In our last blog we barely had time to mention all the things that you can see and do in our particular neck of the woods, so this is a chance to catch up. The Exe Estuary Trail has only recently been constructed to make it possible for cyclers and walkers to beat a path around the entire Exe Estuary taking in Dawlish Warren down at our end, up to Exeter and down to Exmouth, which is opposite us on the mouth of the estuary (as the name might suggest).

The trail, which is proof that local councils and authorities, plus plenty of voluntary organisations, really do care and can do great things when they put their community minds to it, is 26 miles long. For walkers that is a pretty long day and it is committing even for cyclists. But the beauty of it is that you can do the stages you want. You can even cheat a bit by taking the ferry across to Topsham and cutting out Exeter. You can equally make it a bird-watching and wildlife outing or a rather leisurely pub crawl.

Bear with us if we have mentioned this before but the estuary truly is a special place. It supports a diverse range of flora and fauna including winter waterfowl and waders. For this reason, it has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Ramsar Site (am internationally important area for birdlife), and is a candidate for a Special Area of Conservation. The main attractions are the extensive inter-tidal habitats and the internationally important birdlife. But it’s a beautiful and impressive place to walk and cycle, whether you are carrying binoculars or not.

Most of the Exe Estuary Trail is off-road, with the occasional use of minor roads. In the area just south of Topsham the trail has been specially constructed to cross the wide marshy mouth of the River Clyst where it joins the Exe. This new bridge has made it possible for a truly joined up trail close to the shores of the estuary. Cyclists and walkers alike will be pleased to learn that, being so close to water level, the terrain is flat and easy going.

For more news and information from Langstone Cliff Hotel please like us and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.