Route two – Marsh Barton via Twisted Oak, Barley Lane and Exwick to Red Cow level crossing. 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 paths through 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
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Walking and running Exeter COSY Route 2 by public transport
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 paths through 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
Red Cow level crossing is a short walk from Exeter St David's Railway Station where you can catch trains and buses to most parts of the city.
Level crossing via Argyll Road to Pennsylvania Road - 2 miles
With return via Duryard Valley Park 3.8 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Southern Healthcare.
The first mile of this route is of busy road and rail. Red Cow level crossing is on the main Exeter to Paddington railway line, and also the Tarka line for North Devon. A steep uphill climb, with a return descent through woodland trails and splendid views.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-three.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57364867
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
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/
