By: Blonde One

I recently did a long distance walk that combined some of the Exe Valley Way and some of the South West Coast Path.

I began at Exeter St David’s train station and walked along the estuary and canal, following the Exe Valley Way, for just under 10 miles. The weather was perfect and partly because it was mid-week, the route was fairly quiet. There was the odd dog walker and cyclist to say good morning to but certainly not crowds of people. I stopped at one of the two pubs along the way to fill up my water bottle and visit the toilet. There was plenty to see, despite being alongside the estuary and canal. There were locks, bridges, wildlife aplenty and some very interesting information boards.

The Exe Valley Way runs from Starcross to Exford in Somerset for 45 miles and mostly follows the River Exe (although it does deviate to the River Barle for some of it).

After reaching Starcross, which is actually the start of the Exe Valley Way, I joined the South West Coast Path. I followed this path for nearly 9 miles all the way to Teignmouth. My reward was an ice cream on the beach!

So, apart from the scenery, what makes this such a good long distance walk?

  • There are various ways to cut this walk short if necessary; I passed 3 train stations and numerous bus stops that would have taken me back to Exeter or taken me to my finish point at Teignmouth.
  • I filled up my water bottle several times at very friendly hospitality establishments.
  • There were lots of toilets.
  • I could take my pick from refreshments.
  • The walk was mostly flat.