Exe Estuary Trail, Devon
Tracing the Exe Valley from Dawlish to Exmouth, this 17.5 mile long estuary trail is fairly flat. It presents plentiful opportunities to stop off at cafés, pubs, vineyards and the renowned Darts Farm as you pedal your way along the estuary soaking up the view and working up an appetite.
Cycle the Exe Valley Trail, tasting as you go
A cycling trail that is just made for foodies. For leisurely cyclists, start at Darts Farm where you can hire a Pashley bike and do half the trail or go the whole hog starting at Dawlish. It’s great for bird twitchers too.
- Cycle or walk the trail
- Eat delicious seafood
- Taste local wine
- Cook your own BBQ
- Stop for afternoon tea
Cycle or Walk The Exe Estuary Trail
The Exe trail which is mostly on tarmac, takes you through some of Devon’s most picturesque waterside villages including Topsham. Cycle through marshland stopping off for a tasting treat, a spot of shopping or a cultural detour.
Cook Your Own BBQ
Have lunch at The Turf Hotel. Sitting on the edge of the estuary at the end of the historic Exeter canal, it’s one of the few pubs in the country that’s only accessible by foot, bike or boat. Eat in the pub’s lovely waterside garden or hire one of their two ‘Cook Your Own BBQs’ which have their own decks.
Have a Picnic
If you’ve cycled laden with a basket of goodies from Darts Farm, Turf Locks is a great spot for a picnic. There’s a handy ferry service here too. If you get carried away at the pub, take the short cut home.
Visit Pebblebed Vineyard
Stop at the Pebblebed Cellar in Topsham to try their delicious wines accompanied by some tapas dishes. The vineyard and winery is a 15 minute cycle ride away in Clyst St George (open for tours at selected times).
Shop at Darts Farm
Go foodie shopping at Darts Farm or tuck in to a plate of lobster and chips at the Fish Shed.
Have an Ice Cream With a View
Take a detour to have an ice cream and see to the magnificent view from A La Ronde, a National Trust property.
Take Tea at the Bumble and Bee
Sit in Exmouth’s Manor Gardens and taste award-winning lavender and honey scones at the Bumble and Bee Tea Rooms.
Dine at the River Exe Floating Café
End your day with dinner on this unique floating restaurant. Leave your bike at Exmouth Marina and call a Puffin water taxi to take you there. Relax and enjoy the stunning views of the estuary as the sun sets.
Tasting Notes
- The Exe estuary is known for its mussels
Tips
- Hire bikes at Darts Farm, Braking Wind Cycles in Dawlish and Exmouth Cycle Hire
- Take an extra detour to Exeter to see its lovely cathedral. Stop for a slice of cake at the Exploding Bakery on Queen Street
- Extend the route by cycling along the Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton cycle path to visit Lily Farm Vineyard in Knowle
Cook’s Tip
When cooking mussels always throw away a mussel if the shell doesn’t open up.
Where to Stay in Devon
Carys Arms
Babbacombe, Devon
One of Devon’s best boutique hotels with superb seaside gastro dining and spa.
Rooms from £195 a night.
Dogs
The Exe estuary trail is ideal for me. Remember the Fish Shed at Darts Farm is dog-friendly with its outdoor seating.
How to Find the Start of the Exe Estuary Trail
Dawlish Railway Station, Dawlish, Devon EX7 9PL
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.