Sunday May 26th was a fine and bright day: Clare and I took the ferry from Topsham across to the west side of the Exe at Topsham Lock, and walked the The Exe Estuary National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 2 path (aka Exe Estuary Trail) to St Clements Church, Powderham, and back - about 6 miles. As far as the Turf Lock, the pedestrian path runs alongside the canal parallel to the river - you can take a detour inland across Exe Marshes via a pleasant short lane. The rest runs along the top of Powderham Bank, the embankment separating the river from the adjacent pastureland.
Brief critique: the section between Topsham and the Turf Lock pub is a very enjoyable walk: the canalside pedestrian path and metalled cycle track are separate. We weren't so keen on the section between the Turf Lock and Powderham, since the route is currently a narrow shared path along the top of the sea-wall; as a walker, you need to keep an eye open for cyclists approaching from behind, and we found them a lot of them unprepared to slow down or give audible warning. There's a plan for a wider track - see the October 2008 Design and Access Statement - but it's unknown when this'll happen.
- Ray
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| Topsham, from the ferry |
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| Exeter Canal, and Turf Lock Cottage |
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| Exminster Marshes |
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| drainage ditch by unnamed lane on Exminster Marshes |
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| unnamed lane |
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| path along Powderham Bank |
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| Powderham Church from Powderham Bank |
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| somewhat hazy view across the Exe to Lympstone |
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| Powderham Bank |
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| Cygnets on Exeter Canal near Turf Locks |
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| Boats moored on Exeter Canal near Turf Locks |
Brief critique: the section between Topsham and the Turf Lock pub is a very enjoyable walk: the canalside pedestrian path and metalled cycle track are separate. We weren't so keen on the section between the Turf Lock and Powderham, since the route is currently a narrow shared path along the top of the sea-wall; as a walker, you need to keep an eye open for cyclists approaching from behind, and we found them a lot of them unprepared to slow down or give audible warning. There's a plan for a wider track - see the October 2008 Design and Access Statement - but it's unknown when this'll happen.
- Ray
