We recently decided it was time for another walk from Exeter, and this time we thought we would make our way from Exeter to Turf Locks and back.
We’re gradually putting together a series of walks around Exeter and routes from Exeter to various local destinations, discovering some of the places that are right on our doorstep. This walk turned out to be a great choice, taking us along the Exeter Ship Canal, through the Riverside Valley Park area and onwards towards the Exe Estuary and the historic Turf Hotel.
After some very hot weather, we were lucky enough to have a slightly breezy and overcast day for our walk. It made the 10.5-mile distance much more comfortable than it would have been in the sunshine. 🌥️
Along the way, we spotted plenty of wildlife, enjoyed some lovely views and discovered a couple of places that we hadn’t really noticed before.
The Walk: Exeter to Turf Locks
For this walk, we decided to start at Piazza Terracina, near Exeter Basin.
From here, we walked past the canal basin and the locks, passing the old Welcome Inn before continuing alongside the Exeter Ship Canal. On this occasion, we kept the canal on our left.
It’s approximately 1.5 miles from our starting point to the Double Locks Inn, and around 5.22 miles to the Turf Hotel, making this a good option if you’re looking for a longer walk from Exeter.
The route is relatively straightforward, although there are sections where you need to cross roads and share the path with cyclists.
Exeter to Turf Locks Walk Route Map
Please note: This is our own sketch map of the route and is intended as a general guide rather than a detailed navigation map. Always check the route and local conditions before setting out.
Discovering Harpers Ponds
One of the things we discovered on this walk was an area known as Harpers Ponds, which is managed by the Exeter and District Angling Association.
It was somewhere we didn’t even know existed until we walked past it.
At first, I thought there was another canal or river running alongside the Exeter Ship Canal. It wasn’t until we spotted the Exeter and District Angling Association sign that we realised these were actually ponds used for fishing by members of the association.
It’s funny how you can live near somewhere for years and still discover new places when you slow down and explore on foot.
Wildlife Along the Exeter Canal 🦢🦆
Wildlife was one of the highlights of this Exeter walk.
We spotted the same family of swans that we had passed recently while doing our Exeter to Topsham walk. It was great to see them again and made us wonder how often we must walk past the same wildlife without even realising it.
We also spotted a family of ducks, including around half a dozen or so tiny baby ducklings.
We couldn’t believe how small they were. They really couldn’t have been long after being born. 🐥
Along the route, we also saw sheep and cows sheltering underneath the trees. With the weather being a little cooler and breezier, they seemed quite happy to stay out of the way of the wind.
The canal and surrounding countryside make this a really enjoyable route for anyone who likes combining walking with a bit of wildlife spotting.
Walking Along the Exeter Ship Canal
There were plenty of people using the path during our walk, as well as kayaks and paddleboarders enjoying the canal.
Keeping the canal on our left this time proved to be a little quieter, particularly after we passed Bromhams Car Park and the little Salmonpool Swing Bridge that crosses the canal.
At this point, the path continues as a pedestrian-only route. Cyclists can use the other side of the canal to reach the Double Locks Inn.
When we reached the Double Locks, we noticed a group of paddleboarders launching onto the canal. They almost seemed to keep up with us as we continued walking!
We were quite impressed by their speed, although there was a brisk wind behind them, so I guess that may have been helping. Or at least I’d rather think that than admit that perhaps we are just slow walkers! 😂
Towards the Exeter Swing Bridge
Once you reach Bridge Road, you need to cross the busy road and the large Exeter Swing Bridge. There are pedestrian-controlled crossings to help you safely get across.
After crossing the bridge, the route becomes a shared cycle and pedestrian path.
This section of the walk was noticeably busier. We saw plenty of cyclists, including groups of riders, as well as other walkers and families out enjoying the route.
It’s also around this point that the walk becomes part of the Exe Estuary Trail, which stretches towards Dawlish in one direction and Exmouth in the other.
There are some lovely views from this section of the route, including views towards Topsham, with Lympstone and Exmouth visible in the distance.
It’s one of those parts of the walk where it’s worth taking your time rather than simply concentrating on getting to the destination.
Reaching Turf Hotel and Turf Locks 🌊
Eventually, we reached the Turf Hotel, which was the furthest point of our walk.
The Turf Hotel is quite an interesting building and an historic Grade II listed pub. Its location is particularly impressive, sitting beside the Exe Estuary with wonderful views across the surrounding area.
It’s also a rather unusual destination because of its relatively isolated, car-free location. It can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by water, making it a popular destination for people enjoying the estuary.
The area around Turf Locks opens out towards the Exe Estuary, giving you a real sense that you have left the city behind, despite having started the walk in Exeter.
While we were there, we also saw several seagoing vessels moored up from the locks and the estuary behind, giving them some protection from the sea.
It was a great place to stop and take in the views before starting the journey back towards Exeter.
Walking Back on the Topsham side of the Canal
Rather than walk the whole way back along exactly the same route, we decided to cross over and walk on the other side of the Ship Canal until we reached the Topsham Ferry point.
At this point, we crossed back over and followed our route back again, with the canal now on our right.
This gave us a slightly different perspective of the canal and surrounding landscape on the return journey.
We once more passed beneath the A38/M5 flyover, before continuing past the South West Water works.
Once we reached the Exeter Swing Bridge, we decided to cross back over to the other side of the canal, putting the canal back on our left.
From there, we continued towards the Double Locks, through the River Exe County Park and eventually back towards where we had started at Exeter Quay.
How Far Is the Exeter to Turf Locks Walk?
Our overall walking distance was approximately 10.5 miles.
That makes this a fairly long walk, so it’s worth allowing plenty of time rather than trying to rush it. The route gives you a mixture of canal-side walking, open countryside, estuary views, wildlife and some interesting local landmarks along the way.
For us, one of the best things about the walk was how much the scenery changed despite starting and finishing in Exeter.
You begin close to Exeter Quay and the canal basin, follow the Exeter Ship Canal, pass the Double Locks, continue towards the Exe Estuary and eventually reach the Turf Hotel before making your way back.
Our Thoughts on the Exeter to Turf Locks Walk 🚶♀️
We really enjoyed this walk and it was another great addition to our growing list of walks around Exeter.
The 10.5-mile distance makes it more of a full-day walk than a quick stroll, but there is plenty to see along the way. From the Exeter Canal and Double Locks to the wildlife, views across the estuary and the unusual location of the Turf Hotel, there was always something to look at.
We also enjoyed discovering places such as Harpers Lake that we simply hadn’t noticed before.
The slightly overcast and breezy weather probably helped us too. After the recent hot weather, it was a welcome change and made the longer distance much more manageable.
If you’re looking for a walk from Exeter to Turf Locks, or simply want to explore more of the Exeter Ship Canal and Exe Estuary, this is a route we would definitely recommend putting on your list.
And of course, there’s always the important question at the end of a 10.5-mile walk: where to stop for a well-earned rest! ☕🥾
👉 Looking to explore the local area? Take a look at our Exeter Walks for more routes around the city, or browse our Exeter Things to Do guide for more ideas on places to visit.