Exe Valley Way

Start: Starcross
Grid Ref: SX 977817
End: Exford
Grid Ref: SS 852383
Distance: 84 km
Walking Time: 4 days
Counties Traversed: Devon
Explorer™ Maps: 114, OL9

The Exe Valley Way explores this beautiful valley for almost 45 miles from the South Devon Coast Path on the Exe estuary to the village of Hawkridge on the high land of Exmoor. Most of the route follows the River Exe, but at the northern end it follows two tributaries, the Batherm and the Barle. For the most part the route follows quiet country lanes and footpaths, though there are brief stretches of busy roads in Exeter and Tiverton. The main towns and villages through which the route passes from Starcross are Exeter, Brampford Speke, Thorverton, Bickleigh, Tiverton, Bampton, Brushford, Dulverton and Hawkridge.

The Exe Valley is a beautiful and relatively unspoilt area of Devon countryside. The River Exe, rising on Exmoor near the Devon and Somerset border, then wends its way along an ever-changing route of some 45 miles to reach the sea at Exmouth. From the fast-flowing waters and steeply wooded valleys on Exmoor and north of Tiverton to the more gently flowing and meandering waters leading down to the coast, the Exe Valley offers an immense variety of flora and fauna as it flows through peaceful villages, busy market towns and the cathedral city of Exeter.

The guide splits the route into a series of nine stages which can each be walked comfortably by most walkers in half a day. The guide describes the route in both directions and includes sketch maps, although OS Explorer maps are recommended. The Exe Valley Way links with the Two Moors Way at Hawkridge and the guide describes a tenth stage from Hawkridge to Exe Head, the source of the River Exe, high upon the moor following the Two Moors Way via Withypool.