The Exe Valley Way

Location: Devon

OS Maps: Explorer 110, 114, OL9

The Exe Valley Way explores this beautiful valley for almost 45 miles from the South Devon Coast Path on the Exe estuary to the village of Hawkridge on the high land of Exmoor. Most of the route follows the River Exe, but at the northern end it follows two tributaries, the Batherm and the Barle. For the most part the route follows quiet country lanes and footpaths, though there are brief stretches of busy roads in Exeter and Tiverton. The main towns and villages through which the route passes from Starcross are Exeter, Brampford Speke, Thorverton, Bickleigh, Tiverton, Bampton, Brushford, Dulverton and Hawkridge.

The Exe Valley is a beautiful and relatively unspoilt area of Devon countryside. The River Exe, rising on Exmoor near the Devon and Somerset border, then wends its way along an ever-changing route of some 45 miles to reach the sea at Exmouth. From the fast-flowing waters and steeply wooded valleys on Exmoor and north of Tiverton to the more gently flowing and meandering waters leading down to the coast, the Exe Valley offers an immense variety of flora and fauna as it flows through peaceful villages, busy market towns and the cathedral city of Exeter.

The Exe Valley Way links with the Two Moors Way at Hawkridge.

Guide Book: [Click for further information or to purchase]

TheExe Valley Way by Devon County Council Partnership. This booklet guide splits the 45 miles total walk into a series of easier stages which can be walked comfortably by most walkers in half a day. The guide describes the route in both directions and includes sketch maps, although OS Explorer maps are recommended. The stages are: Starcross to Exeter; Exeter to Brampford Speke; Brampford Speke to Thorverton; Thorverton to Bickleigh; Bickleigh to Tiverton; Tiverton to Bampton; Bampton to Brushford; Brushford to Hawkridge. The illustrated guide provides route-finding directions and brief details of places of interest along the way.