Route one – Countess Wear Bridge via Exminster to Marsh Barton. With return along canal bank 6.4 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Haines Watts, Chartered Accountants.
There are a series of bridges near Countess Wear, the original red sandstone bridge was built in 1774, swing and bascule bridges were built in later centuries to span Exeter Canal, which, dating from the 1560s, is one of the country’s oldest canals. The route follows the towpath and footpaths to Exminster, a village dating from the 8th century. There’s a steep climb to high above the motorway, descent to the Devon Motel and into Matford Business Park and Marsh Barton, which has Europe’s largest number of car showrooms. This route finishes at the bridge over the Alphinbrook on Hemyock Road. You can return to Countess Wear Bridge by following the path along the canal.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-one.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57365328
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Walking and running Exeter COSY Route 1 by public transport
The first Exeter COSY Route starts at Countess Wear Bridge. The nearest bus stop from the city centre is on Bridge Road opposite Parkside Garage
There are bus stops near the shops on Glasshouse Lane, and also on Lakeside Avenue and Wear Barton Road
There are more bus stops in both directions on Topsham Road
Countess Wear Bridge via Exminster to Marsh Barton - 4 miles
With return along canal bank 6.4 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Haines Watts, Chartered Accountants.
There are a series of bridges near Countess Wear, the original red sandstone bridge was built in 1774, swing and bascule bridges were built in later centuries to span Exeter Canal, which, dating from the 1560s, is one of the country’s oldest canals. The route follows the towpath and footpaths to Exminster, a village dating from the 8th century. There’s a steep climb to high above the motorway, descent to the Devon Motel and into Matford Business Park and Marsh Barton, which has Europe’s largest number of car showrooms. This route finishes at the bridge over the Alphinbrook on Hemyock Road. You can return to Countess Wear Bridge by following the path along the canal.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-one.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57365328
There are bus stops in both directions by Westerly Exeter Mini at the junction of Matford Park Road with Hemyock Road.
Marsh Barton Bentley West Country (E-bound) – bustimes.org
Marsh Barton, opposite Bentley West Country – bustimes.org
There are also bus stops in both directions on Hemyock Road by the Mercedes Benz showroom.
Marsh Barton Hennock Road Central (N-bound) – bustimes.org
Marsh Barton Hennock Road Central (S-bound) – bustimes.org
Work has started on the construction of a new railway station at Clapperbrook Lane East in Marsh Barton. The station is expected to open by the end of 2022.
Marsh Barton via Twisted Oak, Barley Lane and Exwick to Red Cow level crossing - 4 miles
With return via riverside path 7 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Stonehaven Care Group.
Alphington is a former village, now south western suburb of Exeter, among former notable residents were the parents of Charles Dickens. The route mostly follows quiet lanes or pavemented roads on the edge of St Thomas, Redhills and Exwick, all suburbs of the city. It climbs initially and has wonderful views from Barley Lane across the city. A notable feature is the Twisted Oak, a huge oak with a twisted corkscrew like trunk. The origins of it being twisted are unknown, but it’s said that at one time passers-by would raise their hats to it. After descending on pathsthrough Exwick to the Red Cow level crossing, you can return to the start on an easy flat walk alongside the river and canal.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-two.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57365027
Darts Farm via Topsham to Countess Wear Bridge - 4 miles
With return via University sports field and Newcourt Road 7 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Rodney Spiller Wealth Management.
Darts Farm is a family business that began as a pick your own farm shop 50 years ago. Topsham dates from Celtic times, becoming the port of Exeter under the Romans. There are many Dutch style houses from its days as an important cotton port. It became part of the city of Exeter in 1966. The route crosses the Clyst and follows the River Exe east bank to Countess Wear, with good opportunities for bird watching, returning on inland roads and footpaths.
NB: CHECK TIDE TIMES FOR TOPSHAM, AS THE RIVERSIDE PATH IS UNDER WATER AT HIGH TIDE, WHEN THE ALTERNATIVE ROAD OPTION SHOULD BE FOLLOWED
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-eight.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57362767
Exeter COSY Routes
Eight circular routes around the city, making one full 26.2 mile marathon distance.
The Exeter COSY Route project is a community wellbeing and dementia awareness initiative created for Exeter Dementia Action Alliance to signpost people of all abilities to routes on the edge of the city where they can walk and run.
From its roots in an ancient Greek battle to mass participation events around the world, the marathon length of 26.2-miles is a distance that capture’s the imagination. Perfect for Exeter’s unique COSY route – COSY being an acronym for circle of somewhere yours as that’s what it is.
The full circle will take you to every compass and hill viewpoint around Exeter, following footpaths, quiet lanes, field tracks, over stiles, through woodland, paved roads, some busier parts of the city, along its suburban fringe and into neighbouring village communities.
You’ll cross the river and canal, go under and over the M5 motorway, step over both the Exeter to London rail lines, and pass churches, pubs, schools, and local businesses.
Whether you take on this challenge over months, weeks, days or in one strenuous go, you’ll see the city as never before, and complete a marathon in doing so.
https://exetercosyroutes.wordpress.com/
