Walks you can reach from Lapford 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: 5h30 (4h walking, 1h30 lunch)

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: 4h (2h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

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).

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: 7h30 (5h30 walking, 1h30 lunch, 30m break)

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.

Field paths.

Time: 4h (2h30 walking, 1h30 lunch)

Warnings: Can be very muddy or boggy.

Walk details: Railwalks.

Hill and moorland paths and with substantial climbs; surfaced.

Killerton (National Trust; 3h in)

Time: 10h30 (8h walking, 1h30 lunch, 1h break)

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

Walk details: Railwalks.

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: 5h30 (4h walking, 1h30 lunch)

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.