Monday, 11 June 2007

Coastwalk , South West Coast Path

Starcross → Exmouth

[Washing lines in Lympstone]

Distance: 11.1 miles
Ascent: 211 metres
Duration: 4 hours 2 minutes

The Estuary
« Teignmouth | Budleigh Salterton »

Back in 2001 when Jez and I walked from Teignmouth to Exmouth the seasonal ferry across the River Exe wasn't running. Today's walk filled in that gap, replacing the boat trip with a walk up and down the estuary.

The west bank was far more enjoyable than the east. The going was easy past Powderham Castle deer park, then further upstream along the towpath of the disused Exeter Canal.

Opposite the village of Topsham modern communication met an old way of life. A notice by the path gave the mobile phone number of the ferryman whose "Aye, I see you" response was reassuring and warming as the rain began to fall.

Between Topsham and Lympstone there is no path to speak of. The casual coastwalker would do well to hop on a bus to avoid three miles of major road but Lympstone itself should not be missed. The jumble of streets and alleyways lead down to the sea where residents had hung their laundry to dry in the breaks between the drizzle.

The path into Exmouth is currently under major reconstruction. When complete this will be a real gem. I hope they find a way of continuing it north to Topsham.

Posted by pab at 18:08 | Comments will be back later in the year. Please email me instead!