38miles/
60kms

East Devon Way

About this route

This 38 mile/60km path takes you from Exmouth in the west to Lyme Regis, Dorset in the east, and follows footpaths, bridleways and stretches of quiet lanes.  The route passes through the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), linking to the South West Coast Path, the beautiful Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the Exe Estuary. You can pick up short sections of the trail from a number of easily accessible points.

Along the way you will find the traditional Devon thatched cob cottages, villages dating back to Saxon times, ancient churches, prehistoric hill forts, oak beamed pubs, leafy lanes and glorious vistas of rolling green hills.

The route forms a parallel alternative to the South West Coast Path and is comprehensively way-marked; just follow the sign of the foxglove.

Getting Around

Exmouth, Aylesbeare Common, Sidbury, Colyton and Lyme Regis are all serviced by bus.  Exmouth is also linked to Exeter by a regular rail service.

Travel Devon

 

Facilities
Exmouth, Sidbury, Colyton and Lyme Regis have all facilities.
Terrain
A mix of rights of way, permissive routes and minor roads. The route is generally easy but does include some sharp climbs.
Accessibility
Explore more, click to download pdf
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Interesting information

The East Devon Way provides an opportunity to escape to tranquil farmland, visit traditional Devon hamlets or stride uphill to enjoy spectacular panoramic views across this outstanding corner of Devon.

The route is presented from west to east in six stages and is waymarked throughout, providing an easy to follow trail.  There are inns, pubs and shops in the villages and towns which offer the chance to replenish and refresh you on your journey, or provide a place to rest and recharge overnight.

You can find out how to obtain a copy of the 60 page guide to the East Devon Way here.  If you complete the whole walk (not necessarily in one go) you can apply for a certificate and badge through the East Devon Way website.

Photo of a stream through fields on the East Devon Way
East Devon Way by Trevor Harris

You can explore more in this area

Photo of a horse rider on a trail through woodlands at East Budleigh Common
8miles/
13kms

An Uncommonly Fine Walk

The East Devon Commons cover an area of heathland east of Exeter and inland of the coast.  Extremely important as
Photo of fields alongside a river with cows and a bridge in the background
5miles/
8kms

The ‘most rebellious town in Devon..

The East Devon Way is a 40 mile (64km) route which runs parallel to, and inland of, the coast of
Photo of mist over heathland
6.25miles/
10kms

Heath and valley

This walk is based around Newton Poppleford and uses minor lanes and old tracks to the west of the village,
Photo of cyclists on the Tarka Trail alongside the estuary near Instow
16.4miles/
26kms

Exe Estuary Trail

This newly constructed cycle trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free, wonderfully level route which forms part of the South Coast
Photo of cyclists on the Tarka Trail alongside the estuary near Instow
16.4miles/
26kms

Exe Estuary Trail

This newly constructed cycle trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free, wonderfully level route which forms part of the South Coast
Photo of a horse rider on a trail through woodlands at East Budleigh Common
8miles/
13kms

An Uncommonly Fine Walk

The East Devon Commons cover an area of heathland east of Exeter and inland of the coast.  Extremely important as
Photo of cyclists on the Tarka Trail alongside the estuary near Instow
16.4miles/
26kms

Exe Estuary Trail

This newly constructed cycle trail offers an almost entirely traffic-free, wonderfully level route which forms part of the South Coast
Photo of fields alongside a river with cows and a bridge in the background
5miles/
8kms

The ‘most rebellious town in Devon..

The East Devon Way is a 40 mile (64km) route which runs parallel to, and inland of, the coast of
Photo of mist over heathland
6.25miles/
10kms

Heath and valley

This walk is based around Newton Poppleford and uses minor lanes and old tracks to the west of the village,
Photo of walkers on the Exe Estuary Trail looking through binoculars
2miles/
3.2kms

Exe Estuary Trail: Exmouth to Lympstone

Exmouth to Lympstone is just one section of the Exe Estuary Trail, a multi-use route being built by Devon County
Photo of a drinker moth

Trinity Hill

Trinity Hill is an area of lowland heathland that is rich in wildlife. Heathers that form a wash of colour
Photo of a heath spotted orchid

Pebblebed Heaths

The magnificent East Devon Pebblebed Heaths complex is the largest block of lowland heath in Devon. The site’s large area
Photo of geese on a lake in marshes

Bowling Green Marsh (The Exe Estuary)

Bowling Green Marsh makes up part of the Exe Estuary, an area of international importance for wintering waders and wildfowl.
Photo of a curlew in grassland

Exminster Marshes (The Exe Estuary)

Part of the Exe Estuary, Exminster Marshes is an area of international importance for wintering waders and wildfowl. The area
Photo of white grassland flowers

Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs

This magnificent reserve comprises 304 hectares of coastal landslides and cliffs – one of the largest such areas in Britain.
Photo of coastal cliffs with chalk cliffs in the background

Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs

This magnificent 304 hectare nature reserve, managed by Natural England, offers dramatic coastal scenery and is of international importance for
Photo of walkers on the Exe Estuary Trail looking through binoculars
2miles/
3.2kms

Exe Estuary Trail: Exmouth to Lympstone

Exmouth to Lympstone is just one section of the Exe Estuary Trail, a multi-use route being built by Devon County