Exeter Ship Canal
Walk Highlights
- Location:
- Exeter
- Postcode:
- EX2 8GP
- Parking:
There are several pay and display car parks providing access to different sections of the Exeter Canal in Devon. In Exeter, car parks near the Quayside (e.g., Cathedral & Quay Car Park, Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre car park) are excellent starting points. Further south, there are car parks near the Double Locks pub (often for patrons or with a small charge), and at Countess Wear or Topsham (for access to lower sections of the Exe Estuary Trail which connects to the canal). Some on-street parking may be available in residential areas near access points, but always check for restrictions. This Devon canal has multiple convenient access and parking options along its length.
- Distance:
- 1.30 miles
- Time:
- 0.60 hours
- Difficulty:
- Easy
- Terrain:
The terrain of the Exeter Canal towpath in Devon is predominantly flat and very well-surfaced, typically tarmac or high-quality compacted gravel for most of its length. This makes it highly accessible for walkers of all abilities, cyclists, pushchairs, mobility scooters, and wheelchairs. The towpath is wide and generally in excellent condition, offering smooth and easy progress. This Devon canal walk provides superb underfoot conditions.
- Facilities:
- Toilets, Cafe, Pub Nearby
- Accessibility:
- Yes
- Get Directions:
-
Get driving directions to the starting point:
Dog-Centric Details
- Stile-Free Walk:
- Yes
- Poo Bins Available:
- Yes
- Secure/Fenced Area:
- No
- Dog Water Source:
- Yes
- Dog Notes:
The Exeter Canal towpath in Devon is extremely suitable and very popular for dog walking. The wide, flat paths are comfortable for dogs and offer good visibility. It is generally advisable to keep dogs on a lead or under close and effective control, especially as it's a shared-use path that can be very busy with cyclists (who can approach quickly), runners, families, and anglers. This also prevents dogs from disturbing wildlife (like nesting waterfowl) or unexpectedly entering the canal (banks can be steep in places). Please clean up after your dog; bins are often provided at main access points, car parks, and along the route near pubs or cafes. The canal itself offers swimming for dogs, but always be cautious of water quality, boat traffic, and submerged hazards. This Devon canal is a great dog-walking venue.
- EV Charger Nearby:
- No
- Fuel Station Nearby:
- No
- Livestock Information:
- Off-Leash Policy:
- Partial Off-Leash
- Dog Traffic:
- Busy
- Seasonal Advice:
- Height Restriction:
- No
- Printable Version:
- Open & Print
Explore the historic Exeter Canal (also known as the Exeter Ship Canal) in Devon, one of the oldest man-made waterways in Britain, offering delightful and highly accessible waterside walks and cycle rides from Exeter's vibrant Quayside towards the expansive Exe Estuary. This walk allows you to discover a tranquil green corridor, rich in history and teeming with wildlife, as it winds its way through the beautiful Devon countryside south of Exeter city. The Exeter Canal is renowned for its picturesque scenery, its exceptionally well-maintained towpath, and its crucial importance as a recreational route for the Devon community and visitors alike.
The Exeter Canal towpath provides a flat, generally well-surfaced route, making it perfect for walkers of all abilities, cyclists of all ages, families with pushchairs, and wheelchair users. You can follow the canal from Exeter's historic Quayside (with its charming pubs, independent cafes, and antique shops) southwards past the popular Double Locks pub, the iconic Turf Locks pub (situated right at the estuary mouth with stunning views), and towards the Exminster Marshes RSPB reserve or the historic sea lock at Topsham on the opposite side of the Exe. Along the way, you can enjoy watching narrowboats, kayaks, and other pleasure craft, spot abundant waterfowl and diverse waterside wildlife (kingfishers, swans, herons are commonly seen), and appreciate the peaceful Devon landscape that unfolds along its banks.
- Walk or cycle along the historic Exeter Canal in Devon, from the bustling Exeter Quayside towards the scenic Exe Estuary.
- Enjoy flat, easy, and highly accessible towpath walking with peaceful waterside views and abundant wildlife.
- Discover a route rich in canal heritage, passing picturesque locks, traditional waterside pubs, and important nature reserves.
- A very popular Devon recreational trail suitable for all ages and abilities, perfect for a leisurely outing or a longer excursion.
Walks along the Exeter Canal can be of any length, from a short 1-2 mile stroll along a section from Exeter Quayside (perhaps to the Double Locks pub and back), to a longer 5-6 mile linear walk to Turf Locks or beyond (requiring transport back via ferry from Topsham, bus, or a return journey along the towpath). This Devon canal offers great flexibility for walkers and cyclists, with multiple access points and refreshment stops.
Information Accuracy
Conditions can change. Please verify critical information locally. Your safety is your responsibility.
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