In the heart of Devon lies the beautiful River Exe; a long, winding river which flows across the moorland of Exmoor National Park and passes across the rural Exe valley landscape. It winds through the heart of Exeter and finally reaches the sea at Exmouth. Throughout its journey from source to sea, this iconic river offers stunning scenery, rich wildlife, and a space to be explored and admired by all those who make their way to this wonderful corner of the world. Keep reading to discover our favourite activities to get stuck into as you explore the riverside.
1) Tuck into a Delicious Picnic
One of the greatest traditions of the Great British Summertime is packing up a delicious picnic and finding a picturesque location to settle down and breathe in the beautiful summer air. Visitors are spoiled for choice with countless picnic spots along the River Exe, where you’ll be surrounded by endless countryside, glistening riverside views, and a wide variety of flora and fauna to spot.
Just imagine sitting on a comfortable blanket, listening to birdsong and the trickling river, and sinking your teeth into a juicy strawberry… heaven!
2) Go for Walkies with Your Four-Legged Friend
Taking your dog for a stroll has never been more exciting than in the luscious countryside surrounding the River Exe. There are a great range of dog walking routes near the river, or you can just make it up as you go along! The river can be easily accessed by following a short path directly from the Exe Valley Glamping glampsite. From there, the world (or river!) is your oyster.
You could also follow one of our recommended trails – we love the Exe Valley Way route which follows the river from Bickleigh Mill (right on our doorstep) through rich woodlands to Tiverton, and takes just over an hour to complete.
3) Paddle About in Your Canoe
An activity to really get your adrenaline pumping is taking a canoe out on the river Exe. It’s a gorgeous location to paddle through, with views of largely untouched countryside. As you paddle downstream, the scenery changes from Exmoor countryside to tidal estuary and mudflats, giving canoeists a fantastic range of environments to experience.
Keep your eyes peeled for wading birds spotted on the mudflats, and the large populations of fish in the water, including the wild brown trout which is popular with fishermen.
The two locations closest to Exe Valley Glamping where you can launch your canoe into the water are the Anchor Inn, Exebridge, which is just under a 30-minute drive north of the glampsite, or Countess Weir Egress, which is a 30-minute drive south of the glampsite. Further information on how to access the water from these locations can be found here.
4) Dip Your Toe into Wild Waters
On a hot summer’s day, what could be more refreshing than slipping into the cool waters of the river Exe for an invigorating swim? One of the best locations for wild swimming in the river is Brampford Speke. Less than a 20-minute drive away from Exe Valley Glamping, in a calm area of the river, is a beautiful series of pools which are ideal for swimming. You can even jump off the old railway bridge into the water – how exciting! It’s also a perfect spot to take a picnic in the summer, if you want to combine two wonderful activities into one. If you don’t fancy taking any food with you, the village is just a short walk away and boasts the wonderful Agricultural Inn.
5) Enjoy a Much-Needed Pit Stop at the Pub
There’s nothing better than putting your feet up and kicking back after an exciting day of adventuring along the river Exe. Just a few minutes’ walk from Exe Valley Glamping is the perfect place to do this: the gastro hotspot Fisherman’s Cot. Sitting right on the water’s edge, the pub offers a picturesque riverside view while you enjoy a refreshing beverage in their beer garden. Their inside dining area boasts epic views of the Devon countryside, where they serve traditional pub classics as well as modern British meals. Not to mention their Sunday carvery – delicious!
Soak Up the Best of the River Exe with Exe Valley Glamping
If you’re searching for the perfect place to stay as you explore the unique gems that the River Exe has to offer, then look no further than Exe Valley Glamping. Situated in Bickleigh, our incredible 150-acre farm is just a stone’s throw from the river Exe, allowing guests to embark on all kinds of wonderful adventures and never be too far from creature comforts.
Our luxury canvas tents have a real back-to-nature feel to them, so you can sleep in total comfort without sacrificing the sense of adventure that comes with outdoor living. Powered by natural means, our eco-conscious lodges use solar energy and wood collected from the woodland to heat and provide maximum comfort – making for a unique glamping experience. Book your Devonshire stay at Exe Valley Glamping today!