This is a lovely relaxing cycle route taking in the coast and the rural hinterland between the East Devon seaside towns of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. The inland section follows the path of a former railway, and the coast….well, this is Devon and the coast is superb!! Exmouth lies at the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast – England’s first natural World Heritage Site.

In Exmouth it is recommended that you start your cycle ride from the railway station or Phear Park.

Exmouth Station to Phear Park

From the station the route briefly heads north along Marine Way. As the road bends right with the football ground on your left, cross over Marine Way at the traffic signals and proceed to the right turning into Lyndhurst Road. This is a residential road with many driveways so please cycle with care. At the end of Lyndhurst Road turn right into Withycombe Road and at the junction of Park Lane cross over to Phear Park.

Phear Park to Budleigh Salterton

From the west side of the park in Withycombe Road you have a choice: either follow the cycle path across the park and head towards the top right hand corner. You will need to push your bike the last 50 metres or so to the cycleway. Alternatively cycle on the road around the park from Park Lane up Marpool Hill until you meet the cycle path signs on your left by the miniature golf course that mark the start of the cycleway.

You are now on the largely traffic free signed path that passes through the residential edge of Exmouth and soon you will be out into wonderful open countryside.

Being a former railway, the route is level as you pass through serene open and wooded countryside. If you wish you can shorten your route by turning around at the end of the traffic free section and leave Budleigh Salterton for another day. Most will probably prefer to reach the promenade by the sea and take advantage of the pebble beach. You emerge from the railway path turning right into Bear Lane.

To Budleigh Salterton seafront

At the end of Bear Lane cross the busy B3178, turn immediately right into Bedlands Lane, right then first left in Moor Lane, third left into the High Street (its quite busy and narrow here) which runs into Fore Street and leads to the seafront.

Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth Esplanade

To return to Exmouth you can either retrace your route or preferably turn off the railway path for signs to Castle Lane on the minor road towards Littleham (it’s the second railway bridge you pass under when leaving Budleigh Salterton). The delightful Castle Lane takes you to Littleham.

At the main road junction turn left and then almost immediately right into Maer Lane and follow this quiet lane down to Exmouth seafront. Once here turn right along the Esplanade where you can enjoy the sandy beach that extends for two miles.

If you have time to spare, enjoy a trip on the StuartLine Cruises that will give you a very different view of the World Heritage Coast or the Exe Estuary.

Exmouth Esplanade to Exmouth Station

Continue westbound along the seafront towards Exmouth docks and the new development at the dock basin. Follow around the dock on the seaward side into Shelley Road. At the junction with Camperdown Terrace and Langerwehe Way fork left and cross through the car park and onto the recreation ground. You need to push your bicycle across the short stretch of grass to pick up the cul-de-sac on the shoreline. Follow this cul-de-sac road until you reach Exmouth station again.

FACTS AND FEATURES

Route Distance: 6 miles / 9km

O.S. Maps:
•Explorer (1:25,000)
No. 30 Exmouth and Sidmouth
•Landranger (1:50,000)
No. 192 Exeter, Sidmouth

Places to Visit:
•Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth
•Exmouth Museum
•The World of Country Life, Exmouth
•Fairlynch Arts Centre and Museum, Budleigh Salterton

Facilities:
•Refreshments and shops at Exmouth, Littleham and Budleigh Salterton
•Cycle hire and shops in Exmouth