A Local’s Guide to the Exe Estuary: Walks, Wildlife & Watersports

Devon walks beside the estuary

Dawlish Warren for a shorter wildlife walk

Dawlish Warren National Nature Reserve occupies the sand spit at the mouth of the Exe. Follow the permitted paths through its coastal habitats and look across the estuary for feeding birds. For families with younger children, an out-and-back walk lets you turn around before tired legs make the return difficult.

Read the entrance notices before choosing your route. Erosion can affect access, and paths towards the bird hide have been closed because of storm damage. Keep to routes confirmed as open, and avoid treating a beach shortcut as a reliable return route around high tide.

Dawlish Warren towards Cockwood and Starcross

For a longer outing on Hazelwood’s side of the water, follow the signed Exe Estuary Trail towards Cockwood and Starcross. Cockwood’s harbour gives you a natural place to pause before deciding how far to continue. An out-and-back route keeps the day straightforward if you prefer to walk without relying on a ferry connection.

The trail links the western shore with Exeter and the eastern side of the estuary. Choose a section rather than assuming the whole route is a short coastal circuit. Shared paths also carry cyclists, so keep children close where the route narrows and leave room for others to pass.

Topsham for a walk with birdwatching

On the eastern shore, Topsham combines waterside streets with access to Bowling Green Marsh and nearby Goosemoor. The RSPB’s suggested circular walk starts at Holman Way and takes in viewing points around the marsh and the Goatwalk. This is a useful choice for couples who want a town stop alongside their walk.

Travel by rail via Exeter to Topsham, checking connections before setting off. For birdwatchers, aim to arrive around high tide, when waders gather at roosting sites. Check current hide access separately rather than building your outing around an assumed opening time.

Watersports in Devon on the Exe and at Exmouth

Paddleboarding and kayaking

The Exe offers opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking, with Exmouth a place to arrange tuition or equipment hire. EDGE Watersports at Sideshore on Queen’s Drive offers paddleboard lessons and hire. Discuss your experience with the provider and let them advise on the session location and conditions.

A lesson is a sensible starting point for first-time paddlers. The estuary has strong currents near its entrance and shifting sandbanks, so apparently quiet water is not enough to judge suitability. Ask about minimum ages, swimming requirements and equipment before booking for children.

Kitesurfing and wingsurfing

Exmouth also has kitesurfing and wingsurfing tuition through EDGE. These activities depend on wind as well as tide, so keep some flexibility in your holiday plans. Tell the instructor if you are a complete beginner, and check what happens if conditions prevent the session from going ahead.

From Hazelwood, the seasonal Starcross to Exmouth ferry offers a crossing from the western shore. Confirm its operation and your return sailing before pairing it with a timed lesson. Rail via Exeter provides another way to reach Exmouth, subject to current services.

Plan your outing around the tide

Check the tide and weather forecast for your chosen location before setting out. A birdwatching stop near high tide and a watersports lesson may need different timings, so plan around the activity you most want to do. Leave space for lunch and transport connections rather than trying to fit both into a narrow window.

For paddleboarding, wear a buoyancy aid and carry a phone on your person in a waterproof pouch. In tidal or flowing water, use an appropriate quick-release waist leash and learn how to release it; avoid offshore winds. Follow your instructor’s advice about local hazards and suitable equipment.

For a day ashore, pack a windproof layer and keep a simple alternative in mind if conditions change. Our guide to local attractions in Devon can help you plan another outing from the park.