7 Exe Estuary Trail - 2 Quay, Topsham and & Turf Locks

This Exeter based cycle ride offers an almost entirely traffic free, wonderfully level route taking in part of the newly constructed Exe Estuary Trail. The route takes in the National Cycle Network route 2 (NCN2) on both sides of the head of the Exe Estuary. Exeter itself has a fine cathedral at its heart and this is easy to access from the cycle route described below using the Exeter central station route. Once on the main route it will take you to the ancient seafaring port of Topsham, past RSPB reserves and beside the Exeter canal and several well known locks. The Exe Estuary is of Turf Locks international importance for wintering waders and wildfowl, supporting 1000s of birds. The two RSPB Exeter Quay was certainly in use in medieval times, reserves offer some of the best opportunities to when Exeter was an important port, and may go back view the wildlife of the estuary. to Roman times. Notice especially the Custom House, built in 1681 as the first brick building in Exeter, and the high warehouses of the 1830's. Next to the river There are a number of options for a is the canopy of the late 19th century fish market. starting point. The Quay's old-world appearance led to the filming of If traveling to Exeter by train you can start at either the television series "The Onedin Line" here in the Exeter St Davids, or Exeter Central or Topsham rail 1970's. stations. All three have a very short on-road section Once on the route and at the Quay, head south away before joining the main traffic free route. Both the from the city centre towards Salmonpool and Double routes from the Exeter rail stations take you past or locks following the NCN2 signs (pictured on the map). across the new cycle/pedestrian bridge known as After passing the Double Locks you will be riding Millers Crossing - well worth a look. Another good alongside the canal and its worth looking out for starting point is Exeter Quay by the Cricklepit bridge herons and the flash of the kingfisher. that crosses the adjacent Haven Road. At the junction in the route take the left fork to Countess Wear and Topsham which soon brings you to the signalled crossing of the busy Bridge Road. Follow the NCN2 signs for a brief period on minor roads through Countess Wear before emerging on the traffic free shared use path on Exeter Road to Topsham. Where the path ends at the signals, cross and turn right along Ashford Road and follow this road turning left at the end into Ferry Road and Topsham quayside. Famed for its shipbuilding and maritime history, Topsham on the Exe Estuary was once a larger port than Exeter itself. Now still delightfully self-contained, with its shops, Dutch houses, quay and open spaces, it offers many attractions to the summer or winter visitor. At the southern end of Topsham is Bowling Green Marsh. This is the main high tide roost for the north of the estuary. Large numbers of waders and wildfowl View from Exeter cycle network

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To Exton opening end 2013

© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. 100019783 2013 gather here as the tide rises and covers the mudflats, If visiting the Turf Lock you will be riding along the especially in the winter. High numbers of black-tailed newly constructed cycle/walkway, part of the godwits can be seen and many widgeon graze on the developing Exe Estuary Trail which will allow you to Marsh. cycle around the whole of the estuary. At Turf Locks there are magnificent views of the Exe estuary. You can continue on towards or head back to the foot and cycle ferry in Ferry Road. From the On the way back you will pass the Old Sludge Beds. landing stage the ferry crosses to the west side of the This reserve, part of the Exe Estuary Site of Special Exe and the swing bridge on the other side. If you Scientific Interest, covers an area of land sandwiched plan to visit the Turf Locks turn left after the swing between the River Exe and the Exeter Canal. Until the bridge. Alternatively turn right to head back towards construction of a new water works in 1969 the Old Exeter Quay. Sludge Beds were the final breakdown site for treated

19 7 Exe Estuary Trail - Exeter Quay, Topsham and & Turf Locks (cont) sewage sediment. The abandoned settling lagoons were dug out to create small ponds, now with established reedbeds, which provide a great location for wildlife, especially birds. Follow the paths and boardwalks around the site or sit at the viewing platform to watch the bird life. Further on to your left are Exminster Marshes - an area of wet grassland drained by dykes and ditches, the Marshes are an important breeding ground for lapwings and redshanks. Ducks, including shovelers and teals, also breed here. In winter, the marshes provide roosting and feeding areas for waders such as curlews and black-tailed Photograph courtesy of Craig Dixon godwits, and brent geese graze the drier areas. The ditches have a good dragonfly fauna, including the rare hairy Facts & Features dragonfly. Route Distance: 15miles/23km (approx.) if you take the whole Exeter Cycling route to Turf Locks. Almost all Guide and Map traffic free. (see page 24) Information: www..gov.uk/cycling www.visitdevon.co.uk Discover Devon holiday line 0870 608 5531

O.S. Maps: • Explorer 114 - Exeter and Exe Valley • Explorer 115 - Exmouth and Sidmouth • Explorer 110 - Dawlish

Places to Visit: • Exeter Quay • Topsham • Turf Locks • Double Locks • South West Coast Path

Facilities available at: • Turf Locks • Double Locks • Topsham • Exeter Quay

Andy Hay, RSPB Images • Countess Wear

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