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Exeter to Topsham Canal

Recommended by

Our view

"Take an easy walk along the picturesque estuary of the River Exe"

Walk directions

Walk down the lane past the church towards the river. After a few paces turn left to join the Exe Valley Way/Exe Estuary Trail (the latter a 26-mile/42km walking/cycling route around the estuary). Follow the path and cross over the Exeter–Newton Abbot railway line.

Turn left to walk upriver; there are superb views across the broad estuary to (from left to right) Topsham, Exton, the Royal Marine Commandos Training Centre, Lympstone and Exmouth.

Continue and, within 20 minutes, pass through a gate to reach the outlet of the Exeter Ship Canal at the Turf Lock, with The Turf beyond. The building which now houses the pub was probably built to accommodate visiting boat crews and their horses, which hauled the barges up to Exeter.

Don’t go over the lock gates but keep straight on up the canal, passing through a small white gate. This stretch is beautiful, with bulrushes and water lilies lining the banks, and is popular with canoeists. Cyclists are directed along the lane parallel to the canal.

Pass through another small white gate, with a parking area below left. The River Exe, beyond the canal, narrows as you walk upstream, and the buildings of Topsham come into view across the water. Reach Topsham Lock (built in 1832) via another white gate.

Turn right across the bridge to reach the Topsham ferry slipway. The ferry runs from April to October, but is always dependent on tide and weather. There is also a ferry service that runs from Topsham to The Turf. Hail the ferryman if he’s not waiting for you. Cross the river and have a drink at The Passage House Inn and, if you have time, take a look round Topsham.

Facing upstream at Topsham Lock turn left, away from the canal, and pass into the Exminster Marshes RSPB Nature Reserve through a gate by a noticeboard. The footpath ahead leads to a lane, which continues towards the railway. Just before the railway turn left and cross the marshes via a series of footbridges, regaining the tow path near The Turf Lock. Turn right and replicate the outward route back to your car. (Note that this route may be impassable after wet weather, if so return to your car via the outward route from Topsham Lock).

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Level tow paths

Landscape - River estuary and salt marsh; extensive mudflats at low tide

Dog friendliness - Keep on lead near wildfowl and livestock; be aware of bicycles

Parking - By St Clement's Church, Powderham

Toilets en route - None on route

About the walk

This easy walk along the picturesque estuary of the River Exe has a huge amount to offer. You can visit nearby medieval Powderham Castle, which is open to visitors from late March–October (excluding Saturdays) and you can see the oldest ship canal in the country. There are usually boat trips to...

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About the area

Devon sums up all that is best about the British landscape, with its magnificent coastlines, two historic cities, the world-famous Dartmoor National Park and south Devon’s glorious English Riviera. A fashionable and much-loved holiday destination, hiking and cycling in the National Parks is extremely popular among visitors, with a great choice of off-road routes.

Nearby places to stay

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Route details

Difficulty:

Easy

Gradient:

Flat

Distance:

5.7 miles (9.1kms)

Ascent:

0ft (0m)

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Exeter to Topsham Canal

Recommended by

Our view

"Take an easy walk along the picturesque estuary of the River Exe"

Walk details

Difficulty:

Easy

Gradient:

Flat

Distance:

5.7 miles (9.1kms)

Ascent:

0ft (0m)

Walk directions

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Turn left to walk upriver; there are superb views across the broad estuary to (from left to right) Topsham, Exton, the Royal Marine Commandos Training Centre, Lympstone and Exmouth.

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Location

Starting point

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Level tow paths

Landscape - River estuary and salt marsh; extensive mudflats at low tide

Dog friendliness - Keep on lead near wildfowl and livestock; be aware of bicycles

Parking - By St Clement's Church, Powderham

Toilets en route - None on route

Walks in Devon Dog-friendly walks in Devon Family friendly walks in Devon

About the walk

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Find out more

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Learn more

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

Learn more

About the area

Devon

Nearby places to stay

View all (8)

Exeter to Topsham Canal

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Exeter to Topsham Canal

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