The best walks and hikes around Exeter

Yes, Exeter and the surrounding Devon countryside are very welcoming to dogs. Many trails in places like Haldon Forest Park are perfect for walking with your dog, offering plenty of space and woodland paths. The Exe Estuary also provides long, flat walks where dogs are welcome, though it's best to keep them on a lead, especially in areas with sensitive wildlife.

For an easy and accessible walk that's great for the whole family, the Exeter Quay loop from Exeter is a fantastic choice. It's a relatively flat 5.2 km route along the river and canal, with plenty of cafes and activity on the water to keep everyone entertained.

Yes, many trails are accessible without a car. Regular train services connect Exeter to towns along the Exe Estuary like Topsham and Exmouth, providing direct access to the estuary path. For exploring Dartmoor, bus services run from Exeter's city center to various towns and villages on the edge of the park. You can find more information on the Visit Exeter Dartmoor page.

Absolutely. The area is well-suited for beginners looking for straightforward circular routes. A great option is the Exeter Quay – Exeter Quay loop from Exeter Central. This 6.5 km walk is mostly flat, easy to follow, and takes you through some of the city's pleasant green spaces and along the river, making for a relaxed couple of hours.

The Exeter Green Circle is a 12-mile circular walking route that circuits the city, linking valley parks, footpaths, and quiet roads. It's a fantastic way to explore Exeter's green spaces and countryside fringe without venturing too far. The route is broken into sections, so you can choose to walk shorter parts of it at a time.

Haldon Forest Park, a highly-regarded local favorite, offers a wide variety of trails for all abilities. You can find easy, family-friendly discovery trails as well as more strenuous routes like the Raptor Trail, which offers stunning views towards Dartmoor. The park features well-maintained paths through 3,500 acres of woodland.

Yes, the Jurassic Coast is a short journey from Exeter. A popular section of the South West Coast Path runs from Budleigh Salterton to Sidmouth, offering dramatic views from the red clifftops. For a longer and more challenging coastal hike, the RSPB Bowling Green Marsh – Exe Estuary Viewpoint loop from Topsham extends towards the coast, providing a mix of estuary and sea views over its 18 km length.

The hiking routes around Exeter are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the variety of scenery, from the peaceful riverside paths along the Exe to the open spaces of the surrounding valley parks. The well-marked and accessible nature of the Exe Estuary Trail is also a frequent highlight.

There are over 220 hiking routes to explore around Exeter on komoot. These range from short, easy city walks to more difficult, long-distance treks into the surrounding countryside, with the majority being easy or moderate.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, there are several longer and more strenuous routes. The Exeter Quay – Exeter Quay loop from St James' Park is a demanding 24.5 km hike with over 220 meters of elevation, taking you on a grand tour of the city's parks and surrounding hills.

Several parks and nature reserves are local favorites for hiking:

• Haldon Forest Park: A vast woodland with trails for all levels, extremely popular for its views and facilities.
• Ludwell Valley Park: A lovely country park on the city's doorstep, known for its wildlife and peaceful walking trails.
• Mincinglake Valley Park: A protected wildlife area with woodland and meadows, offering a quick escape from the city.
• East Devon National Landscape: Encompasses a huge area including parts of the Jurassic Coast, offering dramatic coastal and heathland walks.

For a route that gets you out of the city and into the countryside, the River Exe at Brampford Speke – Exe Valley Railway Path loop from Pennsylvania is an excellent choice. This 14 km moderate hike follows the river and parts of an old railway line, offering a peaceful experience with lovely rural scenery and significant elevation gain.