Exetop three

Verified Slow Way

Verified by 100.00% of reviewers

I had wanted to do ExeTop Four along the canal, but the website for the Topsham Ferry said the last crossing would be just before I arrived, due to a low tide, so I had to opt for ExeTop Three and thus started off disappointed, which may have influenced my star rating!
Until the outskirts of Exeter, this route was more suitable for cycling than walking.
The main road out of Topsham, Newcourt Road, was a housing street with no pavement (for some reason) which led to a bridge (with pavement suddenly) over the M5. I liked the cycle track alongside the railway past Newcourt Station as it was free of motor traffic. From there it was possible to walk on the grass of the quiet housing streets to reach the roundabout by Ikea. The busy A379 was crossed by a ramped cycle/footbridge.
The bit that really got my goat was crossing the A3015 Rydon Lane in the industrial/shopping park. The light-controlled crossings *do not allow enough time* to walk or wheel across, only enough to cycle across the dual carriageway of six lanes!!!! This could be dangerous for walkers.
Ludwell Lane seemed pleasant, initially, where motor access was blocked. It was quiet after that, but there were entitled residents driving along it occasionally. As a Slow Ways walker, I’d definitely have preferred the shortcut footpath over the hill there. Through the leafy residences of St Leonards there was some traffic calming which I appreciated.
It was great to reach Magdalen Road, where there were lots of shops, cafés and pubs, and I knew I was getting towards the centre of Exeter. I passed the intriguing Studio 36, the Barnfield Theatre, then under the Burnet Patch Bridge and along Cathedral Close past the cathedral itself. After passing a few more historical buildings through the city centre, I arrived at Central Station and the route endpoint (and a welcome pint at the Scapegoat).
I had cheered up a fair bit as I walked the last urban section, but I’m still very unhappy about that Rydon Lane crossing.

I agree with other reviewers, this is a very nice route. Away from the river this route is less spectacular than the other Exetop routes. Basically on pavement alongside roads for the most part. Where there are no pavements the road is either very quiet as Ludwell Lane, which is almost closed to most traffic or the route is often on cycle paths. As other reviewers have pointed out this route would be very suitable to wheelers. It is safe and easy to navigate and does not suffer the flooding issues of the riverside walks.

A lovely route overall, though not entirely spectacular. I might try it by bike as the roads and paths are more suited for it. HOWEVER, one of the paths alongside the railway isn't for bikes so one would have to travel through Newcourt instead. I used the GPX file on OS maps and the route was quite easy to follow, would definitely recommend. I’ll certainly give some of the other Exetop routes a go. I’ve provided some photos (the one of the Topsham quayside isn’t on route but couldn't resist taking a picture).

This walk takes you past the Cathedral and Southernhay and on through leafy St Leonards, one of the prettiest residential areas in Exeter. It continues through Ludwell Valley Park where it seemed a shame to be sticking to the tarmac and not going onto one of the tracks through the park itself but I agree with the first reviewer that this makes it very suitable for anyone wanting to cycle and there are still some good views of the park.
Not all parts of the walk are as lovely but as a resident it was useful to find out how some parts of the city link up on foot where I would normally go a more circuitous route by car. Also takes in some of the newer build areas on the edge of Exeter. Nice to see wild flowers being encouraged in so many public spaces these days. In all a good evening walk on a beautiful day and nothing overly taxing about it.

Followed this route on a bike (tarmacked paths/lanes/roads all the way) and enjoyed exploring the cycling & walking infrastructure around eastern Exeter. Route description is accurate, although the route is a bit wiggly (I took many a wrong turn on my first attempt). Enjoyable nonetheless and would work well as a commute.

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