Avon Estuary - Bantham to Bigbury and Aveton Gifford Walk

This lovely circular walk explores both sides of the beautiful Avon Estuary in south Devon. The coastal views over Bigbury Bay are wonderful and there's a huge variety of wildlife to look out for on the way.... Keep your eyes peeled for sandpiper, little egrets, greenshank, curlew, lapwing, widgeon, teal and redshank as you make your way along the estuary.
Start your walk from the Bantham Sands car park at the southern end of the estuary. You can then catch the ferry over the river to Bigbury on Sea. It's a seasonal crossing so click here for details of the running times. The path then heads north, passing the village of Bigbury, before coming to Aveton Gifford at the head of the estuary. Here you can enjoy refreshments at the local pub and explore the church which has elements dating from the 13th century.
After exploring the village you cross the river on the Aveton Gifford Bridge and follow the trail along the eastern side of the estuary. You'll pass mainly through farmland with a short woodland stretch through Stiddicombe Wood. The trail then passes Bantham before returning to the car park.
To extend your walking in the area you can head to Burgh Island. You can walk to the island at low tide or catch the sea tractor which is run by the island's hotel.
Just to the west you can enjoy similar walk along the Erme Estuary. There's lots more birds to look out for here with some woodland trails and coastal views. You can follow the South West Coast Path all the way to the Erme Estuary.
Postcode: TQ7 3AN
Pubs and More Info
At Aveton Gifford The Fisherman's Rest is a nice place for a pit stop. The pub is in a fine streamside location and sells good quality food at reasonable prices. They have a pleasant garden area and an outdoor terrace with views of the countryside. You can find them on Fore Street at postcode TQ7 4JL.
The circular Bigbury on Sea Walk starts from the nearby village uses part of the path to explore the area. It visits Burgh Island and also passes a noteworthy 13th century pub at Ringmore.
On the eastern side of the estuary you can link up with the Thurlestone and Bantham Walk. Here you'll find the National Trust's lovely South Milton Sands, the striking Thurlestone Rock Arch and a great beachside seafood cafe.
For more walking ideas in the area see the Devon Walks page.

Ordnance Survey Map OpenStreetMap OS Map (Mobile GPS) OpenStreetMap (Mobile GPS)

Interactive Map

Route Video

Nearby Routes

Burgh Island South West Coast Path Erme Estuary Bigbury on Sea Thurlestone Aveton Gifford Thurlestone to Hope Cove Bigbury On Sea to Hope Cove Walk Bigbury to Challaborough Walk

Photos

Avon estuary. From Bigbury Footpath 5, carrying the Avon Estuary Walk, looking across and up the estuary with its wooded margin, at highish tide. The wood climbing the far side is Stadbury Wood. 

The estuary of the River Avon, Devon, UK at low tide. The sandbanks near Bantham are visible.

The Avon estuary walk heads along the tidal road by Milburn Orchard

Passing around Stadbury Farm

Milburn Orchard. Here the Tidal Road leaves the side of the Avon Estuary and climbs up the hillside towards Bigbury Village past some very well tended private gardens.

Looking across the River Avon towards Stadbury Wood

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Avon Estuary Walk.gpx