Avon Estuary walk is located in the South Hams area of South Devon. It is a circular route on both sides of the River Avon, along by the wooded banks of the tidal estuary. The Avon rises on Dartmoor and the estuary is tidal as far as Aveton Gifford.. There is a variety of birdlife, both resident and migratory, and seabirds breed in the creeks,
At Aveton Gifford the walk crosses the historic bridge over the saltmarsh that has linked Modbury to Kingsbridge. The version shown here on the mapping and gpx at Waterhead follows the paths and crosses the river. If this is not usable the obvious roads are an alternative.
The route travels along a road which floods at high tide, so check the tides before you leave. Directions are also given for an alternative route inland, bypassing this road. This adds a mile (1.6km) to the total distance.
The walk can be demanding, with some steep ascents and descents, stiles and steps, and footpaths which may be muddy, as well as green lanes and surfaced roads including the tidal road.
The route is shown here as a circular walk using the ferry and starting from the private car park at Bantham Sand that has toilets. There is also free parking at Aveton Gifford by the bridge. Bus service 93 travels to Aveton Gifford from Kingsbridge.
South West Coast Path crosses the Avon by ferry, which is seasonal. This walk provides an alternative walking route for the South West Coast Path when the seasonal ferry between Bigbury (Cockleridge) and Bantham Slipway (River Avon) is not operating. It can also be walked as a circular route in its own right, with parking either at Bantham Sands or Aveton Gifford. The circular alternative is described here.
Map of the Avon Estuary Walk
