Exmouth to Topsham is a relatively easy six mile walk that takes you from the coast, through the quaint villages of Lympstone and Exton and terminating in the fascinating historic town of Topsham. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the walk – which you can also take as a cycling trail.

Quick facts: Exmouth to Topsham walk

• Distance: Approximately 6 miles (10 kilometres)
• Time needed: 2 to 3 hours walking steadily (allow half a day with stops)
• Start point: Exmouth station
• End point: Topsham Quay
• Difficulty: Easy (flat, surfaced trail)

Walk overview

The Exmouth to Topsham walk follows a section of the Exe Estuary Trail.  It  links two towns by a mostly level, well-maintained route. 

The full distance is around 6 miles (10 kilometres), depending on any detours you make into Lympstone or Exton villages. The route is flat, surfaced with tarmac, boardwalk or compressed gravel for almost the entire way, and designed to be shared by cyclists and walkers!

There are no steep climbs – but expect a few short, slight inclines and occasional uneven patches where tree roots or drainage cause bumps.

Most of the route runs alongside the Exe Estuary. This is a wide tidal river with huge mudflats at low tide and open water at high tide. 

Birds like redshank, curlew and little egret are common, and in colder months you may see flocks of Brent geese overhead!

You pass through two small villages — Lympstone and Exton — before reaching Topsham’s historic quay and old town centre.

Facilities are spaced out and public toilets are available at Exmouth Station, Lympstone Station car park and Topsham Quay. Food and drink options are mainly clustered in the villages. 

Trains link Exmouth, Lympstone, Exton and Topsham – so you can shorten the walk if needed without hassle.

Starting from Exmouth: station to Lympstone

The walk starts from Exmouth station.

Walk up Marine Way for around 300 metres and then take  the pathway leading to the left. Follow this pathway as it turns onto Carter Avenue, and then walk over Withycombe Brook and turn left onto Mudbank Lane. 

Keep going straight – Mudbank Lane will become a trail, which you can keep following straight, 

The path is wide and easy to follow, though shared use means you need to stay alert for bikes.

As you leave Exmouth, the landscape opens out. The mudflats stretch far at low tide, with pools reflecting the sky. After around 40 minutes, you’ll reach Lympstone.

Lympstone is a compact village with a short main street and several alleyways running down to the shore. Facilities here include two pubs (The Swan Inn and The Globe), a coffee shop, a village store and public toilets near the car park. 

From Lympstone to Topsham: villages, fields and estuary views

After you pass Lympstone station, turn right twice – don’t go through the field (this is where I always go wrong). Then, stick to the trail!

This stretch is quieter, with the railway line running close to the path and occasional trains passing through.

After about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres), you reach Exton. You’ll turn right onto Station Road and left onto Exton Lane, which becomes Green Lane. When Green Lane forks, take the left  road.

Exton is a small village with limited services, but the Puffing Billy pub is a popular stop!

From Exton, the trail curves towards Topsham. You’ll pass reedbeds and see the River Clyst joining the Exe. 

Then, enter Topsham!

Topsham Quay is a good place to stop, with benches, a small museum (Topsham Museum, seasonal opening), and ferry services across the river to Turf Locks during summer months. 

Topsham Station lies about 10 minutes walk inland, with regular trains back to Exmouth or onwards to Exeter.

Practical tips for walking from Exmouth to Topsham

• The Exmouth to Topsham walk is straightforward in good weather but exposed in places. Strong estuary winds are common even in summer, so carry a light jacket!
• The entire route is suitable for pushchairs and bicycles, though sections around Lympstone are narrow and may require extra care. 
• Dogs are allowed but should be kept on leads. Bins for dog waste are available at Exmouth, Lympstone and Topsham but not between villages.
• There are no drinking water taps along the trail, so you should bring your own bottle. 
• Food options are limited between Exmouth and Topsham: Lympstone has a pub and a café, Exton has a pub, and Topsham has a full range of pubs, cafés, and shops.
• Public transport is reliable, with trains running between Exmouth and Topsham twice an hour during the day with journey times of around 10 minutes. 

Exmouth to Topsham walk: FAQ

Is the Exmouth to Topsham walk suitable for children?

Yes, it’s a great walk with kids! 

The route is flat and surfaced. But because the path is shared with cyclists, younger children should be supervised closely. Stations at Lympstone and Exton mean you can easily shorten the walk if needed.

Are there toilets along the route?

Public toilets are available at Exmouth station, Lympstone village near the station car park and at Topsham Quay. There are no public toilets between Lympstone and Topsham. 

Is the trail exposed to the weather?

Much of the walk is exposed to the wind and sun. There are few trees for shelter, and the estuary acts as a natural funnel for coastal breezes. Carry a light waterproof jacket even on sunny days, and sunscreen is advisable during summer months.

How long does the walk take?

The full walk from Exmouth Marina to Topsham Quay usually takes between 3 to 3.5 hours at a steady pace, allowing for short breaks. If stopping for a meal or spending time in Lympstone or Exton, you should allow half a day to complete the route comfortably.

See the top things to do in Exmouth here and places to visit in Devon here.