Synopsis: A walk along the tow-path of the Grand Western Canal followed by a short visit to the gardens at Knightshayes (NT). Continued on into Tiverton to catch a bus back to Exeter.
This was an interesting combination of walk and garden visit. The walking was along the the Grand Western Canal (GWC), and the garden visited was that at Knightshayes (National Trust). The day was forecast to be cloudy in the morning, with sun coming by the afternoon, but, still in my pyjamas, I peeked my head through the curtains, and was greeted with the sun having risen first thing, so I thought I should be second thing and got up at 6:40.
Daffodils on the Grand Western Canal. It was a bit of a dash, as I knew I had to catch the number 1 bus from Exeter bus station, so had to get my skates on. I had little idea what to do the night before, as nothing was coming into mind despite staring at various maps. I took some bus timetable and maps with me to bed (as you do), and it was then that I hit upon the idea of a garden visit, as there should be daffodils about, and Knightshayes seemed a good choice. But I felt I needed some exercise too, and suddenly it all fell into place. I could see a way of walking a stretch of the Grand Western Canal near Tiverton, where there might also be daffodils, then break off from here for Knightshayes. A combination walk/garden day!
The bus up to the walk start took me through Willand and Uffculme, villages I don’t know well, but they look idyllic. It is however alarming how the bus shims its way down the village streets with only inches to spare. The stop-off point for me was to be Tiverton Parkway, as it’s only a short hop from here to join the GWC.
Sampford Peverell church Early into my trek the GWC passes through the village of Sampford Peverell, the church no distance away, the cemetery running down to the canal. The graveyard inhabitants must be dipping their toes in the water – they’ll catch their death! 
Just on from where the church of Sampford Peverell meets the GWC is a weeping willow that lies aslant the Grand Western Canal. Ok, I confess I never would have made a poet!
There are quite a few cyclists and dog walkers pass me by as I walk the GWC. It’s an ideal place for both of these activities, and fishing too. And I note that pubs, cafes and toilets are well signposted all along the way, so whatever your favoured recreation, you should find yourself well catered for.
I’m impressed by the engineering feats of these proto-roadmen which are evident to me a I walk the canal. Not only are there numerous bridges, but whole valleys have been spanned by earthwork embankments of some considerable scale, such that the need for locks is completely negated. A boatman could sail on through unhindered, leaving his wife at home, and have not a care in the world – perfect peace and tranquillity! 
Chettiscombe - quaint in the extreme! As I approach Tiverton I break off from the GWC and travel some lanes before eventually breaking off across country in the direction of Knightshayes. I come across the most perfect of little hamlets called Chettiscombe right on the doorstep of Knightshayes; quaint in the extreme. I asked a man cutting his hedge how I might best get to Knightshayes. He explained that there is a walk along the forest edge called the Impey Way, and that would be my most direct route. This takes me to the main carpark of Knightshayes. I’m a little embarrassed by my muddy appearance, but I think I might just possibly have sneaked by unnoticed. 
Knightshayes (National Trust). Daffodils line the entrance drive. There were swathes of daffodils in flower, but not quite so many as I had thought there would be. I think they are generally a little behind those in Exeter, which are already well advanced. I was surprised to see some of the rhododendrons already in flower, but that was a nice bonus treat. There were also iris and hellebores in flower, and pansies of course. Lovely gardens and a nice way to finish my walk. I have some light refreshments on a bench then I’m on my way into Tiverton. I’m soon on the bus for home.
A terrific day, especially when I consider I had nothing planned the night before.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 14.6 m
Walk Time: (moving): 5 hrs 26 mins
Walk Time: (stopped): 1 hrs 11 mins
Total Ascent: 426 metres
Maximum Elevation: 161 metres
Bus: Stagecoach 1, 55A and H1/H2
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