HERE IS AN ELEMENT OF
Texcitement on this walk that isn’t just about birds. The tidal road on the Avon Estuary, which enters the village from the south-west side, was once a mere cart track, serving farms, a mill and also a limekiln. It was called ‘Stakes Road’ due to the wooden stakes that mark its route; at low tide, horses could wade across and people used stepping stones. This was all rather precarious and eventually a properly-drained road was constructed, but there’s still an element of uncertainty as high tides render the way impassable. The birding from this tidal road is superb – and those not wishing to do the full route will still be rewarded by a walk beside the estuary. On the full circular route, the final descent to water level is glorious,
WHERE TO PARK: TERRAIN AND ACCESSIBILITY: ACCESSIBILITY: FACILITIES: (aveton-gifford.co.uk)
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: travelinesw.com ORGANISATIONS: devonwildlifetrust.org COUNTY RECORDER: devon-birdrecorder@lycos.com MAPS: Check the tide times so you finish the walk when the tidal road is passable often accompanied by the call of Curlew, a sound that should be bottled, and the pulsing beat of Mute Swan in flight. Less common birds that have been spotted in the area in recent years include Glossy Ibis, Merlin, Little Ringed Plover and Water Pipit.