Exeter Canal
Follow the Exeter Ship Canal from the centre of Exeter to the River Exe Estuary. It's a nice easy cycle or walk following the canal towpath for about 5 miles.
The route starts near the cathedral in the city centre and heads south towards Topsham, passing River Exe Country Park and the Exe Reedbeds nature reserve. There's nice views of the River Exe and lots of water loving wildlife to look out for.
The route of the canal follows the Exe Valley Ride and the Exe Valley Way so there is scope for extending your exercise along these long distance paths. The Exe Estuary Trail also runs through the area.
Our Exeter Circular Walk visits the Riverside Valley Park, the River Exe and the canal too.
Exeter Canal Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Exeter Canal Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Exeter Canal OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Exeter Canal Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
At the end of the canal there's the Turf Hotel for some post exercise relaxation and refreshment. The timber framed slate hung listed building includes a characterful interior with pine strip floors. It's in a fabulous spot overlooking the Exe Estuary with a large garden area to relax in on warmer days. The pub is dog friendly if you have your canine friend with you. Postcode is EX68EE.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
Follow the Exe Valley way north from the city and you can visit the pretty village of Brampford Speke and the picturesque Bickleigh Mill. It's a fine place for a stroll with a historic mill and shopping area right next to the river. There's also an excellent riverside pub here too.
Just a few miles north east of the city there's the wonderful Killerton Park Estate to explore. The National Trust owned park covers thousands of acres with miles of great cycling and walking trails surrounding the 18th century mansion. The historic village of Broadclyst and the peaceful woodland trails around Ashclyst Forest can also be found in this area.
For an alternative circular walk around the city see the Exeter Green Circle. This 12 mile trail visits the Alphin Brook Valley, the village of Alphington, the Hoopern Valley, Mincinglake Valley Park and The Ludwell Valley.
For more walking ideas in the county see the Devon Walks page.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Exeter canal basin. The basin, at the Exeter end of the canal, was built in 1830. The warehouses followed soon after. The quay area retains a mix of Georgian and Victorian buildings, repurposed for modern use, including the custom house which dates from 1681. The basin has gone through substantial redevelopment, including residential buildings in a mock warehouse style, with the older buildings finding new uses as antique shops, cafes, restaurants and studios.
Exeter Canal Double locks.
The double locks on the canal near to Countess weir.
Canal basin. Seen from halfway along the southwestern side. On the right, behind the "Ilka", are the original warehouses, and at the far end, across Piazza Terracina, are modern flats above a row of popular cafes.
Flood plain between River Exe and the canal. With the exception of the Roman 'Fossdyke' the canal is thought to be the oldest manmade waterway in Britain. The first stage of the canal was built in the Tudor period when Elizabeth I was on the throne.
Boathouse by the canal
Canoe by the entrance to Exeter Canal Basin. The canal basin is popular for a range of water sports, including canoeing, rowing and kayaking.
Reed beds between the canal the Exe estuary
Canal meets Exe river at Turf Lock. The promontory between the course of the canal and the river is part of the garden of the popular Turf Lock hotel.