The Clyst Valley Trail is listed as a high priority route for delivery in the Devon County Council’s multiuse trail strategy. It also delivers on Strategy 10 (Green Infrastructure in East Devon’s West End) in the East Devon Local Plan, and the Climate Action plans of both Councils. The route will significantly contribute to an increase in walking and cycling levels which will reduce our carbon footprint and help enable households to rely less on cars for short distance journeys.

The route will be a recreational trail for walkers, cyclists, mobility scooters and, where feasible, horse riders. As well as allowing people in and around Exeter to enjoy and value the wonderful countryside of the new Clyst Valley Regional Park and East Devon, it will also provide an attractive, safe, and direct commuter route between towns and villages along the River Clyst and Exeter, Cranbrook and surrounding employment areas in the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone and Winslade Park.

The Clyst Valley Trail will be delivered in three sections. Devon County Council and East Devon District Council have been working together to establish the optimal route for the trail.

https://www.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/consultations/clyst-valley-trail/

The proposed Clyst Valley Trail will:

  • provide a strategic multiuse connection between the Exe Estuary Trail/ Topsham, the nearby villages of Clyst St George, Clyst St Mary, Sowton, Clyst Honiton, Cranbrook and Pinhoe
  • promote recreation and leisure trips to East Devon with increased access to the natural environment and support for local tourism, accommodation, recreation, and food/drink businesses
  • promote sustainable travel as an alternative mode of transport, providing health and well-being benefits to local communities and supporting carbon net zero aspirations
  • provide public access to the Clyst Valley Regional Park in a way which conserves and enhances the environment, whilst limiting adverse impacts.

https://www.clystvalleypark.org.uk/ 

Social Media:

Facebook: https://facebook.com/clystvalleypark (732)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/clystvalleypark (1k)

Instagram: https://instagram.com/clystvalleypark (313)

 

Public Consultation

A public consultation is being held between Monday 9 May and Friday 10 June 2022 on the proposed Clyst Valley Trail route between West Clyst and Topsham.

Devon County Council and East Devon District Council are in the early design stage of the Clyst Valley Trail multiuse route which will connect Exeter with nearby towns and villages to the east. This attractive route will be accessible for all users and passes through historic parkland and river valleys.

The 13 km (8 mile) route will link Pinhoe in Exeter with the Exe Estuary Trail. The path will link 12,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs in Exeter and East Devon, including Cranbrook. More than 40,000 people will directly benefit from the route.

https://www.devon.gov.uk/haveyoursay/consultations/clyst-valley-trail/ 

 

 

 

Bus Services

       

        

 

Clyst Valley Regional Park

New public green space in East Devon, the Clyst Valley Regional Park is waiting for you to explore its heritage and nature, and breathe its fresh country air. The Clyst Valley is a vast green space to breathe, on the doorstep of a rapidly growing population east of Exeter. It follows the meandering River Clyst (meaning ’clear water‘) as it feeds into the Exe estuary. https://www.clystvalleypark.org.uk/ 

 Poltimore House and Gardens

A few miles north of Exeter on the level land between the rivers Exe and Clyst, stands Poltimore House. The Poltimore gardens and woodlands cover about 30 acres, of which 13, including the land on which the House is built, now belong to Poltimore House Trust. The Trust was established in 2000 to preserve this historic building and its estate. https://poltimore.org/  https://www.branchescafe.co.uk/  

 Bishop's Court parkland

An intensely Gothic mansion remodelled by William White in 1860-4; a transformation of a house of c.1800 which itself incorporated remains of the most important medieval country residence of the bishops of Exeter (acquired in1265 and used by them until 1546). The Pleasure Garden was, according to Mrs Price in 1805, in its ‘infant state’ but it did have an avenue of elms which formed an arch. White (1850) noted that the house is a commodious building , pleasantly situated on a commanding eminence, in a well wooded park, on the east bank of the small river Clyst. Stockdale described it as ’an elegant spacious Gothic structure chiefly composed of the materials of the ancient palace…… the approach is formed by a beautiful avenue of trees, which, with the surrounding plantations have been much improved. A new Gothic lodge has also been erected.’ When the property was sold in 1833 it had its own pheasantry and aviary, together with a commodious covered summer-house, melon and cucumber beds, fruit trees and an orchard, as well as a rookery of noble beeches, elms and oaks, mingled with limes and chestnuts. https://devongardenstrust.org.uk/gardens/bishops-court 

 

 

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.

 

 


 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. 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/ 

       

 


 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 


Cycle 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/ 

 

 

 Route 2 Bikes

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

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 


Havens of Wildlife

 

Devon Wildlife Trust

Established over fifty years ago by a small group of volunteers, Devon Wildlife Trust is the only charity that exists to protect all wildlife in Devon and to safeguard Devon’s unique natural environment. https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/ 

 

 Old Sludge Beds

Paths and boardwalks allow you to get among the reed beds and ponds of this wetland reserve. We probably could have come up with a better name for this often over-looked nature reserve! But the 'Old Sludge Beds' does at least hint at the history behind the place. https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/old-sludge-beds 

 Exe Reed Beds

Great views across reedbeds and the spectacular Exe Estuary. One of the largest tidal reedbeds in Devon and one of the best for birds. Situated in the attractive upper reaches of the Exe Estuary, this site offers wonderful views across the Exe Valley and river. https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/exe-reed-beds 

 

 Ludwell Valley Park

Leave the city centre to explore the fields, cherry orchards and wooded lanes of Ludwell Valley Park. Follow trails along the Northbrook stream or climb to the top of Pynes Hill for stunning views over Exeter.

The park is a working farm on the edge of the busy city of Exeter. Many of the fields provide free access to people wishing to enjoy this tranquil setting.

Next to the farmland is Wonford Playing Fields where there is space to kick a ball around, jog with the dog, or take a leisurely stroll beside the Northbrook. The valley is a real wildlife haven. Harvest mice nest in the fields, whitethroats and blackcaps skulk in the hedgerows and orange-tip and painted lady butterflies feed on the wildflowers.

https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/nature-reserves/ludwell-valley-park 

 

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

The RSPB South West office in Exeter covers the counties of Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire. https://www.rspb.org.uk/about-the-rspb/get-in-touch/rspb-offices/england/#South-West 

Exeter & District Local Group

The aim of the group is to promote an interest in birds and other wildlife in Exeter and the surrounding district, and to support the activities of the RSPB in giving nature a home. https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/groups/exeter 

 

 Exminster and Powderham Marshes

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/ 

 

 Bowling Green and Goosemoor

You'll find Bowling Green and Goosemoor on the confluence of the River Exe and the River Clyst, close to the town of Topsham. It's an ideal spot to watch birds up close, including spring and autumn migrating birds, and winter flocks of waders, ducks and geese feeding and resting, from the comfort of the Lookout hide. https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/bowling-green-and-goosemoor/ 

 Dart's Farm 

Located on the outskirts of Exeter, Darts Farm is home to a large variety of wildlife. These include flocks of linnets, fieldfares and redwings during the winter, dragonflies, skylarks and kingfishers in summer. There's also a popular shop and tearoom here, part of a larger shopping complex.

https://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events/reserves-a-z/darts-farm/

https://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/lifestyle/rspb

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RSPBExeEstuary/ (1k)

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RSPBExeEstuary (2.5k)

https://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/lifestyle/rspb https://www.dartsfarm.co.uk/whats-on/bird-hide-wetlands 

 

RAMSAR

The Convention on Wetlands is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. https://rsis.ramsar.org/ris/542 

 Exe Estuary

The Exe Estuary is a site of international importance for wading birds, which feed on the estuary mudflats at low tide, and roost at high tide at the adjacent Dawlish Warren. Over 10,000 wildfowl and 20,000 waders winter on the estuary. Exminster Marshes, a series of fields drained by dykes and ditches, carry several plants rare in Devon including parsley, water dropwort, flowering rush and frogbit. Dragonflies are also found here, such as the ruddy darter and hairy dragonfly. The marshes are bounded by the Exeter Canal. Both are fringed by beds of common reed, providing important habitat for warblers. Burrowing invertebrates are found in the sandbanks and mudflats.

  

 

One Bus From Exeter

How far can you travel on One Bus From Exeter? In about an hour you can get to Honiton, Sidmouth, Exmouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Bovey Tracey, Moretenhampstead, Chagford, Okehampton, North Tawton, Chulmleigh, Witheridge, Tiverton, or Willand. You won't need to find a parking space - and you won't have to return to your car. You can walk along the East Devon Way, or the South West Coast Path, or the Exe Valley Way and return by another bus. Find the quiet places. Avoid the traffic congestion of last year. Step more lightly on the Earth.

Back in the early 2000s, I walked the Tarka Trail and the North Devon part of the South West Coast Path in sections. I would get a bus to a town or village on the Tarka Trail, walk 5 to 10 miles and then return on another bus. One Bus from Exeter is a return to that idea. 

One Bus From Exeter was to going to start with step 4 out of national lockdown, however infection rates are still high. 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. 

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