The Exeter Ship Canal

If you are looking for a relaxing walk or cycle with a difference why not try the visiting The Exeter Ship Canal which runs for 5.3 miles from its basin in Exeter to the River Exe at Turf. The River Exe is popular with rowers and canoeists, walkers and anglers and both commercial and leisure boats. The huge variety of birdlife makes it a popular destination for birdwatchers too.

The Riverside Valley Park follows the Exeter Ship Canal and offers a variety of long and short walks. A pleasant stroll of one and a half miles will take you along the canal basin to the Double Locks Pub where you can stop for some refreshments. If you fancy venturing a little further the two and half miles between the pub and Topsham Lock Keepers Cottage includes the Double Locks, the Devon Wildlife Trust Reserve, the River Exe and the historic village of Topsham. Continuing a further one and a half miles will take you to the Turf Hotel, passing by the estuary mud flats, the Turf Lock Hotel (for more refreshments!) and Exminster Marshes. There are car parks for walkers at various points along the canal.

Cycling is permitted along the entire length of the footpath, 11 miles in total, starting at the Quay in Exeter and taking you through the Riverside Valley Park. It’s a leisurely route for cyclists of all standards and with lots of wildlife to see along route is particularly popular with young families. A shorter seven mile canal trail is also available. If you haven’t got your bikes with you cycles can be hired in Exeter.