Circular routes

With help from public transport and ferries you can get around much of the estuary in a day. Please take care crossing roads and railways, and enjoy exploring the Exe.

A scenic cruise and train ride with a leisurely stroll

  1. Take ferry from Topsham to Exmouth
  2. Walk or cycle from Exmouth to Lympstone (2.5 miles), Exton (4 miles) or Topsham (6 miles)
  3. If stopping at Lympstone or Exton catch the train back to Topsham
  • Suitability: walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs and pushchairs
  • Time for walkers: Lympstone – 3hrs, Exton – 3hrs 30mins, Topsham – 4 hours
  • Time for cyclists: Lympstone – 2hrs 30mins, Exton – 2hrs 40mins, Topsham – 3 hours
  • Estimated Cost: £8 adults, £5 children with Round Robin ticket

Getting Started:

Buses and trains from Exeter to Topsham are frequent and reliable, and like the rest of the estuary, easily accessible by bike. If you do decide to drive, car parking is available in Topsham on Holman Way (a short walk from the quay), but this can become very busy in summer. Alternatively, ample parking and public transport links are available in Exmouth if you reverse the route.

In Topsham, follow signs to Lager Quay where Stuart Line Cruises depart for Exmouth when tides permit (check times by calling 01395 222144). The ferry takes from 1 to 1.5 hours depending on tides.

From Exmouth Marina travel along Victoria Road and turn left on to Imperial Road. Follow this road onto Marine Way. Where the road forks take the left hand path which follows the estuary. The 1.5 mile walk will wind its way along the estuary to Lympstone where you can catch a train back to Topsham or continue on foot to Exton or Topsham (please see approximate journey times above).

Explore Exminster Marshes and Topsham

  1. Walk or cycle from Exminster to the Turf Hotel
  2. Take the ferry to Topsham
  3. Take the Topsham ferry back to Exminster
  • Suitability: primarily walkers. Cyclists, wheelchair and pushchair users; please check with ferry operators that they will be able to accommodate you
  • Time: Two hours approx for walkers and 1.5 hours for cyclists
  • Distance on foot: one mile approx
  • Estimated Cost: £5 Adults, £3 children (under 12), £1 bikes

Getting Started:

Exminster Marshes are easily reached by bicycle, or by taking the bus (service 2) from Dawlish, Exeter or Starcross to Exminster. Alternatively, two small car parks are available at the Exminster Marshes RSPB Nature Reserve.

Follow the Exe Estuary Trail along the canal until you reach the Turf Hotel (01392 833128). Refreshments are available here while you wait for the next ferry which leaves from the jetty at the end of the garden (the Sea Dream II, 07778 370582).
When you arrive in Topsham you can choose to browse the historical town or head straight for the Topsham ferry (07801 203338) by following Ferry Road.
Once back on the Exminster side you can choose to take a stroll through the Exminster Marshes reserve (walkers only) or head back along the canal path.

Exploring Exmouth

Exmouth is the start of the Jurassic Coast World  Heritage Site. The coast line tells the history of the earth. The rocks at Orcombe Point date back 250 million years. The red cliffs are due to the presence of iron.
There are many short circular walks that can be created within the towns on the banks of the estuary. Why not walk from the Imperial Recreation Ground in Exmouth, with its open views of the estuary, to the sea front and Jurassic Coast.