Exton where the pub was conveniently open for coffee and then on to Lympstone where we found another village green to sit and eat lunch. Fortunately, the trains ran half hourly and made several stops along the way so those with weary legs were able to cut short the eight miles!
We stayed at the Manor Hotel, built pre-1790 as a coaching inn and the oldest hostelry in Exmouth. The location meant we were just five minutes’ walk from the beach and town centre whilst the views over the estuary had to be some of the best in town! Those who didn’t wish to walk could enjoy the esplanade, bird watching on the estuary, retail therapy in Topsham and even a visit to Exeter on the train. We were very lucky with the weather this time and hope everyone enjoyed their trip.
Frances and Rollo.
Mileaters Walk 30th April
We were very blessed with fine sunny weather for our walk from the delightful small village of Plush. There were 12 of us walking on a relatively short walk of 4.5 miles. There was, however, a lengthy climb at the beginning of the walk which got us up to a height of about 800 ft. The view was certainly worth the climb with vistas over Whatcombe Bottom and beyond. We also passed through a number of woodland areas with beautiful displays of bluebells and wild garlic. We found a delightful spot to have our coffee break, sitting down on a banked area with views over the valley. We were also treated to sight of about six deer crossing one of the fields below. After a steepish descent, we made our way back to the pub, where the very friendly and efficient landlord soon had our meals served. The food was excellent and the pub is to be commended for that. Another successful and enjoyable Mileaters walk
Mike Beesley
