Route 2: Topsham Lock to Powderham

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.

Topsham, from the ferry

Exeter Canal, and Turf Lock Cottage

Exminster Marshes

drainage ditch by unnamed lane on Exminster Marshes

unnamed lane

path along Powderham Bank

Powderham Church from Powderham Bank

somewhat hazy view across the Exe to Lympstone

Powderham Bank

Cygnets on Exeter Canal near Turf Locks

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