walks programme - February - June 2019
Full details of the walks, which are for Exeter Forum members only, will be given at the two Wednesday meetings prior to the walk and in the weekly email on the weekend before the walk.
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7 February Sue Smith - Exeter Green Circle from
Lidl's Supermarket, Wonford to Alphington Church.
The walk will be led by Sue Smith and is the the first of a series of short walks to be led by Sue around the whole of the Exeter Green Circle.
Distance : 3.5 miles
Start : 10.30 from the bus stop outside Lidl Supermarket, Burnthouse Lane. The R and S circular bus routes both stop at Lidl's every 20 minutes. The R leaving Stop 5 in Exeter High Street at 10.10 would get to Lidl's at 10.27. The S leaving Stop 2 in Exeter High Street at 10.00 would get to Lidl's at 10.16.
Route : From Lidl's we will follow the Northbrook along the edge of Wonford Playing Fields and the edge of the Ludwell Valley Park, past the Exeter Crematorium to where it flows into the River Exe, pausing to look at the Countess Wear Paper Mill, then along the bank of the River Exe, passing the University of Exeter Playing Fields at Duckes Meadow, crossing the Riverside Valley Park to Clapperbrook Lane East, passing the Exeter Energy Recovery Facility, then along the bank of Alphin Brook to Clapperbrook Lane West which we will follow to St. Michael & All Angels Church, Alphington. We will use the A bus to return from Alphington to the Exeter City Centre.
Terrain : Level on paved or stone covered paths, with no stiles.
Lunch : We have arranged for lunch to be available at the Dove Cafe just off South Street for those walkers who want to join us there.
___________________________________________________________________________ 21 February David Oates - Powderham
David Oates will be leading a walk from Powderham on Thursday 21st February.
Distance : 3.75 miles
Start : The walk will start at 10.40 from the Powderham Farm Shop car park at the Kenton entrance to Powderham Castle. There is parking there and also a good bus service on the number 2 from the Exeter bus station via Heavitree Road, Barrack Road and Topsham Road. The buses leave the bus station at 9.36 and 10.06, arriving at 10.04 and 10.34.
Route : It will be a circular route going round the outside of the Powderham Estate, with good views of the estuary, Powderham Castle and the deer park.
Terrain : Part of the walk is muddy, so walking boots and walking poles are advised. There is one moderate climb and no stiles.
Lunch : Reasonably priced food is available at the cafe inside the Farm Shop.
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7 March Julia Spruntulis - Colaton Raleigh
Distance : 4.5 miles
Start : 10.30 just past the Church in Church Road, Colaton Raleigh, where there is road parking. Take A 3178 from Newton Poppleford, first left in centre of Colaton Raleigh along Church Road. If coming from Bicton, the turning is on the right shortly after the Otter Pub. Drive past the church, park on the right towards the end of the road close to the footpath sign, which is on the left. Post code for church is EX10 0LL.
Route : A circular route on footpaths, tracks and rural lanes. No stiles or steep hills, just several gentle inclines. Walking boots and walking poles recommended. Lunch is available at The Otter Inn, Colaton Raleigh.
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21 March Jenny Wheeler - Newton Poppleford
Distance : 4.5 miles
Start : 10.40 at the Bus Stop below Newton Poppleford Church. Bus No. 9 from Exeter Bus Station (Bay 5) at 9.55 arrives at Newton Poppleford at 10.26. There is a free public car park and toilets behind the Church in Newton Poppleford, which is accessed via Robert Way off School Lane, almost opposite the school. There is a footpath from the car park to the bus stop in front of the Church on the main road.
Route : It will be a 4.5 mile circular route, walking at a moderate pace North from Newton Poppleford to Venn Ottery, then Tipton St. John before returning South beside the River Otter. No stiles, but could be muddy, so walking boots and walking poles are advisable.
Lunch will be available at the Cannon Inn, Newton Poppleford and those walkers who intend having lunch there also have permission to use their car park in the morning.
Return Journey : No. 9 bus, 24 or 54 minutes past the hour.
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4 April Julia Spruntulis - Clyst Hydon
Julia Spruntulis will be leading the Forum Walk on Thursday 4th April. It will be a circular route of 4 miles from Clyst Hydon via Plymtree, starting at 10.30 from the Clyst Hydon Village Hall car park, EX15 2NT, where we have permission to park. From Exeter take B 3181 to Broadclyst, shortly after the turning to Killerton, take the right hand turn signposted Clyst St Lawrence. After a couple of miles turn left, signposted Clyst Hydon. As you reach Clyst Hydon, turn right, The Five Bells is signposted. The village hall is half a mile on the right before you reach the pub.
As part of the walk we will be looking at medieval graffiti, Georgian graffiti on church windows, and witches marks at the Church of St. John the Baptist, Plymtree, with the help of a knowledgeable guide. The church also has a fan vaulted 15th century medieval rood screen complete with original paintings on the panels.
It is flat and easy walking, no stiles, occasionally a muddy gateway.
Walking boots and poles recommended.
Lunch is available at the Killerton House Cafe, which is a 10 minutes drive away. If you are having lunch at Killerton bring your National Trust Membership Card as there is a car parking charge for those who are not members of the National Trust.
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18 April Doug and Sian Allen - White Bridge to Otterton
Doug and Sian Allen will be leading the Forum Walk on Thursday 18th April. It will be a circular route of 5 miles from White Bridge, South Farm Road (3/4 mile upstream from Budleigh Salterton, OS ref: 075830 on OS 1:50000 sheet 192, or 1:25000 sheet SY08/18), starting at 10.30. Car parking is available along South Farm Road, just before the entrance to the Pynes Farm shop.
The route follows the coastal path southwards from the entrance gateway to the farm shop and proceeds to overlook the Otter Estuary and beach at Budleigh Salterton. Turning to the north east we proceed for two miles along the coast path with good views of Lyme Bay. We turn inland before the descent into Ladram Bay and walk to Otterton for a break at the Kings Arms ( light lunches, sandwiches etc ) at approximately 12.00 noon. After lunch we return southwards alongside the River Otter for about 1 1/2 miles to White Bridge, arriving at about 13.30. Some steep climbs, but no stiles.
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2 May Sylvia Moore - Drewsteignton
Sylvia Moore will be leading the Forum Walk on Thursday 2nd May. It will be a linear route of 4.5 miles from Cheriton Cross to Drewsteignton, starting at 11.50 from the bus stop opposite Good Knight Inn, Cheriton Cross. The Dartline Bus No. 173 leaves Exeter Bus Station (Bay 7) at 11.10 and arrives at Cheriton Cross at 11.50. The return 173 bus leaves Drewsteignton Square at 15.17 and arrives back at Exeter Bus Station (Bay 7) at 16.10.
The route is on footpaths and lanes, with no stiles. Bring a picnic lunch.
There should be time to have a drink at Drewsteignton.
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16 May Jenny Wheeler - Shobrooke
Jenny Wheeler will be leading the next Forum Walk, on Thursday 16th May. It will be a circular route of 4.5 miles, starting at 10.30 from the Red Lion Inn car park at Shobrooke. Those planning to have lunch at the Red Lion Inn have permission to use their car park and they have requested that we place our orders for food before we start the walk.
As there are road works on the A377 you are advised to allow time for possible delays and the following are two suggested routes to Shobrooke :
1. From Exeter take the A377 to Crediton. At the Tesco roundabout, as you approach Crediton, take the new road ( 3rd exit ) signposted Tiverton. Follow this road through the industrial estate until you meet a junction with the A3072. At the junction turn right onto the A3072 and continue on this road until you come to 2 thatched cottages, one pink and one white, on either side of the road. Turn right, signposted Shobrooke and Thorverton. Keep on this road, past crossroads, war memorial and village hall until you come to the Red Lion Inn on your left.
2. From Exeter take the A377 to Crediton. After Bernaville Nurseries, but before the road lay-by on the left, turn right after a sharpish bend signposted Langford and Shute. Stay on this road for 2 miles until you come to a junction (Shute Cross). Turn left and immediately right, driving for approximately 2 miles through Shute and Efford to next crossroads. Turn left, signposted Shobrooke and Crediton. The Red Lion Inn is on the right, just past the bus shelter.
The walk will be through the countryside around the village of Shobrooke, mainly on footpaths and across fields, with lovely views over the surrounding countryside. There are no stiles, some ups and downs, and we will walk at a moderate pace. Walking boots and sticks are advised.
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30 May Jean and Peter Burden - Budleigh Salterton
The walk will follow a circular route of 4.5 miles, starting at 10.30 from outside the Digger's Rest Pub ( OS GR SY012891). From Exeter take the A3052, then turn right down Oil Mill Lane at the junction opposite West Point (just before the access into the showground). Otherwise continue on A3052 to the right turn junction immediately before the White Horse PH. Then follow this lane, bearing right past the back of the Greendale industrial compound and on into the centre of Woodbury Salterton, where the pub is directly opposite.
The route will be along undulating lanes and field paths. There are one or two stiles at field boundaries but otherwise it's gates. Most of the route should be fairly dry, even if conditions prior are wet. There is however one area where boggy and mucky conditions are likely to be encountered, so boots are advised.
Lunch has been tentatively booked for 1pm, and those planning to eat may park in the pub's car park. There is however adequate on-road parking nearby.
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13 June Bill Taylor - Darts Farm to Exmouth
The walk will follow a linear route of 4 - 5 miles, starting at 10.30 from outside the RSPB shop in the Darts Farm Car Park, Topsham, Exeter, Devon, EX3 0QH.
The 57 bus leaves Exeter from Stop 19 in Sidwell Street every 15 minutes and the one which leaves at 10.00 should arrive at Darts Farm just before 10.30.
The route will follow the Exe Estuary Trail, through the charming villages of Exton and Lympstone, and after passing the Royal Marine's Commando Training Centre we shall picnic (weather permitting) at a spot with panoramic views, before democratically choosing one of five possible routes to follow to take the 57 bus back towards Darts Farm and Exeter.
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27 June Sue Smith - Kentisbeare - 4 miles
The route will follow a circular route of 4 miles, starting at 10.30 from the Car Park above Kentisbeare Village Hall, Kentisbeare EX15 2AB. From Exeter take the M5 to Junction 28, take 5th exit on roundabout signposted A373 Honiton. Stay on A373 for 2.2 miles to signpost on left to Kentisbeare 1 mile. Just before entering the village turn left into the car park..
The walk will be using footpaths and quiet roads. There is one stile, no hills, and a possibility of a muddy patch by the stile depending on the amount of rain in the previous few days.
Lunch is available at the Wyndham Arms, Kentisbeare, just below the car park.
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7 February Sue Smith - Exeter Green Circle from
Lidl's Supermarket, Wonford to Alphington Church.
The walk will be led by Sue Smith and is the the first of a series of short walks to be led by Sue around the whole of the Exeter Green Circle.
Distance : 3.5 miles
Start : 10.30 from the bus stop outside Lidl Supermarket, Burnthouse Lane. The R and S circular bus routes both stop at Lidl's every 20 minutes. The R leaving Stop 5 in Exeter High Street at 10.10 would get to Lidl's at 10.27. The S leaving Stop 2 in Exeter High Street at 10.00 would get to Lidl's at 10.16.
Route : From Lidl's we will follow the Northbrook along the edge of Wonford Playing Fields and the edge of the Ludwell Valley Park, past the Exeter Crematorium to where it flows into the River Exe, pausing to look at the Countess Wear Paper Mill, then along the bank of the River Exe, passing the University of Exeter Playing Fields at Duckes Meadow, crossing the Riverside Valley Park to Clapperbrook Lane East, passing the Exeter Energy Recovery Facility, then along the bank of Alphin Brook to Clapperbrook Lane West which we will follow to St. Michael & All Angels Church, Alphington. We will use the A bus to return from Alphington to the Exeter City Centre.
Terrain : Level on paved or stone covered paths, with no stiles.
Lunch : We have arranged for lunch to be available at the Dove Cafe just off South Street for those walkers who want to join us there.
___________________________________________________________________________ 21 February David Oates - Powderham
David Oates will be leading a walk from Powderham on Thursday 21st February.
Distance : 3.75 miles
Start : The walk will start at 10.40 from the Powderham Farm Shop car park at the Kenton entrance to Powderham Castle. There is parking there and also a good bus service on the number 2 from the Exeter bus station via Heavitree Road, Barrack Road and Topsham Road. The buses leave the bus station at 9.36 and 10.06, arriving at 10.04 and 10.34.
Route : It will be a circular route going round the outside of the Powderham Estate, with good views of the estuary, Powderham Castle and the deer park.
Terrain : Part of the walk is muddy, so walking boots and walking poles are advised. There is one moderate climb and no stiles.
Lunch : Reasonably priced food is available at the cafe inside the Farm Shop.
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7 March Julia Spruntulis - Colaton Raleigh
Distance : 4.5 miles
Start : 10.30 just past the Church in Church Road, Colaton Raleigh, where there is road parking. Take A 3178 from Newton Poppleford, first left in centre of Colaton Raleigh along Church Road. If coming from Bicton, the turning is on the right shortly after the Otter Pub. Drive past the church, park on the right towards the end of the road close to the footpath sign, which is on the left. Post code for church is EX10 0LL.
Route : A circular route on footpaths, tracks and rural lanes. No stiles or steep hills, just several gentle inclines. Walking boots and walking poles recommended. Lunch is available at The Otter Inn, Colaton Raleigh.
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21 March Jenny Wheeler - Newton Poppleford
Distance : 4.5 miles
Start : 10.40 at the Bus Stop below Newton Poppleford Church. Bus No. 9 from Exeter Bus Station (Bay 5) at 9.55 arrives at Newton Poppleford at 10.26. There is a free public car park and toilets behind the Church in Newton Poppleford, which is accessed via Robert Way off School Lane, almost opposite the school. There is a footpath from the car park to the bus stop in front of the Church on the main road.
Route : It will be a 4.5 mile circular route, walking at a moderate pace North from Newton Poppleford to Venn Ottery, then Tipton St. John before returning South beside the River Otter. No stiles, but could be muddy, so walking boots and walking poles are advisable.
Lunch will be available at the Cannon Inn, Newton Poppleford and those walkers who intend having lunch there also have permission to use their car park in the morning.
Return Journey : No. 9 bus, 24 or 54 minutes past the hour.
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4 April Julia Spruntulis - Clyst Hydon
Julia Spruntulis will be leading the Forum Walk on Thursday 4th April. It will be a circular route of 4 miles from Clyst Hydon via Plymtree, starting at 10.30 from the Clyst Hydon Village Hall car park, EX15 2NT, where we have permission to park. From Exeter take B 3181 to Broadclyst, shortly after the turning to Killerton, take the right hand turn signposted Clyst St Lawrence. After a couple of miles turn left, signposted Clyst Hydon. As you reach Clyst Hydon, turn right, The Five Bells is signposted. The village hall is half a mile on the right before you reach the pub.
As part of the walk we will be looking at medieval graffiti, Georgian graffiti on church windows, and witches marks at the Church of St. John the Baptist, Plymtree, with the help of a knowledgeable guide. The church also has a fan vaulted 15th century medieval rood screen complete with original paintings on the panels.
It is flat and easy walking, no stiles, occasionally a muddy gateway.
Walking boots and poles recommended.
Lunch is available at the Killerton House Cafe, which is a 10 minutes drive away. If you are having lunch at Killerton bring your National Trust Membership Card as there is a car parking charge for those who are not members of the National Trust.
___________________________________________________________________________
18 April Doug and Sian Allen - White Bridge to Otterton
Doug and Sian Allen will be leading the Forum Walk on Thursday 18th April. It will be a circular route of 5 miles from White Bridge, South Farm Road (3/4 mile upstream from Budleigh Salterton, OS ref: 075830 on OS 1:50000 sheet 192, or 1:25000 sheet SY08/18), starting at 10.30. Car parking is available along South Farm Road, just before the entrance to the Pynes Farm shop.
The route follows the coastal path southwards from the entrance gateway to the farm shop and proceeds to overlook the Otter Estuary and beach at Budleigh Salterton. Turning to the north east we proceed for two miles along the coast path with good views of Lyme Bay. We turn inland before the descent into Ladram Bay and walk to Otterton for a break at the Kings Arms ( light lunches, sandwiches etc ) at approximately 12.00 noon. After lunch we return southwards alongside the River Otter for about 1 1/2 miles to White Bridge, arriving at about 13.30. Some steep climbs, but no stiles.
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2 May Sylvia Moore - Drewsteignton
Sylvia Moore will be leading the Forum Walk on Thursday 2nd May. It will be a linear route of 4.5 miles from Cheriton Cross to Drewsteignton, starting at 11.50 from the bus stop opposite Good Knight Inn, Cheriton Cross. The Dartline Bus No. 173 leaves Exeter Bus Station (Bay 7) at 11.10 and arrives at Cheriton Cross at 11.50. The return 173 bus leaves Drewsteignton Square at 15.17 and arrives back at Exeter Bus Station (Bay 7) at 16.10.
The route is on footpaths and lanes, with no stiles. Bring a picnic lunch.
There should be time to have a drink at Drewsteignton.
___________________________________________________________________________
16 May Jenny Wheeler - Shobrooke
Jenny Wheeler will be leading the next Forum Walk, on Thursday 16th May. It will be a circular route of 4.5 miles, starting at 10.30 from the Red Lion Inn car park at Shobrooke. Those planning to have lunch at the Red Lion Inn have permission to use their car park and they have requested that we place our orders for food before we start the walk.
As there are road works on the A377 you are advised to allow time for possible delays and the following are two suggested routes to Shobrooke :
1. From Exeter take the A377 to Crediton. At the Tesco roundabout, as you approach Crediton, take the new road ( 3rd exit ) signposted Tiverton. Follow this road through the industrial estate until you meet a junction with the A3072. At the junction turn right onto the A3072 and continue on this road until you come to 2 thatched cottages, one pink and one white, on either side of the road. Turn right, signposted Shobrooke and Thorverton. Keep on this road, past crossroads, war memorial and village hall until you come to the Red Lion Inn on your left.
2. From Exeter take the A377 to Crediton. After Bernaville Nurseries, but before the road lay-by on the left, turn right after a sharpish bend signposted Langford and Shute. Stay on this road for 2 miles until you come to a junction (Shute Cross). Turn left and immediately right, driving for approximately 2 miles through Shute and Efford to next crossroads. Turn left, signposted Shobrooke and Crediton. The Red Lion Inn is on the right, just past the bus shelter.
The walk will be through the countryside around the village of Shobrooke, mainly on footpaths and across fields, with lovely views over the surrounding countryside. There are no stiles, some ups and downs, and we will walk at a moderate pace. Walking boots and sticks are advised.
________________________________________________________________________
30 May Jean and Peter Burden - Budleigh Salterton
The walk will follow a circular route of 4.5 miles, starting at 10.30 from outside the Digger's Rest Pub ( OS GR SY012891). From Exeter take the A3052, then turn right down Oil Mill Lane at the junction opposite West Point (just before the access into the showground). Otherwise continue on A3052 to the right turn junction immediately before the White Horse PH. Then follow this lane, bearing right past the back of the Greendale industrial compound and on into the centre of Woodbury Salterton, where the pub is directly opposite.
The route will be along undulating lanes and field paths. There are one or two stiles at field boundaries but otherwise it's gates. Most of the route should be fairly dry, even if conditions prior are wet. There is however one area where boggy and mucky conditions are likely to be encountered, so boots are advised.
Lunch has been tentatively booked for 1pm, and those planning to eat may park in the pub's car park. There is however adequate on-road parking nearby.
___________________________________________________________________________
13 June Bill Taylor - Darts Farm to Exmouth
The walk will follow a linear route of 4 - 5 miles, starting at 10.30 from outside the RSPB shop in the Darts Farm Car Park, Topsham, Exeter, Devon, EX3 0QH.
The 57 bus leaves Exeter from Stop 19 in Sidwell Street every 15 minutes and the one which leaves at 10.00 should arrive at Darts Farm just before 10.30.
The route will follow the Exe Estuary Trail, through the charming villages of Exton and Lympstone, and after passing the Royal Marine's Commando Training Centre we shall picnic (weather permitting) at a spot with panoramic views, before democratically choosing one of five possible routes to follow to take the 57 bus back towards Darts Farm and Exeter.
__________________________________________________________________________
27 June Sue Smith - Kentisbeare - 4 miles
The route will follow a circular route of 4 miles, starting at 10.30 from the Car Park above Kentisbeare Village Hall, Kentisbeare EX15 2AB. From Exeter take the M5 to Junction 28, take 5th exit on roundabout signposted A373 Honiton. Stay on A373 for 2.2 miles to signpost on left to Kentisbeare 1 mile. Just before entering the village turn left into the car park..
The walk will be using footpaths and quiet roads. There is one stile, no hills, and a possibility of a muddy patch by the stile depending on the amount of rain in the previous few days.
Lunch is available at the Wyndham Arms, Kentisbeare, just below the car park.
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