There are lots of walk and lots of cafés in Devon; however, this one will surprise you. It combines a quirky pop-up café and secret WWII observation post with stunning coastal Walks.
We start at the Honesty Café just outside Otterton and embark on a moderately easy walk to Brandy Head, the site of a World War II Observation Post. This trail is popular with locals and visitors alike, offering dramatic cliff-top views and opportunities to spot birds and marine life.
Table of contents
A much more detailed Ordinance Survey Map of this walk can be found here:
An Ordinance Survey Map of the Route
While the majority of this walk follows a flat coastal path, there is a short, narrow, and uneven section towards the end of the route, which may become muddy during the winter months. In total, the round trip covers a distance of 7 miles, with each leg of the journey taking approximately 40 minutes.
Location Address:
The address is Stantyway Farm, Otterton, Devon EX9 7JJ The what three words location is https://w3w.co/opera.luring.vowed
There is normally plenty of parking in the nearby layby for cars.
Honesty Café
I’m really enthusiastic about this café, come shed. It’s basic and it is what it says it is, honesty based. You have a shed that is thoughtfully filled with essentials, a canteen of hot water for drinks, a fridge for cold water and milk (including non dairy), some flapjacks, biscuits, mugs, glasses, fruit squash for thirsty kids, coffee ‘bags’ for DIY ‘filtered’ coffee, hot chocolate, and essentially the necessary jar of dog biscuits etc.
Despite the walk being popular all day supplies were still stocked. All that was needed was for self service of drinks and snacks and to honestly pay via the link displayed. There is a ‘QR’ code attached to the wall for you to connect to a payment point. All prices were of course budget and reasonable. Everything was done with care. I did spot a small cash box for those who haven’t ventured into the digital age and just wished to pay with cash.
You can see below there is limited seating in front of the shed, no cover, and no public toilets. Otterton would be your nearest.
Walking Directions
With your back to the Honesty Café you will see the path in front, take the track to the right of the gate, as below.
Continue along this lane until you reach the cliff top.
You can see to the left and below the Ladram Bay caravan site. You’ll note there are cattle, heffers, in this field. Take the path to the right, as indicated on the sign for Budleigh Salterton, 3.5 miles. This walk only goes part way to Budleigh Salterton.
Keep walking along the cliff pathway with the sea on your left. You’ll pass through agricultural fields, and during our summer visit, we did come across a few other walkers. The path is generally flat, but be aware that it can get overgrown with bushes and become a bit uneven and steep in places. It’s not recommended for pushchairs in some sections
About Brandy Head & Brandy Head Observation Hut
You might have guessed from its name that Brandy Head derives its name from the smuggling activities that were once common along this stretch of coast. In the past, the occasional keg of brandy would have been surreptitiously brought ashore under the cover of darkness, away from the prying eyes of customs officials.
During World War II, from 1940 to 1943, this site served as an observation post. The Royal Air Force (RAF) used it as a testing ground for new aerial gunnery techniques, aircraft rockets, and a cutting-edge gyroscopic gunsight, all conducted just off the coast at this location. As a result, the hut at Brandy Head holds a significant place in history for its contribution to the Air Force’s gunnery research efforts.
For More information about this historic sight and other WW2 airfields in the South West go here.
Continue along the cliff pathway until you reach the observation post building.
The gunnery research range at Brandy Head opened in July 1940. The building was designed with blast walls at the rear and a viewing balcony facing the sea. Various targets, including flags and steel structures, were positioned in the bay for target practice. Typhoon, Hurricane, and Spitfire aircraft would take off from Exeter, fly over East Budleigh, and fire at these targets in the bay. This setup was instrumental in testing and improving aerial gunnery during World War II.
Today, the observation hut functions as a convenient stop-off point during your walk, or if you wish, you can choose to stay in the hut overnight. The accommodation is comfortable but straightforward. However, the real highlight here is the breathtaking scenery and the unique historical experience of spending the night in a WWII observation post.
Please note that there are no public toilets available at the observation post, only a few benches and overhead shelter in case of bad weather. After enjoying your time at the hut, you can simply retrace your steps along the same path, heading back to the Honesty Café to complete your journey.
Further Information & Links
To book accommodation at Brandy Head Contact, Stantyway Farm Otterton t 01395 568018
