Just five miles from Exeter city centre, Exminster and Powderham Marshes are great places to see birds all year-round. Enjoy a lovely walk here in this fascinating landscape, where flocks of geese, ducks and waders are numerous. Regular visitors include lapwings, redshanks, wigeons and warblers.
Find a range of tasty refreshments on sale in the car park from Hope Coffee Wednesday - Sunday, 9am - 5pm every week. From drinks to cakes, be sure to share what wildlife you see with Hope Coffee to add to their sightings board while you visit! You can also get refreshments from the Swan’s Nest Inn and the Turf Hotel (closed in some winter months).
https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/exminster-and-powderham-marshes/
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RSPBExeEstuary/ (1.1k)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSPBExeEstuary (2.8k)
Photo: David Smith Exminster Marshes with Exminster in the... © David Smith :: Geograph Britain and Ireland
https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=15/50.6742/-3.4721
How to get to Exminster Marshes
Walking
Exeter Ship Canal opened in 1566 and since then has provided access to Exminster Marsh from Exeter. The tow paths and footaths became part of the Exe Valley Way which runs from Starcross to Exford. The newly constructed Exe Estuary Trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free, wonderfully level route which forms part of the South Coast NCN No.2.
Cycling
Exminster and Powderham Marshes are on the Exe Estuary Trail. This newly constructed cycle trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free, wonderfully level route which forms part of the South Coast NCN No.2.
Cycle (or Kayak) Hire
Co-Bikes
At Co Bikes, we want to change the way you move and, together with Co Cars and Co Delivery help reduce congestion and pollution to make our towns and cities better places to live, work and thrive. Our electric bikes make cycling a breeze – even uphill – so you don’t end up hot and sweaty, just refreshed and invigorated. This means they are not only great fun but also ideal for commuting or for getting to meetings around the city. We are proud to be a not for profit social enterprise and that we are powered by Good Energy. https://www.co-bikes.co.uk/ Find our Co Bikes across Exeter and now also in Falmouth https://www.co-bikes.co.uk/locations/
Saddles and Paddles (Exeter Quay)
Saddles & Paddles is a unique independent business offering a great day out for those that love a little adventure and the great outdoors. Hire a bike to pedal from the city to the seaside, or hire a boat and paddle to the pub! We offer easy, relaxing, outdoor fun for all ages. Choose from bikes, canoes, kayaks or Stand Up Paddleboards to explore the area. http://www.sadpad.com/
Route 2 Bikes (Topsham)
Named after the wonderful cycle route (NCR2) and the Exe Estuary Trail, Route 2 Bike shop has expanded and moved into new premises next to Route 2 Cafe and Apartments in Topsham, Exeter. We are in the centre of this small estuary town, close to the Quay. We offer Cycle Hire, New Bike Sales, full servicing and of course a shop to buy all your bike "stuff"! https://www.route2bikes.co.uk/
Darts Farm (Clyst St George)
Our commitment to Devon is strong, with roots deep in the countryside. It’s what drives us to make sure that everything is done properly – the way that it has been done for generations. Our bikes are handmade British classics. If you see yourself on a heritage model such as a Pashley or a Dawes tandem, you’ve come to the right place. https://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/whats-on/bike-hire
Exe Trail Cycle Hire (Dawlish Warren)
Exe Trail Cycle Hire is based in Dawlish Warren, South Devon, and is situated on the picturesque River Exe cycle route, a flat and mainly tarmac off-road family cycle trail, listed by the Sunday Times as one of the top twenty family cycle rides in the UK. https://exetrailcyclehire.co.uk/
Exmouth Cycles
Our shop and bike hire service comes complete with friendly and knowledgeable staff providing a bespoke service for all your cycling needs. Whether you are looking for your first bicycle or your latest and lightest high speed steed, our experienced team are at your disposal for advice on any of our products, accessories or maintenance requirements.
http://www.exmouthcyclehire.co.uk/
Bus
You can take the 2 or 2B bus services to the Swans Nest Inn and walk down Station Road to Exminster and Powderham Marshes
Exminster Swans Nest Roundabout (S-bound) – bustimes.org from Exeter
Exminster Swans Nest Roundabout (N-bound) – bustimes.org to Exeter
Ferries from Topsham
Topsham to Topsham Lock Ferry
Exeter City Council Topsham Ferry (by Passage House, Ferry Road). Our ferry runs across the river Exe, between the landing in Ferry Road at Topsham, and Topsham Lock on the western bank of the river. The weather forecast may lead to postponement or cancellation of ferry service. If in doubt please ring the ferry phone during the advertised times: Topsham Ferry - Exeter City Council
Topsham to Turf Locks Ferry
The ferry runs from Trout’s Boatyard, Topsham EX3 0JJ. Please wait outside the gate, preferably by benches, to be collected nearer departure time. In Turf you can find us at the very end of the garden. Please wait on the top of the pontoon, by the information board. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. Looking forward to welcoming you on board! http://topshamturfferry.com/
Exe Estuary Trail
This newly constructed cycle trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free, wonderfully level route which forms part of the South Coast NCN No.2.
The trail takes you right around the Exe Estuary from Dawlish to Exmouth, passing through the pretty villages of Starcross, Topsham and Lympstone to name a few. The estuary is of international importance for wintering waders and wildfowl, supporting 1000’s of birds. RSPB reserves near Topsham and Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve offer some of the best opportunities to view wildlife along the estuary.
https://www.exploredevon.info/activities/cycle/exe-estuary-trail/
Exe Valley Way
This route from the Exe Estuary to the steeply wooded valleys on Exmoor follows, for the most part, quiet country lanes and footpaths along the Exe valley through Bickleigh, Tiverton and Bampton, Exebridge, Dulverton, Hawkridge and Withypool, then leaving the Exe Valley to reach Exford to which the Exe flows from its source at Exe Head. Mostly valley scenery, ranging from the broad estuary through pastoral landscapes and narrower, heavily-wooded valleys to open moorland landscapes.
An additional described section links Withypool to the source of the Exe to make a 'source to sea' route using the Two Moors Way (TMW), north, to Simonsbath, then following the TMW waymarkers for about another 3km/2miles high up on to the moor to Exe Head. Exe Head is the source of the River Exe, an area of marshy ground high up on Dure Down.
https://www.ldwa.org.uk/ldp/members/show_path.php?path_name=Exe+Valley+Way
Exeter Ship Canal
The historic Exeter Ship Canal first opened to shipping in 1566 and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. The Canal runs through an area of outstanding and protected natural beauty and is a fantastic site to tie-up for a few days. The canal basin and quay are an historic gateway to the city and provides ample parking with easy access to sports, recreation and shops. This area is a mix of old and new building and provides moorings for a wide range of vessels. A walk or cycle along the tow path brings you to the Double Locks pub, or the Turf Hotel at the furthest reach of the canal.
Discover Exeter's historic canal with three different walks:
- Canal Basin to Double Locks Pub (1½ Miles),
- Double Locks Pub to Topsham Lock Keepers Cottage (2¼ Miles),
- Lock Keepers Cottage to Turf Hotel (1½)
Daily every 30 mins Live Map - bustimes.org
Bus Stops: Newton Abbot Sherborne Road (Stop F) - Kingsteignton Lidl (NE-bound) - Sandygate Brook Way (SE-bound) - Kingsteignton Ware Cross (S-bound) - Kingsteignton, opp Ware Barton - Bishopsteignton Cockhaven Road (SE-bound) - Teignmouth W H Smith (Stop B) - Dawlish Brookdale Terrace (Stop B) - Dawlish Sainsburys (W-bound) - Starcross Opposite Rail Station (Stop B) - Kenton Triangle (NW-bound) - Exminster, opp Victory Hall - Exminster Miller Way (NE-bound) - Countess Wear WESC Foundation (NW-bound) - Wonford R D & E Hospital (N-bound) - Exeter Bus Station (Bay 2)
https://bustimes.org/services/2-exeter-newton-abbot-2
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/timetables
Walks From Exeter
Keep healthy in Exeter by using walking and cycling. Get buses to find new walks when it is safe to do so. Exeter is full of relaxing or energetic walks.
- Stroll by the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal
- Train for a marathon by walking or running the Exeter Cosy Routes
- Visit the green lungs of Exeter by walking Exeter's Green Circle
- Look for wildlife on the River Exe Wild Walk
- Go farther by cycling the Exe Estuary Trail or walking the Exe Valley Way and the Devonshire Heartland Way
Use this site to plan your walks, look at the Covid19 data on the Devon Dashboard, listen to the science and exercise your personal responsibility as well as our body and mind.
