Starcross to Exeter Quay

We caught the train to Starcross then started to walk along the Exe Valley cycle path towards Exeter.  This was a lovely flat walk, beside the river Exe and then the Exeter canal.  At times we had to share our path with cyclists, but some of they way there was a separate footpath for walkers.  Although we were on a road at one point, it was only an access road and cars knew they had to share the space with walkers and cyclists.  Most of the way we had a view of the water, and lovely countryside on the other side.  This included walking past Powderham Castle, and we could see the deer in the distance.

Our original plan we to walk to the Turf Hotel for lunch then catch the ferry to Topsham to get the train home.  However, after a wonderful lunch at Turf Hotel (salad and curry) we felt ready to walk all the way to Exeter.  Turf Hotel was in a lovely setting, and I am sure we will go back there again.  Fortunately we were they just after 12 and got our meal quickly, but it was busy and I am sure in high season and later in the lunchtime there might have been quite a wait for food.

We walked on another 3 miles until we came to Double Locks.  We have eaten at this pub in the past when we have walked out from Exeter.  Today we just stopped for a cup of tea and cake.  It was very crowded and we felt we preferred Turf Lodge.  

Having been refreshed we continued on to Exeter Quay and then walked to Exeter St Thomas' station. Altogether we had walked 9 miles and we were tired, but it had been a good day. In future I would probably do the walk from Starcross to Turf Hotel, but not go on all the way to Exeter.