Topsham to Exmouth Walk

5 miles (8.2 km)

This walk takes you along the Exe Estuary from Topsham to Exmouth via Lympstone. The route runs for about 5 miles along a section of the Exe Estuary Trail. It's a nice flat path running along the train line, with lovely views over the saltmarsh and mud flats of the estuary.
The area is also a nature reserve so great for wildlife spotting as over 10,000 wildfowl and 20,000 waders winter on the estuary. Look out for dark-bellied brant goose, pied avocet, lapwings, redshanks and Cetti's warblers as you make your way along the path.
The route starts in Topsham, next to the ferry, which transport passengers over the estuary to Exminster on the other side. You start by passing along the Exe Reedbeds Nature Reserve, heading south towards Exton, via Nutwell Park and the�Georgian neo-classical�Grade II listed mansion house�of Nutwell Court.
You continue to Lympstone where there is an attractive harbour and the 19th century Italianate riverfront brick clock tower known as Peter's Tower.
The final stage runs from Lympstone to Exmouth, finishing at the train station where you can catch the train back to Topsham. Back in the village you can continue your exercise by trying the Topsham Goat Walk which takes you to the lovely Bowling Green Marsh.
You can extend your walk by exploring the western end of the Jurassic Coast which starts at the nearby Orcombe Point. This walk will take you past the Maer Rocks and Maer Local Nature Reserve before visiting the impressive Geoneedle sculpture at Orcombe Point.

Topsham to Exmouth Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Topsham to Exmouth Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Topsham to Exmouth OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Topsham to Exmouth Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

The pretty village of Lympstone is a nice place to stop for refreshments on the route. The Swan Inn has a good menu and a beer garden to sit out in during the summer months. You can find it on The Strand at postcode EX8 5ET.
Susannah's Tea Room is another great option and also located on The Strand in Lympstone. You can enjoy a lovely Devon cream tea in the outdoor seating area.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

On the eastern side of Topsham you could pay a visit to the splendid Darts Farm. The popular attraction includes a Sculpture Trail, a maize maze, a Farm Walk, a Nature Trail, a Bird Hide and a variety of animals.