Walks you can reach from Eggesford by train

Flat, traffic-free estuary trail to a wildlife reserve with bird hides, passing a former quay and cafe.

Home Farm Marsh: A Gaia Trust wildlife reserve of grazing marsh and bird hides overlooking the Taw estuary.

Time: 4h

Warnings: No dogs or bikes allowed at Home Farm Marsh.

Walk details: Great Scenic Railways of Devon & Cornwall (PDF).

A walk in open country and Devon green lanes linking the city's two outer stations, climbing out of the suburbs through Mincinglake Valley Park and over Stoke Hill, with superb views opening up over Exeter and down the Exe Estuary before a long descent past the University to St David's.

Mincinglake Valley Park: a wooded valley park and Local Nature Reserve climbing out of the city, with views opening back over Exeter.

Exeter

Time: 2h30

Lunch: Pubs and shops at the start (the Queen's Head by Polsloe Bridge) and at the finish (the Jolly Porter and Great Western, opposite St David's station).

Walk details: Avocet Line Rail Users Group (PDF).

Some stunning views. A walk through peaceful countryside on woodland footpaths, riverside walks and quiet lanes, with about a third on small country roads and after an initial stretch through Barnstaple. Some short muddy sections and an eroded lane where you walk along a shallow stream bed.

Time: 4h–7h30

1 lunch spot: the Chichester Arms

Warnings: The eastern half of Cleave Lane is heavily eroded by a stream and best avoided after heavy rain — passable with waterproof boots and care. The footbridge over the stream at Hoe is in poor condition (a new boardwalk is being built). A stretch follows the A377 on a path, and some narrow lane walking.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Incredible views from Stoke Hill. A long, varied route alternating quiet country lanes with footpaths through the Devon countryside and with a stretch along the River Creedy and a high crossing over Stoke Hill. Some mud in wetter seasons; road sections are short and quiet. Several points intersect the Exeter-Crediton bus route (369 or 5) if the walk is too long. Starts through Shobrooke Park past ancient trees.

Time: 5h30–11h30

1 lunch spot: the Beer Engine

Warnings: Crossing the A396 Tiverton Road is a fast road, so cross only when clear in both directions.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Hill and moorland paths and with substantial climbs; surfaced.

Time: 8h–16h30

Warnings: Short stretch on a fast-traffic road with limited verge.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Field paths.

Time: 2h30–4h30

Warnings: Can be very muddy or boggy.

Walk details: Railwalks.

The views reward the effort. Hilly mid-Devon countryside on byways, bridleways and field paths, with a fair amount of quiet-lane walking. Steep gradients in places, several gates, steps and stiles. Byways can be muddy and prone to flooded sections in winter and though usually fine in drier months.

Time: 5h30–10h30

Lunch: Shops and pubs at Sandford and Morchard Bishop; the Morchard Bishop pub may be closed but the village shop is well stocked with hot food.

Warnings: Steep gradients, steps and stiles. Cattle graze several fields and can be territorial near Merchant's Corner; a couple of gates have to be climbed. Flooded sections possible on the byways between Moor Farm and Swannaton after rain. Can be muddy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.