Synopsis: It was 1:30pm when I read that the new section of the Exe Estuary Trail south of the Turf Hotel had opened. Trainers on, drink and biscuits in my pannier, and I was on my way by 2pm.
(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)
I’d just had lunch, the sun was shining, when I sat down to check my emails. The thought occurred to me, the new stretch of the Exe Estuary Trail south of the Turf Hotel was due to open soon, so I searched for news and discovered ‘Exe Estuary Turf Locks to Powderham cycle route opens this weekend’ (Express & Echo posted 07 November 2014) [My apologies, this paper has one of the worst online experiences I’ve ever come across, but if you battle your way through the adverts and videos you should eventually get to the story]. The time was 1:30pm, and by 2:00pm I was on my bicycle and on my way.
This new section of the Exe Estuary Trail diverts cyclists onto a lower wide tarmac section avoiding the narrow and bumpy high footpath along the sea defence wall. The views are not so good, but the going is a lot better, and there is no longer the conflict with walkers that there once was. It’s a major improvement to this route between Exeter and Dawlish Warren. These cattle resting in the shade seemed unimpressed by the busy cycle traffic passing them by, but they made for a picturesque photo of the new section.
A substantial cyclist/pedestrian bridge over the railway line has been incorporated into this new section, which negates the need to use the level crossing across this busy mainline. Considering the ‘traffic’ that now uses this trail, this had become almost a necessity, especially as many families with young children use this route.
And one final photo as proof that I did reach my intended destination of Dawlish Warren on this lovely mild and sunny Sunday afternoon. The cycle time from home to Dawlish Warren was just 1hr 10min, which puts it on a par with the cycle time to Exmouth. The Exe Estuary Trail is a wonderful facility for this area, and is proving very popular with cyclists, both recreational and commuter (Exe Estuary Trail officially opened in Devon).
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 22.3 miles
Moving Time: 2hrs 26min
Stopped Time: 33min
Total Ascent: 158 metres
Maximum Elevation: 66 metres
Buses: (none)
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