Walks from Exmouth
MapBeautiful walks starting or ending at Exmouth Station.
Alternatively, view walks you can reach directly from Exmouth by train.
Exmouth Circular via West Down Beacon
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).
Dawlish to Exmouth
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.
Topsham to Exmouth
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.