This ‘runseeing’ tour of the ancient Roman city of Exeter hits all the major sites, and includes several small parks, and a section of paths on the River Exe. For longer, there’s good running in Exeter along the River Exe headed south toward Topsham.
Start at the Medieval Exe Bridge, and run through the mainly pedestrianized urban commercial area along Fore St. to the medieval Gothic Exeter Cathedral. Explore the grounds, and then use Gandy St. to head up to the area around the Exeter Castle, Guildhall, and Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Continue north on Queen St. to the lovely, small Bury Meadow Park, which is adjacent to Exeter College. Then cut diagonally, heading southwest toward the River crossing the B3183 & St. David’s Hill. Use Bonhay Rd. briefly to access the River Exe Path. The final 2 miles of the run is on the various paths along the River Exe. From Flowerpots Park, head south on the west bank of the river, crossing to the east bank at Trews Weir Memorial Park, and then return north along the Quay paths to the start.
Add-On: Continue sough on River Exe paths for up to 4 miles to Tophsam. And in Topsham, there’s another 2.5 miles of paths along the Exeter Ship Canal.
This ‘runseeing’ tour of the ancient Roman city of Exeter hits all the major sites, and includes several small parks, and a section of paths on the River Exe. For longer, there’s good running in Exeter along the River Exe headed south toward Topsham.
Start at the Medieval Exe Bridge, and run through the mainly pedestrianized urban commercial area along Fore St. to the medieval Gothic Exeter Cathedral. Explore the grounds, and then use Gandy St. to head up to the area around the Exeter Castle, Guildhall, and Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Continue north on Queen St. to the lovely, small Bury Meadow Park, which is adjacent to Exeter College. Then cut diagonally, heading southwest toward the River crossing the B3183 & St. David’s Hill. Use Bonhay Rd. briefly to access the River Exe Path. The final 2 miles of the run is on the various paths along the River Exe. From Flowerpots Park, head south on the west bank of the river, crossing to the east bank at Trews Weir Memorial Park, and then return north along the Quay paths to the start.
Add-On: Continue sough on River Exe paths for up to 4 miles to Tophsam. And in Topsham, there’s another 2.5 miles of paths along the Exeter Ship Canal.
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Essentials
4.6 miles (7.4 km). For longer, it's ~5 miles on the River Exe south to Topsham
A 'runseeing' tour of Plymouth, featuring the main sites of Devon's largest city. Includes the Greenery, Hoe Park, the marina area, Mayflower Steps, and the Barbican district. Can be combined with our west Plymouth route for a longer run.
An exploration of the Devonport area in west Plymouth, including Royal William Yard, Mayflower Marina, Mount Wise Park, and Devonport Park. There's also a running track. Can combine with our main Plymouth route, ~1 mile east.
A true destination run only a 7-minute ferry ride from Plymouth. Landscaped gardens, open parkland woodland paths, gorgeous sections of S W Coast Path in this 865-acre historic coast park Something for all runners!
Sidmouth is a tourist resort and a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The best place to run is a route combining the Esplanade to Peak Hill, and then a jaunt along The Byes, a lovely park leading to Margaret's Meadow.
Two good running options in this port town at the mouth of the River Exe: a 3.7-mile waterfront path around the Marina and along the Channel east to Orcombe Point; and a 3.5-mile off-road cycle path headed east to Budleigh.
There are some pleasant paths along the River Exe, which flows south into the English Channel. One can run up to 8.2 miles, including 2.5 miles along the Exeter Ship Canal in Topsham. Fun option: do the longer run one-way and return via train!
In this seaside resort town nicknamed The English Riviera, there's terrific running around the marina, a couple of small central parks, and the 5+ mile waterfront path south to Paigngton and more.
There's some terrific running in this seaside town on the 'English Riviera', featuring several small parks and a lovely a lovely waterfront path that goes for ~6 miles between Goodrington Beach, just south of Paington north to Torquay.
The best place to run in Brixham is a series of paths along the water. From town, head north to the Brixham Battery or south toward Berry Head, where there are some great views at the Lighthouse. Additional options on the S W coast path.
In Dartmouth, some waterfront running on both sides of the estuary, including optional climb to Dartmnouth Castle. The National Trust Greenway is a destination run, with gorgeous paths around the grounds of Agatha Christie's summer home.
The South Devon AONB is a vast natural area including rugged coastal stretches, farmland & quaint villages. See some of our running recs from among the 200 miles of right of way and 60 miles of Coast Path. There's an excellent website & interactive map.
Running the 'moors' of Dartmoor National Park, especially on a classically bleak day, is a singular running experience. Choosing from among the list of walks, or some of the bridleways and byways recommended for cycling, are great options for running.
The 11.25 mile canal towpath in Grand Western Canal Country Park is a great running option in Tiverton -- the main commercial and administrative centre of Mid Devon. Flat, easy, and all off-road. Additional running options using the 'walks' in the Park.
Wonderful running in North Devon includes: the cycle trails from Barnstaple north to Braunton and south to Meeth; nice quayside running in Bideford; great beach running on Saunton Sands & Greystone Beaches; and sections of S W Coast Path.
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Essentials
4.6 miles (7.4 km). For longer, it's ~5 miles on the River Exe south to Topsham
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!