Walks near Exeter by train

A varied circular using the trackbed of the former Exmouth-to-Sidmouth Junction railway out through Littleham, then returning along the South West Coast Path over the cliffs of West Down Beacon and the High Land of Orcombe, passing the Geoneedle that marks the start of the Jurassic Coast before the long esplanade back into town.

The Geoneedle at Orcombe Point: a Portland-stone monument marking the western start of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Time: 3h30

Lunch: Pubs and shops in Littleham, Exmouth town centre and the seafront; the South Beach Café at Sandy Bay (seasonal).

Warnings: The coast path skirts the Straight Point firing range — obey any red-flag warnings; one moderate climb onto the cliffs.

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

Similar walk: Great Scenic Railways of Devon & Cornwall (PDF).

Traffic-free former railway trail on the western edge of Dartmoor, crossing the wrought-iron Meldon Viaduct.

Meldon Viaduct: A wrought-iron lattice railway viaduct on the Granite Way high above the West Okement valley.

Warnings: Multi-use trail shared with cyclists.

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

Somerset Levels fringes, hillock, quiet residential streets, charming market town, dry green valley, ancient holloway, pastures, shallow river valley, hillfort plateau, steep ascents, large WWII airfield remains and broad plateau with views.

Time: 7h

Warnings: Steep ascents and descents.

Walk details: the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).

South Somerset pastures, wooded ridge forming the Wiltshire/Somerset boundary, hanging woods, landscaped estate gardens with lakeside walks, grassy U-shaped valley and honey-coloured stone-built town.

Time: 5h30

Walk details: the Saturday Walkers Club (tips, local insights and turn-by-turn directions).

Rolling farmland to a market town, reaching the River Otter, home to wild otters and reintroduced beavers.

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

A steady climb to two Iron Age hillforts and a toll house, with wide country views.

Warnings: Includes a sustained climb.

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

A walk through open country and urban byways, leaving Digby & Sowton past the Victorian former Digby Hospital and dropping through Ludwell Valley Park with superb views down the Exe Estuary, then on by Countess Wear and the riverside to the historic estuary town of Topsham.

Ludwell Valley Park: a Devon Wildlife Trust valley park on the edge of the city, with views down to the Exe estuary.

Topsham

Time: 2h30

Lunch: Numerous pubs and shops in Topsham at the finish.

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

A walk around Sowton in open country and Devon green lanes with superb views, from Newcourt over the M5 to the ancient Clyst Bridge and the village of Clyst St Mary, then on field paths past Bishop's Court and through Sowton village back to Digby & Sowton. A shorter three-mile option turns back at Clyst St Mary.

Bishop's Court: a medieval house that was once a country residence of the Bishops of Exeter.

Clyst Bridge: the ancient stone bridge over the River Clyst, scene of fighting during the 1549 Prayer Book Rebellion.

Time: 2h30

Lunch: Pubs and shops at Clyst St Mary (the Half Moon and the Blue Ball).

Warnings: The longer loop to Sowton can be very muddy when wet.

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

A walk between two Avocet Line stations through open country and Devon green lanes, climbing gently from Exton over fields and brooks to the attractive village of Woodbury with its medieval church, then dropping through Ebford to follow the River Clyst branch of the Exe Estuary Trail — past an RSPB reserve with viewing points cut into the screening fence — into Topsham.

St Swithun's Church, Woodbury: the medieval parish church at the heart of the attractive village, beside the White Hart inn.

Topsham

Time: 2h30

Lunch: Pubs and shops in Woodbury (the Maltsters Arms and the White Hart) and plenty of choice in Topsham.

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

Recommended: Infinitely more attractive, peaceful and rewarding; the glorious contrasts of the exposed coast. A varied coastal and hinterland walk combining a seasonal ferry across the River Exe, exposed sea wall, sheltered country lanes, mud tractor tracks and steep climbs through pine forest. Surfaces include some demanding, muddy stretches and with several steep gradients. An alternative regular train links Exmouth and Starcross via Exeter Central if the ferry isn't running. Food shops and toilets at Exmouth, Starcross, Dawlish Warren and Dawlish.

Coastal: three fifths along the coast.

Time: 3h30–7h

Warnings: Relies on the seasonal Starcross Ferry (Apr–Oct, also affected by low spring tides) — check operating times before setting out. Some sections are steep and muddy; one minor road crossing is quite busy.

Walk details: Slow Ways.

Recommended: Great views of the Exe estuary and Haldon Hills. A largely level, easy walk mostly on paved surfaces and wide wooden boardwalks across marshy ground, following the Exe Estuary Trail (a shared foot and cycle path). There are short narrow sections on Devon lanes with traffic around Lympstone and Exton and a few short steep stretches at Lympstone village. Largely follows the Exe Estuary Trail (signposted route 2). Excellent for birdwatching. The return leg is easy by train or bus as the route follows the rail line, with numerous access points. Goosemoor Nature Reserve lies on the route.

Coastal: almost all along the coast.

Time: 2h30–5h

Lunch: The villages en route, including Exton and Lympstone, have plenty of options for refreshments.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Similar walk: Slow Ways (inc. GPX).

Recommended: A tough but rewarding walk, with a ferry crossing at Teignmouth.

Coastal: almost all along the coast.

Woodland: two fifths under tree cover.

Time: 8h–16h

Walk details: Railwalks.

Reverse direction: Slow Ways (inc. GPX).