Synopsis: My intended destination the small Cleave Wood, near Kenn. Really just an excuse to get out into the country and enjoy the warmth and sunshine this summer’s day.
An over-and-under walk today. Once over the M5 on the way out, then under on the way back. This walk has a lot to commend it, although sadly the M5 provided a continuous soundtrack to the day’s walking. I suppose it’s all part of our love/hate relationship with the car.
Matford Marshes
I parked my bike by on railings down by the Countess Wear swing bridge and then followed the busy A379 road in the direction away from Exeter a short distance, stopping briefly by Matford Marshes to survey the waterlogged landscape. Normally this area is much drier at this time of year (summer?), but this year it remains very wet, and I hardly need explain why.
Argh! A path of nettles.
Shortly into my walk I was faced with a path lined with nettles with seemingly no way forward, as I was hemmed in by a fence topped with barbed wire. A short moment considering options and it was on with my over-trousers and off I set. They did the job of protecting me from stings which I was keen to avoid.
The entrance to Cleave Wood from the Old Dawlish Road
I crossed over the M5 motorway on a vertiginous bridge high above the road that sits in a chasm hewn from the rock. It wasn’t long before I approached the entrance to Cleave Wood which is marked by a broad siding in the road. The gate itself was locked and a very large tree trunk spanned the entrance, presumably to deter vehicular entry. There are no notices at the gateway, so I hopped over the gate and picked up a track into the woods. A little way in I found a patch of grass in the sun and sat to eat my lunch. A strong wind was blowing through the tree canopy, but I was well sheltered by the surrounding trees.
Towering conifers
I came upon Cleave Wood on the Visit Woods web site a little while back and since it is very close to where I live decided I’d journey out that way sometime. It’s only a relatively small wood but it’s pleasant and tranquil and provided shade on a hot and sunny day like today. After lunch, continuing along the track, I stumbled upon a couple of Roe deer that I startled and soon took flight into the undergrowth.
A Devon lane
Setting off from Cleave Wood I followed typical Devon lanes which are quiet and peaceful and a delightful place to be on a summer’s day. I was treated to lovely views across fields down to the estuary as I went.
Crockwell's Meadow, part of Exminster Marshes
On reaching Exminster village I sauntered past the Royal Oak pub and out onto Crockwell’s Meadow, which is down on Exminster Marshes. It was a little bit wet underfoot in places, but the going was relatively easy. I had then to cross the railway line on my way towards the Exeter Ship Canal.
The Exeter Ship Canal towpath
There is little protection from the sun’s rays along the canal, and I was feeling the heat of the day’s walking by now. I crossed the path of the M5 motorway for the second time today, this time crossing under the enormous spans of the road as it crosses the River Exe, the canal and Exminster Marshes. From here it was only a short distance back to my bike and my easy ride home.
It was good to experience some warmth and sunshine today. I felt relaxed and exercised after my day on the hoof, if also a little sun-baked too.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 10.2 miles
Moving Time: 3hrs 44min
Stopped Time: 47min
Total Ascent: 310 metres
Maximum Elevation: 85 metres
Buses: (none)
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