Exe Estuary Trail, Exmouth, Devon
Take a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Exe Estuary Trail and you’ll be astounded at the beautiful scenery; the route forms part of the South Coast National Cycle Network and covers 22.5 miles from Exmouth to Dawlish Warren, but of course, it’s up to you how much, or how little you do of it.
One advantage is that the trail is mostly traffic free, level and easy going, so this is a good way to spend a family day out when you’re on your large group holidays in Devon. Nearly the whole route follows the river on both sides of the estuary, so the views are breathtaking; if you’re into birdwatching, take your binoculars because you’ll pass through nature reserves where the marshes attract hundreds of resident wildfowl and migratory birds.
To cover the whole of the Exe Estuary Trail would take you the best part of a day by bike and longer than that on foot; you could take the ferry from Exmouth to Starcross and do a smaller loop, or go from Exmouth to Topsham, which is a lovely stopping point with waterside pubs. One of the best is The Turf, between the river and the old Exeter Ship Canal, and one of the few pubs in the country that’s not accessible by car.
Plan it well and you could add in a detour to Powderham Castle or the National Trust’s A La Ronde.
All information correct at the time of writing