I set off to Dart’s Farm today for a stroll around their fields with the dogs, they have a farm walk, a bird hide and fishing lakes as well as the shopping experience they are well known for. It was a beautiful afternoon and I decided that I wanted to walk a bit further than Dart’s could offer, so I crossed over and took a path that joins the Exe Trail, which runs up the river Exe to Exeter and back down the other side. It’s part of National Cycle Network route 2 that will eventually run all the way from Kent to Cornwall.
The section that runs alongside the Exe is around 16 miles and must surely be one of the loveliest. Just below Topsham on the picture, you can see Darts Farm, where I began,
it’s the modern building in the distant background to the right. The white house boat must belong to someone, I hope they rescue it before it rots away, I know I’d like to.
The bridge above has one of the newest sections, with great views over Bowling Green marsh.
I’m striding along now, parallel to the railway line that I travelled on the day before, taking two of my grandchildren to the beach at Exmouth. The old bridge spans an area with an inlet that probably floods at times.
it’s certainly soggy today.
I’m heading towards Exton now and the views of the river are gorgeous.But the railway line and a fence are in the way. Never mind, the path turns inland through the little village of very expensive houses, and out the other side.
The river gets wider and Exmouth is in the distance, my favourite estuary. I pass by the Royal Marines commando training centre,
but there are no fit men to watch today!
Instead I pass a group of young people in fatigues yomping along. They may be cadets, definitely not marines, they were having too much fun.
It’s a really warm day and while I don’t mind walking in full sun, the dogs are getting elderly so we sit, so they can rest and nibble on the cleavers, and then retrace our steps. We didn’t quite reach Lympstone.
The tide was lower as I headed back inland, there were fewer cyclists and walkers going by, and the only sounds were birdsong. I had a lovely walk, around five miles and flat apart from going through Exton.
I hope you enjoyed it, and Jo too, as I’m posting for her Monday Walk.
Lucid Gypsy 
I really love walking in England with you Gilly. Five miles is a good walk for ageing dogs!
(I saw Stuart briefly this morning when I was visiting friends: he feels a new body of work coming on, which will be very different. I felt afresh Christine’s absence.)
Meg, she was with me on this walk, I went past the B&B where they stayed in Exton – the village with expensive houses. It was funny because she had chosen it because it was beside the river, hoping to see lots of birds. Of course it was the wrong time of year and she didn’t believe that any birds were ever there!
It’s good to know that Stuart is going to paint, hopefully he will exhibit. If you hear any more let me know? he will probably update his website.
A few weeks ago he had a small exhibition in the local library as part of their local artist exposé: there was also a floor-talk, but I was still lagging and didn’t go.
That’s good to know. His art is super and I imagine it’s helped him enormously.
Morning, Gilly! A bright early start 🙂 I’m just finishing up my Monday walk so thank you very much. In you go! 🙂 How far are you from Exeter? It must be a nice train ride too.
My turning point was about 8 miles from the city centre and yes the train ride is beautiful, especially if the tide is out. You could walk part way and train part way. Actually you could even walk/bus/train/ferry and do east and west of the river!
On a day like today I’m all for it 🙂
Morning Gilly, the walk looked fab. I must explore your area sometime, my granddaughter is also an avid walker, I may bring her. At the moment I’m on a lot of short walks due to the ages of my groups. 🙂
Hi Margi, you would both love Exeter and east Devon, if you’re ever around give me a shout and I’ll show you a nice walk 😊
What a great way to spend the afternoon Gilly. Thank you for taking me with you!
I do love these walks, it makes me realise the beauty of the country we live. I do several in the New forest but have never posted.. so I will just enjoy yours and others…
You take interesting and eye-catching walks, Gilly. Thank you for sharing your pictures and your day. The photos are wonderful! 🙂
I am enjoying visiting your area Gilly. And I do like a level walk 🙂
Lovely walk, Gilly. If I’m down your way, I’ll give you a shout,,,,,but I can’t walk far these days!
You don’t have to walk far to find beauty in Devon 🙂
Oh, I know!
Your descriptions and photographs help me feel the weather, the sogginess and like the aging dogs I feel as if I need to sit and rest now after a lovely walk.
Wünsche einen schönen Mittwoch lieber Gruß Gislinde
Thank you Gislinde, it’s nice to see you as always 🙂
8 miles is a bit too long for a beginner like me.
Mitchell
Mitchell! I can’t believe you’ve commented on my blog bro! How are you? I’m around quite a bit at the weekend, if you are too we could Skype. Oh and the walk, If an old woman like me can do it, I’m sure I could help you get through it, you’d love it. Walking is the best exercise!
I always read all your postings, that is my way of keeping a tab on you sis. I do enjoy walking but rarely have the time. It’s worse during the winter here. First day of spring this past Friday we had 5 inches of snow, tonight we are expecting thunder storm. Hopefully when I visit, you can take me along with you. I love the scenery around you.
A lovely walk … thank you fro taking me along. I enjoyed seeing all of the places. Very nice ….😀
Lovely pictures. I especially love the last few shots. And good thing the cadets let you take pictures of me, as it seems, than giving you crazy eyes. 🙂
The bridge shot is especially lovely Gilly. Hope I get to do this with you someday 🙂
When you do visit England don’t make the mistake of staying too long in London, everyone there wants to live here for a very good reason. 🙂
Have I ever told you that you are an excellent writer? I wish I could be just as good as you are. I am so proud of you Sis. I wasted my time trying to keep up with the Nigerain election this weekend, instead of spending wisely.