Throughout the pilgrimage route flow the interconnected themes of prayer, work and study. St Boniface would have been familiar with these as they formed the rhythms of his life as a Benedictine monk. Prayer is reflected in the churches visited en route and also by the inclination of the pilgrim as they undertake the pilgrimage. Along the route, the pilgrim will reflect on work especially as they journey past working farm land. Study is represented by the University chapel and in the heart of the pilgrim as they grow in their understanding of God.
Route: Crediton - Exeter Distance: 12.5 - 14.5 miles / 20 - 23.5 km
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/route/st-boniface/
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St Boniface Way begins at the birthplace of its namesake in Crediton. From Crediton, your pilgrimage will take you across fields, along river banks and through farmland. You will visit chocolate-box villages and countryside that inspired Jane Austen, before leaving the rural behind and entering Exeter via the University. However, even in the city, St Boniface Way will provide green spaces and places of reflection. At the end of the journey lies Exeter Cathedral and the invitation to join a service of Evensong.
Walking the St Boniface Way using Public Transport
There are limited public transport links to Shobrooke and Upton Pyne. The best way to walk this route is via the 5, 5A, 5B and 5C bus routes from Exeter. These run from Exeter to Crediton via Newton St Cyres every 20 minutes.
Crediton
Crediton Railway Station is on the Tarka Line and will be a stop on the Dartmoor Line.
You can get the bus to Holy Cross Church, Crediton on the 5, 5A, 5B or 5C services from Exeter to start this walk to Shobrooke and Newton St Cyres
Crediton Memorial (SE-bound) – bustimes.org to Exeter
Crediton Union Terrace (W-bound) – bustimes.org from Exeter
Crediton to Shobrooke 2.4 miles (3.75 km)
Leaving the Church of the Holy Cross, you will walk across fields and through a majestic avenue of lime trees. Stunning views across lakes and woods to Dartmoor await as you begin your pilgrimage in the way of St Boniface.
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SBW-Stage-1.pdf
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/route/st-boniface/
Shobrooke
There are only a few buses that serve Shobrooke. Most routes are from Shobrooke in the morning to either Exeter, Crediton or Tiverton. The most useful bus for people walking to and from Shobrooke is the 870 Crediton - Tiverton bus which operates on Tuesdays.
Shobrooke Red Lion (W-bound) – bustimes.org
St Swithin's Church, Shobrooke. Photo: Derek Harper https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2141600
Shobrooke to Newton St Cyres 3.3 miles (5.4 km)
From the ancient village of Shobrooke, your path takes you past the Holy Well and into the beautiful Devon countryside on the way to Newton St Cyres. Thatched cottages, the pretty station and the stunning Church of St Cyr and St Julitta await at the end of your journey – along with the possibility of a great pub lunch!
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SBW-Stage-2.pdf
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/route/st-boniface/
Newton St Cyres
You can get the bus to Newton St Cyres on the 5, 5A, 5B or 5C services from Exeter to start this walk to Crediton or Stoke Canon
Newton St Cyres Crown and Sceptre (E-bound) – bustimes.org to Exeter
Newton St Cyres, opposite Crown and Sceptre – bustimes.org from Exeter
Newton Cyres Railway Station is on the Tarka Line. There are a few early morning and evening trains that stop at Newton St Cyres.
Newton St Cyres to Upton Pyne 2.75 miles (4.5 km)
Starting with a riverside walk that joins the Devonshire Heartland Way, this section passes through a historic farming community that is still important today. From the chocolate-box village of Newton St Cyres, through Jane Austen inspiring countryside, this beautiful section allows space away from the busyness of daily life to reflect on work, in whatever form that takes for you.
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SBW-Stage-3.pdf
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/route/st-boniface/
Upton Pyne
The only bus that serves Upton Pyne is the 678 Witheridge to Exeter bus on Wednesdays and Fridays. Like many rural services it is not helpful for people walking from Exeter. This bus leaves Witheridge in the morning and passes through Upton Pyne at 10:27 on its way to Exeter. It returns to Upton Pyne at 13:51 so it could be for a short afternoon walk to Newton St Cyres or Exeter University.
Upton Pyne Glebe Close (N-bound) – bustimes.org
Upton Pyne to Exeter University 4.5 miles (7.15 km)
Fields, rivers and railway lead you out of rural Devon into the outskirts of the city, and on to the Mary Harris Chapel at the University of Exeter. As the rhythm of life changes, so does the focus of our pilgrimage, from prayer and work to study. The Chapel ceiling is stunning and should not be missed.
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SBW-Stage-4.pdf
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/route/st-boniface/
Upton Pyne to Exeter University (via Cowley Bridge) 3 miles (5 km)
Fields, rivers and railway lead you out of rural Devon into the outskirts of the city, and on to the Mary Harris Chapel at the University of Exeter. As the rhythm of life changes, so does the focus of our pilgrimage, from prayer and work to study. The Chapel ceiling is stunning and should not be missed.
PLEASE NOTE – THIS SECTION INCLUDES CROSSING COWLEY BRIDGE WHERE THERE IS A SHORT SECTION WITH NO FOOTPATH. CARE MUST BE TAKEN AND Hi-Vis IS RECOMMENDED
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SBW-Stage-4A.pdf
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/route/st-boniface/
Exeter University
You can get the bus to Exeter University on the UNI service from Exeter City Centre and St Lukes
Pennsylvania Perry Road (SW-bound) – bustimes.org
You can hire an electric bicycle from one of the many Co-Bikes locations in Exeter and cycle to The Forum on Stoker Road.
Exeter University to Exeter Cathedral 1.5 miles (2.5 km)
The final section of St Boniface way makes the journey from the University Chapel to Exeter Cathedral. The route passes through Bury Meadow Park, a great place to rest or have a picnic. Then walk the length of Queen Street as the surroundings change again, from residential to commercial, before emerging onto the Cathedral Green and ultimately into the Cathedral – a place of tranquility and reflection in the midst of the bustling city.
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/SBW-Stage-5.pdf
https://www.devonpilgrim.org.uk/route/st-boniface/
Exeter Cathedral
Exeter Central is the closest railway station to the Cathedral
You can hire an electric bicycle from one of the many Co-Bikes locations in Exeter and cycle to Bedford Street or the Central Railway Station.