AVOCET LINE
RAIL USERS GROUP
Walking, Cycling & Ferries
Use a day return ticket to stop off along the line for walks, cycle rides, refreshments and bird watching, From Topsham and Exmouth ferries link to the western side of the estuary to give a wide range of walking and cycling opportunities.
Walks
Exe Estuary Trail Make use of the Exe Estuary Trail which runs for 26 miles along both sides of the estuary. Part of the trail runs parallel to the Avocet line between Topsham and Exmouth, mostly off-road. Suitable, for wheelchairs. A map of this section is here.
Avocet Ambles ALRUG has produced a series of walks leaflets called Avocet Ambles which describe a number of interesting walks from (and in some cases between) Avocet Line stations. These leaflets are currently out of print, but a .pdf version can be downloaded here:
Avocet Ambles 1 Avocet Ambles 2 Avocet Ambles 3
East Devon Way This long distance footpath takes you from Exmouth to Lyme Regis. It is 38 miles long, and passes through the East Devon Area of Outstanding National Beauty. The path starts from the Estuary Long Stay car park, close to Exmouth Station.
Cycling
National Route 2 of the National Cycle Network also uses the Exe Estuary Trail with access to stations on both sides of the Estuary.
Taking your cycle on the train, GWR trains have a limited number of dedicated cycle spaces. On local trains unreserved spaces, are offered on a first-come first-served basis and at the discretion of the train staff. Reservations (compulsory on long-distance services) are recommended. You can read GWR guidance on taking cycles on the train here.
Cycle Hire. Along the Avocet Line there are cycles can be hired at Topsham and Exmouth, :
- Route 2 Bike Shop, Holman Way, Topsham. 500m from station. Bike Hire, Sales, Repairs. Contact details here
- Exmouth Cycles, Victoria Road, Exmouth. 400m from station. Bike Hire, Sales, Repairs. Contact details here
Ferries
There are three ferries taking passengers, and in some cases bicycles, across the estuary. They are all seasonal, running from around Easter to early autumn; check the individual ferries for exact dates
- Topsham Ferry runs from the landing in Ferry Road across the river to Topsham Lock Cottage. It can carry bicycles. More details here.
- Topsham to Turf Ferry runs from Trouts boatyard to The Turf, a riverside inn which cannot be reached by road, but is on the Exe Estuary Trail. Note that, at present, this ferry does not carry bicycles.
- Starcross to Exmouth Ferry. This runs from Exmouth Marina to Starcross, where it links up with the Exe Estuary Trail. It can carry bicycles. There is a Facebook page with further details.
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