Exe Valley Way
Exe Valley Way: Complete Guide to Hiking the Scenic Route in Great Britain
Stretching from the wilds of Exmoor to the sparkling waters of Exeter, the Exe Valley Way invites hikers to journey through the heart of the Devonshire countryside. This picturesque long-distance trail traces the meandering path of the River Exe, guiding adventurers past lush woodlands, tranquil meadows, charming English villages, and historic canal towpaths. Along the way, expect ever-changing vistas ranging from rolling hills and fertile wetlands to glimpses of dramatic coastal scenery.
Walking the Exe Valley Way offers a true immersion into the region’s natural and cultural heritage. With opportunities to spot wildlife, explore ancient market towns, and enjoy riverside picnics, the experience is as rewarding for casual ramblers as it is for dedicated walkers. Whether traversing a single section or completing the entire route, hikers can look forward to an unforgettable journey through one of Great Britain’s most scenic valleys.
Route Overview
The Exe Valley Way is a point-to-point, long-distance trail running approximately 82 kilometers from the town of Lynmouth on the North Devon coast to the city of Exeter in the south. The route largely follows the course of the River Exe, offering a mostly moderate walk that can typically be completed in around 5 days. The trail surface varies between dirt and gravel, with occasional road sections in and near towns.
Key locations along the way include the villages of Winsford, Dulverton, Bampton, Tiverton, Thorverton, and smaller rural communities. Hikers will pass through a combination of woodlands, river valleys, open meadows, farmland, and sections of wetlands. The highest point on the route is estimated at about 260 meters above sea level.
Trail conditions are generally well-maintained but can become muddy and slippery after rain, particularly in lower lying or wooded areas. Walkers should expect some ascents and descents, but the overall elevation gain is moderate, making the route accessible for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. Accommodation options such as hotels, hostels, campsites, and wild camping spots are available near or along the trail, ensuring flexibility in planning overnight stays. Facilities like water sources and picnic areas can be found at intervals, especially near villages and designated campsites.
Historical Context of the Exe Valley Way
The Exe Valley Way traces ancient pathways that have connected North Devon to Exeter for centuries. Historically, the valley served as an important conduit for trade, agriculture, and communication between rural communities and significant regional centers like Tiverton and Exeter. Evidence of this enduring connection can be seen in the old stone bridges, medieval churches, and remnants of packhorse trails that punctuate the route today.
Many villages along the route, such as Dulverton and Bampton, boast roots dating back to Saxon and even earlier times. These settlements grew around the fertile banks of the River Exe, benefiting from the rich farmland and the relative ease of transportation the valley provided.
The trail also passes through Tiverton, a town with a notable history as a medieval wool trading center. The region's economy and culture flourished thanks to the river, which powered mills and supported market life. Meanwhile, Exeter at the route’s end has served as a focal point in Devon’s history since Roman times, with its impressive cathedral and city walls standing as testaments to its longstanding significance.
Walking the Exe Valley Way, hikers experience more than scenic beauty—they follow in the footsteps of farmers, traders, and travelers whose livelihoods depended on this vital river corridor, reflecting the interwoven history of landscape and community.
Notable highlights
Lynmouth: The dramatic starting point on the North Devon coast, renowned for its rugged cliffs, picturesque harbor, and history as a Victorian seaside resort. The town marks the gateway to Exmoor National Park.
Exmoor National Park: Early segments of the trail traverse this vast moorland, featuring wild ponies, heather-clad slopes, and sweeping river valleys. The Exe’s headwaters arise in these remote, atmospheric landscapes.
Winsford: A quintessential Exmoor village, complete with thatched cottages, a medieval clapper bridge over the river, and the charming Royal Oak Inn.
Dulverton: A lively market town on the edge of Exmoor, offering access to historic landmarks such as Dulverton’s arched stone bridge and All Saints Church. The town serves as an ideal rest stop with amenities for walkers.
Bampton: Known for its ancient motte-and-bailey castle earthworks and traditional local shops, Bampton has a rich history as a trading hub in the Exe Valley since Saxon times.
Tiverton: This historic town features Tiverton Castle, once an important defensive fortress, and the Grand Western Canal, a scenic waterway lined with towpaths and wildlife.
Thorverton: An attractive village with its distinctive red sandstone buildings, old watermill, and tranquil rural setting, reflecting the character of the Mid Devon countryside.
Wetland and River Scenery: The route includes picturesque wetlands near the lower Exe Valley, home to diverse wildlife such as otters and kingfishers, providing peaceful riverside walking.
Exeter Quayside: The finish line at the vibrant quayside in Exeter offers historic warehouses, lively cafés, and boat trips. Exeter’s impressive cathedral and Roman city walls are just a short walk away, capping the journey with a taste of urban history and culture.
Challenges to expect
Sections of the Exe Valley Way can become muddy and slippery after periods of rain, especially in low-lying meadows and wooded areas. Hikers should be prepared for wet ground underfoot, particularly in spring and autumn, and pack appropriate footwear for variable trail conditions.
Certain stretches involve steep ascents and descents, especially in the Exmoor National Park section near Lynmouth, which requires a moderate level of fitness. While most of the route follows gentle terrain, these hilly segments can be taxing if carrying a heavy pack or covering long daily distances.
Navigation challenges may arise on less-marked rural sections or at field crossings where waymarks can be scarce or obscured by vegetation. Carrying an up-to-date map or GPS device is advisable for maintaining the correct route, especially outside village areas.
Weather in Devon is notorious for being unpredictable, with sudden showers and mist possible at any time of year. Hikers should be prepared for wet, cool, or windy conditions, and pack layers accordingly. The trail also passes through open countryside for long stretches, with limited shelter from sun or rain, so sun protection and rain gear are both recommended.
United Kingdom 
England - Forest
- Coastal
- Wetlands
- Dirt
- Gravel
- Hotels
- Hostels
- Campsites
- Wild camping spots
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Water Sources
- Campsites
- Picnic Areas
Starting at the North Devon coast in Lynmouth, the Exe Valley Way begins with a dramatic ascent onto Exmoor National Park. The route follows river valleys and wooded paths before emerging into open moorland. Hikers traverse the upper reaches of the River Exe, passing through remote countryside and small hamlets. The day ends at the village of Winsford, nestled deep in the Exe valley.
From Winsford, the trail continues south following the meandering River Exe through scenic pastoral landscapes and thick woodland. Rolling hills and riverside meadows characterize this section. After passing through Exebridge, the trail enters Dulverton, a charming market town on the southern edge of Exmoor.
Leaving Dulverton, the path transitions into lower rolling country, once again shadowing the River Exe. This relatively gentle stage passes through quiet lanes, open farmland, and several small villages before reaching Bampton. The area is known for its rural charm and ancient stone bridges.
Day 4 follows the Exe Valley southwards, with relatively flat terrain predominantly along riverbanks and canal towpaths. The route passes through the villages of Bolham and Cove, then skirts fields and woodland before reaching the historic town of Tiverton. Here, hikers can explore the old market and castle.
The final stretch leads away from Tiverton, following the Exe Valley through Thorverton, Brampford Speke, and beyond. The landscape shifts to gentle farmland, wetlands, and riverside trails. The hike ends in Exeter, where the River Exe meets the city and hikers can finish at the historic quayside or the cathedral.