Exeter - Canal, River and Parks Circular Walk

6 miles (9.6 km)

A fine circular walk visiting the canal, river and parks of the city of Exeter. The route makes use of waymarked trails to take you to the Riverside Valley Park with waterside sections along the Exeter Canal and the River Exe to enjoy.
Starting from the Exeter Docks the walk heads through the Riverside Valley Park which runs between the canal and the river. There's nice cycling and walking trails running through the park with lots of wildlife to look out for too. Follow the footpaths to the Countess Wear Brdige where you cross the river and start the return leg.
Follow the paths along the eastern side of the river past Northbrook Park to Belle Isle Park. This pretty riverside park has nice views of the river and the Trews Weir Allotments. Look out for Herons, cormorants, woodpeckers, and swallows�as you make your way through the park.
The final section takes you past the pedestrian Butts Ferry at Exeter Quay before returning to the start point.
To extend your walking in the Exeter area you can continue along the long distance trails which run through the town. You could follow the Exe Valley Way towards Topsham. Here you can explore the beautiful Exe Estuary and visit the animals at Darts Farm on the popular Topsham Goat Walk.

Exeter Circular Walk Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Exeter Circular Walk Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Exeter Circular Walk OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Exeter Circular Walk Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Walks near Exeter

Exe Estuary Trail - This splendid, largely traffic free ride takes you around the beautiful Exe Estuary on the south Devon coast
Exe Valley Ride - This lovely easy ride or walk follows the River Exe, the Exeter Canal and National Cycle Route 2 from Exeter to Exminster.
Exe Valley Way - The walk starts in Starcross on the banks of the River Exe Estuary and heads past the 14th century Powderham Castle and then along the Exeter Canal to Exeter
Exeter Canal - Follow the Exeter Ship Canal from the centre of Exeter to the River Exe Estuary
Cullompton - This interesting Mid Devon town is located on the River Culm near Exeter and Tiverton.
Brampford Speke - This delightful Devon village is surrounded by some lovely rolling countryside making it a fine place to start a walk
Killerton Park - The Killerton Estate is 6,400 acres of parkland and countryside containing over 60 miles of footpaths and cycle tracks
Ashclyst Forest - Enjoy miles of woodland cycling and walking trails in this large forest near Killerton
Broadclyst - This East Devon village boasts a number of historic properties, a pretty village green, an historic watermill, a 15th century church, a 16th century pub and some fine country footpaths.
Exeter Green Circle - This 12 mile circular walk explores the city of Exeter visiting several attractive green spaces, including the parks, the river and the surrounding countryside.
Darts Farm - This walk near Exeter explores the area around Dart's Farm in Devon.

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.
A few miles to the north east there's the town of Cullompton on the River Culm. The historic settlement includes a 15th century church, interesting old mills, a Grade I listed 17th century house, several Grade II listed buildings and a nice easy mill leat walking trail.
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.