Cycle Route 3 (max 12 miles)

Cycle Route 3 (max 12 miles)

The Exe Estuary Trail to Turf Locks (circular route) from Kennford

Other than the climb in and out of the village, this is a level route (along the banks of the Exe Estuary staying on the Dawlish side). Half way through the ride you will reach the Turf Locks pub, which can only be accessed by bike or on foot. You will enjoy lovely views across and down the Estuary to Exmouth.

Map: refer to the Exe Estuary Trail map, which you will find in the Information pack.

Start point: Cherry Tree Cottage, Kennford

Directions

  1. From the cottage head down the hill, passing the village post office on your right and continuing past the junction of Pye Corner and out of the village (with Partridge Cycles on your left).

  2. Don’t cross the road A38 bridge but instead turn right (unsigned) up the steep lane, passing the Recycling Centre. At the top continue straight on, enjoying the views of the Kenn Valley to your right and Exeter and
    the Estuary to your left, until you reach a crossroads where you turn left and follow the lane past Luccombs Farm. When you reach a junction turn right to Exminster.

  3. At the junction in the village turn left and then follow the road through the village centre, passing Tesco Express on your left. After 1⁄2 mile the road descends gently and meets the A379 where you turn left and then follow the blue signs to the Exe Estuary Cycle route, crossing the road where the path is picked up next to the petrol station.

  4. Follow the signs for 1⁄2 mile. When the lane meets the Exeter Canal turn right (signed for Dawlish). The route now is easy to follow, along the banks of the canal, which meets the Estuary at the Turf Locks pub (approx 2 miles). Along the route you will shortly pass the Topsham Ferry and, if you have time and the ferry is in operation, there is the option to detour to Topsham and back before you continue onto the Turf.                                                          

  5. From the Turf pub continue following the Exe Estuary signs to Starcross and Dawlish and cross the cycle bridge over the railway (this is the main London to Penzance route, part of which famously disappeared into the sea at Dawlish in 2014 following flooding in the area). 

  6. You now meet a minor road, where you go straight on, to cycle alongside the railway, with the Estuary on your left and Powderham Castle and Estate (home of the Earl of Devon) on your right. Look out for the herd of fallow deer which are often roaming the estate.

  7. Just before the end of the minor road (2 miles) look out for the pedestrian/cycle entrance to Powderham on your right by a gate ledge house. Cycle up through the Estate, through a gate and turn left up to Powderham Farm Shop. (There is a cafe in the shop and a restaurant should you wish to stop for refreshments and a browse!).

  8. Leave the Castle grounds via the Exit signs to meet the A379 Exeter to Dawlish road, and turn right to follow the road down into the pretty village of Kenton.             

  1. At the centre of the village turn left at the village green signed for Mamhead, passing the church, and bear right following the lane around where you turn right up a sharp hill, signed to Chiverstone.

  2. When you meet the junction at the top of the hill, bear left and drop down into the hamlet of Chiverstone and continue for 2 miles until you meet a grassy triangle.

  3. Turn right here, cross over Babel’s Bridge, to meet Kenn Lane where you turn left at the junction of Willsworthy.

  4. Turn left in the direction of Kenn and Kennford (Kenn Lane), where you continue straight ahead to return to Pye Corner at Kennford (1 mile), passing the Ley Arms on your left and the village church on your right.

  5. At Pye Corner turn left to return to Cherry Tree Cottage.

 

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