This walk offers the perfect opportunity to get a taste of all the amazing things to do and see in Exeter. You start off in the bustling city and its popular quayside walkways, passing beautiful weirs, interesting bridges and (hopefully) majestic swans. As you head further down and along the canal, the city slowly gives way to the countryside, which offers tranquil scenery and beautiful wildlife. The canals then give way to the estuary, where you’ll see hundreds of boats sheltering on their moorings and the villages that lie across the water.
The riverside is steeped in history, with the estuary being one of the earliest areas populated in Devon, primarily because it served as a vital, navigable trade route. As you walk you can really picture the difficult journey up river that ships would have had to make from the sea, up the estuary, and into the canal system through the locks to reach the city.
The route itself isn’t strenuous as it is relatively flat on the riverside throughout, crossing under and across bridges as you go. If you feel brave there are even a few good wild swimming spots along the way. Enjoy the walk and by the time you’ve reached the end you’ll have earned a refreshing pint as you wait for your train home.
