A river valley walk between source and seaalong the beautiful River Exe

A Guide for northbound and southboundwalkers with a sketch map for each stage.

The Exe Valley Way is a long distance routefor walkers exploring the length of thisbeautiful river valley. It is almost 80km/50miles in length, stretching from the SouthWest Coast Path National Trail on the ExeEstuary to the village of Exford on the highland of Exmoor National Park. An additional12km/7.5 miles route links Exford to ExeHead, the source of the River Exe, high uponthe moor. Most of the route follows besidethe River Exe. At the northern end of theroute, the route follows the River Barle, atributary of the River Exe, before rejoiningthe Exe at Exford.

The Exe Valley Way can be divided up into aseries of 10 stages, most of which can bewalked comfortably by most walkers in half aday. The route should be easily followed withthe help of the sketch maps and routedescription inside this booklet and byfollowing the Exe Valley Way waymarkersigns along the route. The Exe Valley Waywaymarker signs, as shown below, arelocated along the entire length of the routebut with a slight variation of sign materialsused inside the Exmoor National Park. Theroute is signed both northbound andsouthbound.

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The majority of the route follows footpathsand quiet country lanes where there is littletraffic but there are brief stretches of busyroads in Exeter and Tiverton. Care should betaken at all times when walking on roads.

Whilst this booklet does give a broad outlineof the waymarked route, it is emphasisedthat it would also be helpful to take an OSmap along with you, particularly for thefootpath sections.

OS Maps which cover theExe Valley Way:Explorer No. 114Exeter & the Exe Valley (1:25 000)Explorer OL9Exmoor (1:25 000)

The Exe ValleyThe Exe Valley is a beautiful and relativelyunspoilt area of the Devon countryside.The River Exe, rising on Exmoor at a heightof over 1450feet/442metres and within 5miles of the Bristol Channel, then bends itsway along an ever-changing route of over 60miles to reach the sea on the South Coast ofDevon at Exmouth.

From the fast-flowing waters and steeply-wooded valleys of Exmoor and the areanorth of Tiverton, to the more gently flowingand meandering waters leading down to thecoast, the Exe Valley offers an immensevariety of flora and fauna as it flows throughpeaceful villages, busy market towns and thecathedral city of Exeter.

The Exe Valley WayA river valley walk between source and sea along the beautiful River Exe

Exe Valley Way Waymarkers

Stage 1

Stage 2

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

Stage 7

Stage 8

TTwwoo MMoooorrss WWaayy

Two Moors Way

South WSouth West Coastest CoastPath National trailPath National trailSouth West CoastPath National trail

Stage 9

Stage 10

Walk North, or South - instages….Stages of the Exe Valley Way are shown in thefollowing pages and directions for walkers are givenfor Northbound and Southbound journeys with mapfor each stage.

The stages are:

Stage 1 13km/8milesStarcross to Exeter

Stage 2 9km/5.6milesExeter to Brampford Speke

Stage 3 7km/4.3milesBrampford Speke to Thorverton

Stage 4 6km/4milesThorverton to Bickleigh

Stage 5 6.5km/4milesBickleigh to Tiverton

Stage 6 12.5km/7.8milesTiverton to Bampton

Stage 7 6km/4milesBampton to Brushford

Stage 8 11km/7milesBrushford to Hawkridge

Stage 9 13km/8milesHawkridge to Exford

Stage 10 19km/12milesAdditional route to Exe Head via Withypool

3 © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007

Key to Maps

Start/End of Stage

Exe Valley Way

Bus Links

Sustainable Travel LinksFrequent and regular bus services operate near tothe route between Stages 1 and 7 providing anopportunity to plan ‘Ride and Stride’ options.For up to date bus times call Traveline on0871 200 22 33 or visit www.traveline.org.uk

Stage 1

Starcross to Exeter13km/8 miles

Starcross is a large village situated halfwaybetween Exeter and Dawlish. The villageoffers fantastic views across the Exe Estuary,an internationally important site designatedfor its special birdlife. Starcross was one ofthe villages along Brunel’s famously ill-fated‘Atmospheric Railway’, and the location ofthe only remaining pumping station (nowthe Starcross Youth Club).

This Stage may be divided into 3 sections:

• The southern section gives superb viewsover the estuary and surroundingparkland and marshes; the ideal walk forthe lover of birds (estuary and marshes),deer (in Powderham Castle’s grounds) andtrains.

• The central section is an attractive ruralwalk between marshes and England'soldest pound lock canal (built 1560's) plusglimpses of the estuary are seen justbeyond the canal.

• The northern section is more urban nearerthe Canal Basin and Quayside but most ofthe length remains green. It is, in anyevent, a pleasant walk - watch out forviews of the cathedral standing out overthe city.

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NorthboundFrom the footbridge leading to the ferry, walkpast the toilets to the footpath alongside therailway, leave the grassy area by the metal gateand take the minor road which forks right, backtowards the railway and estuary. Continue north.At Powderham Church, where the road swingsaway from the estuary, take the footpath straightahead. Cross the railway and continue alongsidethe estuary to the Turf Lock Hotel at the endpoint of the Exeter Canal.At the canal keep to the towpath on the oppositeside to the estuary and follow this all the way toExeter Canal Basin (8km/5 miles). Be carefulcrossing the road at the swing bridge (after5km/3 miles). At the Canal Basin next to theHarbour Master’s Office, take the wooden bridgeover the canal then go left, alongside the river.The historic Exeter Quay soon appears on theopposite bank. That, and Exeter City Centre, maybe reached by the small chain ferry or over thetall footbridge.

FacilitiesStarcross has most facilities: frequent busesand trains, pubs, shops, toilets and car park,so of course, has Exeter. Elsewhere on thisstretch there are just two excellent canal sidepubs, at the Turf Lock and at Double Lock.

Exeter has a Tourist Information Centre onthe Quayside.

For bus times between Starcross and Exetercall the Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.

Beware - fast traffic

Foot FerryFoot FerryFoot Ferry

Quayside FootbriadgeQuayside FootbriadgeQuayside Footbridge

PowderhamPowderhamChurchChurchPowderhamChurch

YYacht Clubacht ClubYacht Club

DawlishDawlishDawlish

TheTheExeExe

EstuaryEstuary

TheExe

Estuary

PowderhamPowderhamCastleCastlePowderhamCastle

TTurf Lock Hotelurf Lock HotelTurf Lock Hotel

StarcrossStarcrossStarcross

Double LocksDouble LocksHotelHotelDouble LocksHotel

SouthboundFrom the west side of the Exe riverbank, oppositeExeter Quay, follow the riverside walkdownstream, keeping the river on your left. Atthe lock marking the beginning of the Exeter ShipCanal, turn right, over the wooden bridge andthen turn left alongside the canal and follow thetowpath. Continue walking southwards with thecanal on your left for 8km/5 miles. Be carefulcrossing the road when you reach the swingbridge after around 3km/2 miles.At the end of the canal (the Turf Lock) follow thepath around to the right, then left, continuingsouth alongside the estuary. Continue on thispath, cross the railway, and at the road bear leftand straight ahead.At the end of the road, just before the junction,go through the metal gate to a grassy area andthen join the footpath alongside the railway tothe ferry footbridge at Starcross.

5 © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007

Quayside foot ferry

Exeter Cathedral

View from Starcross

Deer at Powderham Castle

Stage 2

Exeter to BrampfordSpeke9km/51⁄2 miles

DescriptionThe southern end of this stage is alongsideor close to the river in a semi-urban butpleasant environment.

The central section is urban, alongside a busyroad, but with views of Exeter's ruralsurroundings just across the river.

The northern part is along rural paths in theExe Valley, mostly on the valley bottom butoccasionally rising to give fantastic viewsacross the valley.

FacilitiesExeter has all the facilities you would expectfrom a city and there are pubs at CowleyBridge and in Brampford Speke.

The road section between St Davids Stationand Cowley Bridge follows a bus route andvery occasional buses go to BrampfordSpeke. Check with the Traveline on 0871200 22 33 for bus times.

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NorthboundFrom the Exe riverbank opposite Exeter Quay,take the riverside walk, keeping the river on yourright. Follow the path under the road bridges andat the weir turn left on the footpath andcycleway, following the signs to Exwick. Keep onthis path, going right at one junction, to a roadbridge.Turn right, cross the bridges (the second is theExe) and the level crossing, then right throughthe overflow car park to arrive at St. David'sStation. At the station entrance, turn left to thepedestrian crossing and climb St. Clement's Laneto another pedestrian crossing. Cross and go upHowell Road opposite. At the top cross NewNorth Road and turn left downhill, continuing onthe pavement for 2km (1.5 miles).At the roundabout cross Wrefords Drive thencarefully cross the main road (Tiverton Road) tothe Crediton Road (i.e. turn left towardsCrediton). Cross the railway then with greatcare and keeping well in, cross the bridgesover the rivers Creedy and Exe.Take the first road on the right and at the sharpleft bend go straight ahead through the lodgegates. Keep right at the fork, take thewaymarked diversion round the farmyard, thenkeep close to the fence to a copse. Walk through,around to the right, then continue on the trackstraight ahead.Leave the track where it swings sharp right andtake the signed path which goes left ahead upover a field. Cross two fields diagonally thencontinue ahead on a track which becomes asurfaced lane.On reaching a wider road, bear right thencontinue ahead and climb the hill into the villageof Brampford Speke. The village pub (theAgricultural Inn) is ahead on the left, the churchdown a lane on the right.

Foot FerryFoot FerryFoot Ferry

Quayside FootbridgeQuayside FootbridgeQuayside Footbridge

Beware - narrow bridge, keep well in

St Davids StationSt Davids StationSt Davids Station

SouthboundLeave the Agricultural Inn behind and on yourright and take the road out of the village towardsExeter. At the bottom of the hill fork left at theroad signpost after the bridge then soon afterfork left at the road signpost after the bridgethen soon after fork right. This lane becomes atrack. Leave diagonally to the left just before abarn, crossing two fields.Descend to a junction of tracks, taking the oneahead with the fence to its right. Where it turnsleft bear right into a copse. After the copse keepto the fence on the right, take the waymarkeddiversion round the farmyard and on to a track.Pass through the lodge gates and bear left on theroad ahead. At the main road turn left - takegreat care and keep well in when crossing theriver bridges of the Creedy and Exe. At theroundabout carefully cross the Tiverton Road,then Wrefords Drive, and continue on thepavement alongside the road towards the CityCentre (i.e. turn right at the roundabout). Keepon for 2km (1.5 miles) until you reach apedestrian crossing at Howell Road. Use this tocross the road, then go down Howell Road. Crossthe road at the bottom, go down St. Clement'sLane, cross the next road and go to St. DavidsStation.Turn right and pass in front of the station thenbear left, taking the path through the overflowcarpark. Turn left, cross the level crossing and thetwo bridges (the first is the Exe), then take thefootpath and cycleway on the left, signed for ExeBridges. Keep to this path, bearing left at thejunction.Arriving at a weir, descent to the riverside path,pass under the road bridges and keep on thepath next to the river to arrive opposite ExeterQuay.

7 © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007Exeter Quayside

Stage 3

Brampford Speke toThorverton7km/41⁄2 miles

This stage includes two options, a directroute and a diversion to take in the village ofStoke Canon. Parts of the diversion throughStoke Canon can flood in winter.

DescriptionThis stage follows the flat valley floor of theExe, the valley being wide here. The route ispartly on riverside and other paths, partly onvery minor roads. The medieval Burrow Crossis of interest and in spring and summer wildflowers are abundant. On the riverside,butterflies such as the Marbled White arecommon. At dusk, barn owls may beglimpsed.

FacilitiesBrampford Speke has a pub and veryoccasional buses. Stoke Canon has a pub,shop and a regular bus service. Thorvertonhas pubs, shops, a car park and less frequentbuses. There is another pub and regular busservice about 1⁄2 kilometre (1⁄4 mile) fromLatchmoor Green.

The regular buses on the A396 create thepossibility of starting and finishing at anumber of places close to the route.

Check with the Traveline on 0871 200 22 33for bus times.

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NorthboundTake the lane towards the church, then the publicfootpath through the churchyard. Continue onthe gravel path to a lane. Turn right then bear leftdownhill to the footbridge over the Exe. (On thefar side the diversion to Stoke Canon commences- see diversion below).For the direct route, take the path which bears tothe left, and then bear round to the right. At anold gate (with a new kissing gate to the side)continue ahead, next to a hedge and on to acopse, bearing slightly left to the riverside.Follow the Exe to a track which leads to ajunction of tracks and turn left. (The Stoke Canondiversion rejoins here). At a T-junction turn right,then take the next side track on the left. At theend turn left then immediately right, into a field.Aim for the left end of the hedge on the far sideand the hills in the distance. Cross the stile, whichis quite hidden but is in the corner of the fieldjust after the bend in the stream, go ahead thenkeep to the left of the hedge to a gateway.Go through a stile then cross the next large fieldin the same direction to where a fence meets thebanks of the Exe. Continue alongside the Exe to aroad. Turn left, across the river, and follow intothe village of Thorverton.Diversion via Stoke CanonCross the footbridge and turn right over the fieldand over another footbridge to go on, and thenalongside, the old Exe Valley railway line. At themetal gates go left along the field edge to a road.Cross the level crossing for Stoke Canon village.To continue north, return to the level crossing,cross and take the lane next to Oakhay Barton.Turn left at the medieval stone Burrow Cross torejoin the direct route.

Views across the Exe Valley

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SouthboundFrom Thorverton take the main road towardsExeter. Immediately after crossing the Exe, takethe footpath on the right, next to the river. At thefence bear left away from the river, aiming for astile to the left of the two tall trees. Cross, thengo through the gateway in the hedge ahead.Continue ahead, going left of the wet area at theend, to a stile. Cross the next field, aiming for agate in the middle of the hedge ahead. Go on tothe track, then take the track to the right withthe white bar gates.At the end turn right, then left at the nextjunction. At another junction turn right (or left totake the diversion - see below), which soon leadsto the Exe. Follow the riverside then, at thesecond stile, where the river turns to the right,continue straight ahead, away from the river togo alongside a copse then a newly-planted hedgeto a gate, and through to a second gate. Gothrough, then bear round to the left and then onto a path which leads to a footbridge over theExe.Cross the bridge and at the top of the path turnleft through a gate to a path which leads intoBrampford Speke churchyard. At the lane turnright to the junction. The village pub is a littleway to the right.Diversion via Stoke CanonTurn left instead of right at the junction of tracksreached above and proceed to Burrow Cross.Turn right for Stoke Canon, crossing the levelcrossing for the village.To continue south, take the footpath opposite thelevel crossing. At the metal gates go right, partlyon, partly alongside, the old Exe Valley railway.Leave this for a footbridge then head for a largerone and turn left to cross the River Exe toBrampford Speke where the direct route isrejoined.

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007Brampford Speke Church

Stage 4

Thorverton toBickleigh6km/4 miles

This stage is along quiet country lanes and isalso suitable for cycling.

DescriptionThe southern half of this stage climbs highup the sides of the Exe Valley giving superbviews over the valley and beyond, and as faras the sea on a clear day.

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The northern half follows the valley floor.The floor is relatively flat and the sides makethe valley quite a distinct feature here. Theroute passes Bickleigh Castle, a medievalfortified manor house. The impressiveBickleigh Bridge over the Exe is rumoured bysome, to be the spot where Simon andGarfunkel were inspired to write their classicsong ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’!

The villages at either end, Thorverton andBickleigh, are both very picturesque.

FacilitiesThere is regular bus service between Exeterand Tiverton which passes Bickleigh; somebuses divert into Thorverton. There are pubsand shops in the villages at both ends andthere is also a car park at Thorverton. Checkwith the Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 forbus times.

Make Use of the Buses. Frequent and regular bus services operate near the walking routeon Stages 1 to 6 providing opportunities to plan route options. Check with Traveline on0871 200 22 33 for accurate bus times, or visit www.traveline.org.uk.

Dangerous road bridgeover River Exe - no footway

to Exeterto Exeterto Exeter

SouthboundWith your back to Bickleigh Mill, turn right to themain road. Be wary of traffic on this stretch.Cross the Exe on Bickleigh Bridge, thenimmediately fork left (signposted Crediton). Crossthe next bridge, then fork left on a minor road(signposted Bickleigh Castle) and go along thelane past the castle.Keep to the lane as it climbs out of the valleybottom, then descends to a crossroads. Gostraight across at the cross roads, climbing thendescending bear right at the farm track and goon into the village of Thorverton.Make use of the Buses!Frequent and regular bus services operate near tothe walking route on Stages 1 to 5 providingopportunities to plan route options. Check withthe Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 for accurate bustimes.

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NorthboundFrom the small green in the centre of Thorvertontake the minor road to the right, which climbsgently from the main road. Keep on the lane,going left at the first farm track, climbing thendescending to a crossroads.Go straight across at the crossroads, climbingsteadily then, keeping on the lane, descendsteeply back to the floor of the Exe Valley. PassBickleigh Castle, and at the road junctioncontinue ahead. Be wary of traffic on thisstretch.Cross the bridge to the main road at Bickleigh.Take care crossing the Exe over Bickleigh Bridgethen fork left down the minor road to BickleighMill (Devonshire's Centre), Bickleigh village shopis straight on behind the Mill.

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007Typical congestion in the Exe Valley

Stage 5

Bickleigh to Tiverton6km/4 miles

DescriptionThis stage closely follows the east bank ofthe River Exe, much of it through woodland.These rich woodlands of oak and ash arecharacterised by violets, early purple orchidand Indian balsam, up to 3m high withpinkie red flowers. Bickleigh village is alsovery picturesque.

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NorthboundTake the road into Bickleigh Mill (Devonshire'sCentre) and turn left immediately before thehouse "Millhayes" almost behind the BickleighMill. Go through the gates to a field edge besidea stream, and then head for a wooden gate to awoodland path.Follow this sometimes muddy path parallel to theriver. Turn left off the path shortly afterdescending to the riverside. Follow this permissivepath, courtesy of the landowner, across a ditchand alongside the Exe to an open field.Continue alongside the Exe to a stile, cross andturn left, still parallel to the river. Cross the stile atthe end and walk ahead into the wood.Keep to the path, passing a private suspensionbridge on the way. From the stile just after thebridge head diagonally left uphill to another stile.Follow the woodland path and at the gate turnleft, then right at the stile into a field.Heading towards the waterworks, cross the ditch,then go ahead next to the wood on the right to agap in the hedge. Continue ahead and head forthe right hand side of the waterworks. Aim forthe stile in the far corner.Cross the stile, pass the waterworks and continueon the track straight ahead. Keep going for1.5km (1 mile) and at the road junction turn leftinto St. Andrew Street. Cross the footbridge andpass the museum to arrive in Tiverton.The town centre is to the right at the Town Hall;turn left to continue north on the Exe Valley Way.

FacilitiesBickleigh has pubs and a village shop plusthe Devonshire's Centre which is a large craftstore and gift shop with a café. Tiverton hasall essential facilities including shops, pubs,toilets and a Tourist Information Centre inPhoenix Lane.

Regular buses connect Bickleigh and Tivertonto each other and to Exeter.

Bickleigh Castle

TTivertonivertonTiverton

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SouthboundTake St. Andrew Street from the centre ofTiverton (next to the Town Hill), pass the museumand cross the footbridge. At the end turn right,then immediately fork right on to a lane runningparallel to the river. Continue for 1.5km (1 mile)to the waterworks.Cross the stile next to the waterworks entranceand take the path past the works. Cross the nextstile and continue ahead parallel to the hedgeand head for the gap at the far end of the field.Pass through and keep ahead, with the wood onthe left, to a stile at the far end of this next field.Cross the stile and turn left. Go through the gateon the right and soon after fork right on to awoodland path. At the end of the wood cross thestile and go diagonally right downhill to anotherstile. Cross and continue along the riverside pasta private suspension bridge, on to a woodlandpath following the Exe Valley Way waymarkers.At the end of the woods cross the stile andcontinue along the field edge, next to the river.Cross the stile at the far corner of the field andturn left, still on the riverside.Follow the Exe on the permissive path, courtesyof the landowner, to the far end of this largefield.Cross the stile and continue on the riverside,cross a ditch a bear to the left to meet a path.Turn right along this sometimes muddy paththrough woods, parallel to the river.At the end, go through a gate and along the fieldedge, next to a stream to the Bickleigh Millcomplex. Go through the gates to the lane andturn right to continue on the Exe Valley Way.

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007

Farming in Mid-Devon

Stage 6

Tiverton to Bampton12km/73⁄4 miles

DescriptionMost of this stage follows the Exe through abeautiful section of its valley. The valley'ssides are steep and thickly wooded and theroute gives some splendid views of the valley.

North of Cove the route climbs out of thevalley. North of Halfpenny Bridge the routefollows the valley of the River Batherm, thetributary of the Exe on which the village ofBampton stands.

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NorthboundFrom the Town Hall, walk down Angel Hill andcross the Exe. At the junction go straight aheadinto St. Paul Street. Turn right at St. Paul's Churchand continue ahead to the junction with KennedyWay. Bear left (signposted to Witheridge). Turnright a junction signposted to Washfield.Turn right into higher Loughborough just past thejunction with Longdrag Hill. Continue to thebottom. At the bridge continue ahead throughthe metal gate into the field. Cross the stile andturn right, alongside the fence, then head for thestile to the left of the house. Cross and turn leftup the lane, then right at the road.Continue for 1.2km (0.75 mile) and at Cotleighbear right, signposted to Lower Washfield andCove. Keep on this lane for almost 3km (1.8miles) turning right at the junction at HatherlandMill (signposted to Cove).At the next junction turn left (signposted toStoodleigh); after 600m (650 yards) bear rightdown a narrow lane, signposted to Cove. At thenext junction bear right, again signpost to Cove.Arriving at Cove Bridge over the Exe, turn sharpback left uphill (signposted to Stoodleigh). At thetop turn right; keep on this land and afterdescending steeply back into the valley, cross theExe on Halfpenny Bridge; at the main road takethe lane going uphill opposite.Keep to the lane, which after 1.6km (1 mile)leads into Bampton. For the town shops, turnright at the main road.

FacilitiesTiverton has a full range of facilities includingshops, pubs, toilets and a Tourist InformationCentre in Phoenix Lane.

Bampton is a pretty village with pubs, a smallcar park and a small range of shops,including a café.

There are regular buses from Tiverton toExeter, and infrequent ones from Bampton toTiverton. Check with the Traveline on0871 200 22 33 for bus times.

Wonderful woodland

TTivertonivertonTiverton

SouthboundFrom the War Memorial at the west end ofBampton take the road signposted to "TradingEstate", off South Molton Road. Follow this road,at the end of the town keeping to the lane, notthe public footpath. At the main road 1.6km (1mile) out of Bampton take the lane opposite,cross the Exe on Halfpenny Bridge and then climbsteeply out of the valley.At the next road junction, after the level stretch,turn left steeply back downhill. At the bottomturn right just before Cove Bridge over the Exe(signposted to Washfield). At the next junctionbear left, again signposted to Washfield.Meeting the bigger road bear left, signposted toWashfield and Tiverton, then just before thebridge over the Exe turn right, again signpostedto Washfield. At the next junction (HatherlandMill) turn left, still signposted to Washfield, andcontinue on this lane for almost 3km (1.75 miles).At the junction at Cotleigh bear left, just after theroad bridge turn left at the junction and continuedown a lane to a stile on the right. Cross andhead for the fence ahead and to the left. Walkalongside the fence to a stile, cross and gothrough the metal gate. Continue on the track tothe residential road (Higher Loughborough).At the main road turn left. At the junction withKenndy Way bear right and continue ahead. Bearright again at the next fork and at St. Paul'sChurch turn left. At the mini roundabout gostraight ahead, cross the Exe main road bridgeuphill to reach the town centre and the Town Hallon the right.

15 © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007

A typical pub in Bampton

Stage 7

Bampton to Brushford6km/4 miles

DescriptionThe southern part of this Stage crosses thewatershed between the River Batherm andthe River Exe, crossing high farmland andgiving some superb extensive views overvalleys to the edge of Exmoor. The northernpart of this Stage follows a small tributary ofthe Exe, the Brockey River, through a smallattractive valley. Brushford has a medievalchurch to explore with a 20th centuryLutyens chapel.

FacilitiesBampton has shops, pubs, car park, toiletsand bus services to Dulverton and Tiverton.Exebridge also has a bus service as well as apub and shop. There is also a nursery gardenand one of the oldest trout farms in thecountry (with fish for sale). In Brushford there

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NorthboundFrom the war memorial by the main car park nearthe church, take the narrow road which climbsgently uphill (signposted Dulverton for light carsand Exebridge). Climb the lane and turn right upthe path at Grey Gables, bearing left to a metalgate at the top. Follow the hedge to a stile, thenfollow the track downhill left, then bear left to astile in the left hand corner of the field.Cross the three stiles, then go uphill next to thehedgebank, keeping it on your right. Cross thestile at the top and bear slightly away from thehedge, aiming for the obvious gap at the top ofthe field. Cross the next field diagonally to thetop left-hand corner, go through the gateway,turn left then immediately right, along the fieldedge, with the hedge on your left. At the end gothrough the gate and follow the hedge on yourright downhill to a gate into a farmyard.Take the track through the farmyard. Bear left atthe farmhouse, then straight ahead along anestablished grassy track to a farm gate into afield. Go through, follow the hedge on the leftand descend in a shallow gully to a lane.Turn left along the lane. At the bottom near theimpressive irregular shaped toll house, cross themain road carefully and take the road opposite(signposted to Dulverton, Brushford).Be careful on the next stretch of road, which canbe busy in summer.Go ahead into Exebridge, cross over the Exe andcontinue to the road junction, 250m (275 yards)past the bridge. Turn left at the junction(signposted Oldways End) and continue along thelane to the cottage at the bottom of the hill.Take the track next to the cottage and follow thetrack across the field. Pass close to an old barnand continue on the track for 400m (440 yards)until arriving at a gate on the left. Go through,turn right and go through the yard and on to afarm lane. Where this swings right, leave on theleft through a metal kissing gate and cross theold railway to the lane. Brushford church is onthe left, turn right towards the village centre andthe route ahead to Dulverton and Hawkridge.

are buses to Dulverton and Bampton, and apub/sporting hotel. The bus services alongthis stage are quite infrequent. Check withthe Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 for bustimes.

Views across the valley to Exmoor

Beware - traffic

SouthboundFrom the centre of Brushford walk along the roadtowards the church, turning left on the path justbefore Ashleigh House. Cross the old railway andat the farm lane turn right. Go through the yardon the track and shortly after, through a gate onthe left into a field. Turn right and follow this path,passing close to an old barn and crossing a field toa cottage. Go on to the lane and turn left.Head uphill and at the end of the lane turn right.Be careful on this next stretch of road, which canbe quite busy in summer.Cross the bridge over the Exe and go throughExebridge village to the road junction near theimpressive irregular shaped toll house. At thegarage cross the main road carefully and take thelane opposite (signposted to Morebath).Where the lane approaches the electricity pylons,take the footpath on the right through a metal

gate into a shallow gully. Follow the field edge to agate, go through, and take the track ahead to afarmyard. Bear right on the track, through the yardto a gate into a field. Go through this gate andfollow the hedge on your left uphill, through a gapand on to a gate at the top.Continue ahead through the gate along the fieldedge. At the end turn left then immediately rightthrough the gap. Cross the next field diagonally tothe obvious gap in the hedge. Cross the stile hereand cross the field downhill, aiming at the bottomleft-hand corner. Cross another stile here andcontinue downhill next to the hedge on the left toa succession of three stiles.Cross all three, turn right and follow the track to afurther stile. Cross and follow the hedge to a metalgate. Go through and follow the drive to the rightto a road. Turn left to arrive at Bampton.

17 © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007

Beautiful riverside views near Hulverton Hill

Stage 8

Brushford toHawkridge11km/7 miles

This section between Brushford andDulverton is part of an Exmoor National Parkcircular walk, and is waymarked with paintedyellow waymarkers. There is also yellowwaymarking of the route between Dulvertonand Castle Bridge and between Castle Bridgeand Hawkridge in painted red markers.The white rectangular Exe Valley Waywaymarkers are not included in the NationalPark.

DescriptionMost of this stage follows the attractive RiverBarle, an important tributary of the Exe.Much of the route is alongside the river, ornearly so, giving some very attractive valleyscenery. The valley of the Barle is verybeautiful especially above Dulverton where itis steep and wooded. Between Castle Bridgeand Hawkridge the route follows thewatershed between the Barle and the Dane'sBrook, giving superb views over thicklywooded Exmoor valleys, pasture and heathermoorland.

FacilitiesDulverton meets most visitor requirementswith shops, pubs, a car park, public toiletsand an Exmoor National Park Visitor Centre.Infrequent buses connect the two toBampton and Tiverton. Check with theTraveline on 0871 200 22 33 for bus times.

There are no facilities on this stage north ofDulverton.

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NorthboundFrom the centre of Brushford by the parish hall,go downhill to the main Dulverton road. Take thelane opposite/just to the left, signposted Dunsterand Minehead. Where the lane bends right, takethe footpath on the left, crossing the field. Youare now entering the National Park. Cross thetrack at the end and continue ahead, alongsidethe River Barle.At the end of the third field, bear right to an oldbarn and go through the gate just beyond to ahedged path. The path widens, then becomes alane (Millham Lane then Chapel Street), leadinginto the main street at Dulverton. Villageamenities are mainly to the right, the pathcontinues to the left.Turn left at Dulverton and cross the bridge overthe Barle. Immediately after the bridge, take theminor lane on the right. Continue uphill betweenRose Cottage and Berry House, and on to thetrack (signposted Hawkridge). Keep on this trackfor 1.6km (1 mile), bearing right at the endtowards the farm buildings. Go through the yardto a lane and turn right, continuing for 230m(250 yards).Just before the bridge turn left along the track.Keep on the track for 2.5km (1.5 miles, then forkright on a narrower path which descends to theriver edge (signposted Tarr Steps). Keep close tothe river, cross a stream and then join anothertrack. Continue ahead on this track to reachCastle Bridge across Dane's Brook, a tributary ofthe Barle.Cross the bridge, then take the track climbingdiagonally to the left. Keep on the track as itclimbs to the open land of Hawkridge Ridge.It then continues to an unsurfaced lane whichleads into Hawkridge. At Hawkridge bear left,past the church, to the old cross road junction.This is where the Exe Valley Way joins the TwoMoors Way. Turn right towards Tarr Steps.

Stunning landscapes across Exmoor National Park

TTwo Moors Wwo Moors WayayTwo Moors Way

SouthboundThe Exe Valley Way leaves the Two Moors Way atthe old road junction in Hawkridge. Take the lanesignposted to Tarr Steps, beside the church. Whereit turns sharp left, bear right along the unsurfacedlane (signposted Dulverton). At the end of this lanecontinue ahead on the track next to the hedge.At the next fork take the left-hand gate and stayon the track over the open land of Harkridge Ridgeand down through woodland to a bridge (CastleBridge).Cross Castle Bridge over Dane's Brook, a tributaryof the River Barle, and continue on the trackahead. After 300m (330 yards) bear left off thetrack; cross a stream then continue next to theriver (the Barle) to join a path. Keep on this as itrises to meet a track. Keep ahead on this track forthe next 2.5km (1.5 miles).On reaching the lane, turn right. After 230m (250yards), just past Kennel Farm, bear left into the

yard and go through the left-hand gate ahead.Follow the track, forking left at the forestry areaafter 150m (165 yards), then continue on the trackfor 1.6km (1 mile). At the end follow the tracksteeply downhill to meet a lane, going straightahead.At the road junction turn left across the Barle, intoDulverton. Dulverton village centre is straightahead however the path, after a short distance,turns right into Chapel Street. Follow the lane(becoming Millham Lane) past the sports field andkeep ahead as it narrows to a path. At the end, gothrough the gate and turn right followingalongside the Barle through three fields. Cross thetrack at the end then follow the path across thenext field to a lane.Turn right on the lane. At the main road take thelane opposite/slightly to the left, next to thegarage, into Brushford.

19 © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007A happy family on the River Barle

Stage 9

Hawkridge to Exford13km/8miles

The next stage follows the Two Moors Wayto Withypool where the Exe Valley Wayleaves the Two Moors Way and arrives in thevillage of Exford.

DescriptionThe route winds gently up and down the hillsand river valleys of this part of Exmoor andalong a straight narrow lane to the village ofWithypool. From here the route leaves theTwo Moors Way and spurs off to Exford,where it once again rejoins the River Exe.

FacilitiesWithypool is a quiet unspoilt village and hasa shop and a pub. A tea-room is also openfrom Easter to October. There is a prettypicnic spot with a small car park beside theold 6 arch stone bridge over the River Barle.Exford is a village famous for hunting,shooting, fishing and riding. There areseveral shops, pubs and a pleasant villagegreen.

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NorthboundFrom the centre of Hawkridge take the turningsignposted “Withypool 3” and then turn rightafter a short distance onto a footpath signposted“Tarr Steps 1” Follow this well-way markedfootpath for 1km over fields gently loosing a littleheight. Emerging from a field follow the drivedownhill signed to Parsonage Farm. Pass thefarmhouse on your right and bear right into asunken lane. After first wooden gate bear sharpleft along a bridleway. Follow across the fieldsuntil you meet the tarmac road, then turn rightand follow the road to Withypool. Cross thebridge and 200 metres past the Royal Oak publichouse take the permitted path on the leftsignposted “Exford Via Room Hill”. (Note: If thispath is closed then follow the main road up hilland turn left at t-junction). Follow thewaymarkers steeply uphill at first until you meet atarmac road. Cross straight over and onto abridleway signed “Exford 2”. From the gatewayhead North (left as you leave the gate). Thebridleway is faint on the ground at first. Followthrough the gorse until you pick a track up.Follow this bridleway, finally descending into afarmyard. Turn right in Farmyard signed “Exford”and over the bridge. Turn immediately left andfollow upstream into Exford.

Red Deer on Exmoor (©ENPA) A delightful Exmoor village (©ENPA)

TTwo Moors Wwo Moors Wayayto Exe Headto Exe HeadTwo Moors Wayto Exe Head

AlternativeAlternativeRoad RouteRoad RouteAlternativeRoad Route

21 © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007

SouthboundFrom Exford car park follow the footpathdownstream through the meadow, soon crossinga bridge on your right and then turning leftthrough the farm buildings. Follow the bridlewaythrough a gate and steeply uphill. Whenemerging on open moorland at the very top headstraight ahead and then bear around the head ofthe Combe on the gradually fading track to agate at the far corner (south). Cross the road andpick up the permitted path signed “FootpathWithypool”. (Note: If this path is closed followthe road downhill and take the first right turninto Withypool). Follow this path across thefarmland and then steeply downhill. Turn right atthe very bottom and follow the road throughWithypool and over the common for 3km. Whenthe road steeply drops downhill turn left onto abridleway signed “Tarr Steps 2”. Follow thisacross fields to Parsonage Farm. Turn rightthrough Parsonage Farm Yard and follow thefarm track steeply downhill and then up. At thetop of the drive go through the field gate straightahead signed “Hawkridge”. Staying initially lowin the first field follow this path across fields toHawkridge.

A view over Exmoor National Park near Exe Head

Exe HeadExe HeadExe Head

STAGE 10 (Optional)

Route to Exe HeadThe Source of the River Exe

19km/12miles

In order for this route to be a true walk from‘source to sea’, it must continue to thesource of the River Exe at Exe Head.

To reach Exe Head, return to the village ofWithypool where the route rejoins the TwoMoors Way. Walk along the Two Moors Way,north, in the direction of Simonsbath.Simonsbath is a small village with a church,two hotels and a tea room. Continue northalong the Two Moors Way following theTMW waymarkers for approximately3km/2miles high up on to the moor until youreach Exe Head.

Exe Head is, as its name suggests, thesource, or ‘head’, of the River Exe and is anarea of marshy ground high up on DureDown. It is hard to believe that the water inthis inconspicuous boggy area eventuallyemerges in the broad Exe Estuary on theSouth Devon coast over 50 miles away!

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© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783. 2007

Exmoor ponies (©ENPA)

Exe Head, source of the River Exe

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Exmoor National Park (©ENPA)

The Two Moors Way andDevon’s Coast to Coast RouteRunning for just over 100miles/160km between Ivybridge (on the edge of Dartmoor) andLynmouth (on the edge of Exmoor), this famous path links Devon’s two National Parks.

Walked in conjunction with the Erme-Plym Trail, these two long distance paths form Devon’sCoast to Coast walk, enabling you to dip your toes in both the English Channel and the BristolChannel!

D E V O N

ExeExeHeadHead

ExeExeEstuaryEstuary

Engl

ish

Channel

Bristol Channel

ExeHead

ExeEstuary

The River ExeThe Exe Valley is a beautiful and relativelyunspoiled area of the Devon countryside.The River Exe rises on Exmoor at a heightof over 1450feet/442metres above sealevel and within 5miles of the BristolChannel. The river then bends its wayalong an ever changing route of over 60miles to reach the English Channel on theSouth Coast of Devon. It is amazing tothink how close the source of the river isto the North Devon coast and why itchose to flow to the South Devon coastinstead!

Visitor InformationPublic TransportMost of the towns and villages along the ExeValley Way are served by buses although thefrequency of services does vary. For up todate public transport information check withthe Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or atwww.traveline.org.uk

The route passes the rail stations at Exeter St.Davids and Starcross. For information on railservices telephone 08457 48 49 50.

Information on all public transport options isalso available from the Tourist InformationCentres detailed on the next page.

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Car ParkingCar parking facilities are indicated on theroute maps. If you chose to drive, please usethe car parks indicated, please do not parkvehicles to inconvenience residents or otherroad users.

MapsOS Maps which cover theExe Valley Way:Explorer No. 114Exeter & the Exe Valley (1:25 000)Explorer OL9Exmoor (1:25 000)

Tourist InformationCentresTivertonTiverton, Phoenix Lane, EX16 6LU.Tel: 01884 255 827

ExeterExeter Quayside Visitor Centre, EX2 4ANTel: 01392 271611

Exmoor National ParkExmoor National Park Visitor Centre, ForeStreet, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9EZTel: 01398 323841(for information on Exmoor National Park)

In and around the ExeValleyWalking, cycling and horse ridingprovide many opportunities for exploringthe countryside close to the Exe Valley,including circular routes.

The South West Coast Path NationalTrail joins the Exe Valley Way at Starcross,gives access to a wide range of coastalsettlements and scenery.

The Two Moors Way meets the ExeValley Way on Exmoor. This is a longdistance walking route across Exmoor andDartmoor. It ranges from Lynmouth on theNorth Devon coast to Ivybridge on thesouthern edge of Dartmoor. This route canbe extended to form Devon’s Coast toCoast route, with an additional day walk toWembury on the south coast of Devon.

For more information visitwww.discoverdevon.com 25

Great Places to StayThere is a wide range of accommodation inDevon. Delightful hotels on the coast or inthe country, cosy country pubs, idyllicguesthouses and farms, ideal for familyholidays. You will discover some wonderfuland luxurious self-catering accommodationas well as relaxing holiday parks, campingand caravanning... all ideal for that perfectwalking break, all year round.

Making your selection couldn’t beeasier.

Need more information orwant to make a booking?Call the Discover Devon Holiday Line on0870 608 5531* for information on availableaccommodation and late deals.

Our friendly team can also make anaccommodation booking on your behalf andprovide information on attractions, activitiesand events.

If you prefer, you can email us ontourism@devon.gov.uk or visit the websitewww.discoverdevon.com

*Calls are charged at UK national rates.

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Be a responsiblevisitor!

Explore a greenerDevon...

Devon has the mostfantastic naturalenvironment and we allwant it to stay that way.Why not leave the car behind and exploreDevon by foot, by bike or even by canoe?!Much of Devon’s coast and countryside isaccessible by public transport and it can begreat fun! Why not Discover DevonDifferently and see the Jurassic Coast,England’s first natural World Heritage Site,from the top of a double-decker or enjoy thespectacular birdlife on the Exe Estuary from aride on the Avocet Line?

Visit environmentally responsible attractionsand indulge in some of the finest local foodand drink on offer. Some suggested itineriesare available from www.discoverdevon.comto help you make the most of your visit andhelp you to keep Devon special!

Visit the Discover DevonWebsiteYou will find more information aboutwalking in Devon by visitingwww.discoverdevon.com By clicking onthe ‘Walking’ section of the website you willbe able to search the walking databasewhich contains lots of ideas and informationon long-distance walks, short and circularwalks, walking events, guided walks andwalking holidays. The website also containsinformation on cycling, watersports, golf,food and drink, gardens, fetivals and artsand craft activities on offer in Devon.

Come and explore!More and more people are realising thattaking the bus or train is an easy, convenient,fun alternative to worrying about drivingalong narrow, unfamiliar country roads andfinding somewhere suitable to leave the car.

Devon is blessed with a very mild climate.Spring arrives early with wild daffodils andbluebells filling the undergrowth of thevalleys and woodlands and delicate yellowprimroses, the county flower, carpet thebanks of the lanes. Spring is a very specialtime of year for walking, awash with thecolour and scent of wildflowers.

The summer lingers for longer in Devon. Itcan be well into September before mistymornings herald the start of autumn, aseason which also lends itself to discoveringthe countryside on foot. Rich autumnal

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colours give a golden glow to the landscapeand the upper moorland areas becomeclothed in flowering heathers.

Winter can be an appealing season toexplore Devon’s countryside too. Walkers canwrap up warm and take leisurely lunch stopsrelaxing in front of a warming log fire!

Be a Green Visitor1. Do not disturb any livestock, keep your

dog under close control and fasten allgates.

2. Take your litter home with you and recycleit if possible.

3. Do not disturb wild animals, birds orflowers.

4. Whether you are walking, cycling ordriving, take special care on countryroads.

5. If possible, leave your car at home andtake the bus or train.

6. Buy locally produced goods, includingfood and souvenirs.

7. Support local shops, garages and otherlocal services.

For visitor information including accommodation availabilityvisit www.discoverdevon.com or call the

Discover Devon Holiday Line 0870 608 5531

The details in this brochure are believed to be correct. Devon County Council will not accept responsibility

for losses arising due to inaccuracies or omissions within this publication.

Published by Devon County Council, County Hall, Exeter, EX2 4QW. Tel: 01392 382249.

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This is printed on recycled paper

When you have finished with it pleaserecycle and help the environment.