This is a train adventure from Starcross train station.
Starcross station is on the London to Cornwall main line but it’s so small, not all trains stop there. Perched high above the Exe Estuary, the station only has two platforms. But as well as its stunning estuary views, and its location on the South West Coastal Path, this tiny station has another big advantage.
It’s within walking distance of Powderham Castle.
Where is Powderham Castle?
Looking at the map of Devon, you might imagine Powderham Castle was built to defend the River Exe estuary but it lacks some of the features of traditional castles such as a moat and keep.
Happily situated on Devon’s south coast just down river from Exeter, the walks around Powderham Castle offer amazing views but be warned, Powderham’s name relates to its reclaimed marsh land. Be prepared for at least some mud, especially in the winter.
At one point on this walk you’ll almost be below sea level.
What are the Powderham Castle opening times?
Apart from their Christmas at the Castle event, Powderham Castle closes over the winter, opening again in spring. During the warmer months, the castle and estate are closed on Saturdays but open between 10:00 – 16:00 Sunday to Friday.
It’s worth checking the website before you visit because events at Powderham can lead to closures and to the estate being busy.
Check Powderham castle opening times.
Can you walk around Powderham Castle?
During the summer months, Powderham offers some lovely walks through the estate woods and garden but you will need a ticket or membership (good value if you live locally) to access these.
If you do want to visit for a winter walk, there are a few public footpaths across the estate as well as a permissive walking and cycling route giving access to Powderham Farm Shop & Bistro.
Powderham Castle dog walks
Want your dog to be king of the castle?
Powderham Castle is one of Devon’s most dog-friendly destinations. Understandably on this working estate, dogs are requested to be on leads but unusually they are allowed inside the castle.
Dogs are also allowed on UK trains.
What are the Powderham Castle entrance fees?
You won’t need to pay an entrance fee to complete this walk because it uses public and permissive footpaths. In the summertime you can either buy tickets or pay for membership to visit other areas of the Powderham grounds as well as the castle itself.
Powderham Castle tickets and membership.
Circular Powderham Castle walk
- Destination: Powderham Castle estate
- Train station: Starcross
- Travel time from London: 3 hours
- Travel time from Bristol: 2 hours
- Walk time: 3 hours (with a coffee stop)
- Distance: 8 kilometres (5 miles)
- Elevation: 61 metres (one hill)
- Dog friendly: Yes but on leads on the estate please
- Map & gpx file: OS Maps
- Toilets: Starcross station, Powderham Farm Shop & Bistro
- Refreshments: Teign Bean Starcross, the Atmospheric Railway pub (just opposite the station) and Powderham Farm Shop and Bistro
- Connects with: Marsh Barton to Starcross station walk
Starcross to Powderham Castle walk
Leave the station and turn right. Follow the walkway past a grass area and car park to cross a small road. Turn right again along the lane and on the left between the two buildings walk through the estate gate to access the permissive path.
This is a shared path. Watch out for bikes.
If the permissive path is closed, head back to the A379 seafront road and follow it along until you come to the castle’s main gate.
Follow the path along until you come to Powderham Farm Shop and Bistro. On the way keep an eye out for deer in the park and distant views of Powderham Castle on your right.
Visit again in the summer for better castle views.
After the Farm Shop, turn left away from the castle to meet the road through a white gate. Turn right then right again into Slittercombe Lane. Follow past the houses and round the corner. You’ll find a public footpath on the right.
Don’t take this first one, it’s super muddy in the winter.
Just 100 metres further on and downhill, take the second public footpath onto the Powderham estate. Follow it to cross the footbridge over the River Kenn. If you were on the ground here, you would be at sea level.
Which explains all the water.
Follow the footpath to cross over two Powderham lanes. Take note of the ticket-holder only signs. After the second lane, head uphill alongside the deer fence.
Stop to admire the view even if you aren’t out of breath.
As you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be able to spot the top of the Powderham Belvedere on your left. In the summer, ticket-holding visitors can walk up to the tower. You can even get married there.
But the Belvedere’s ballroom is long gone.
Follow the path down the other side of the hill towards the estuary. Head through the gate and across the green towards the cottages that make up the hamlet of Powderham. Walk down the lane between them to find St Clement’s church.
Here you have a choice.
- Turn left over the footbridge to walk upstream past two pubs to Marsh Barton station (2.5 hours).
- Return the way you came to buy goodies from Powderham Farm Shop for your train journey home.
- Turn right to follow the lane between the train line and the Powderham estate.
I’ve used option three for this hiking route. It’s a long lane but there’s plenty to look at and the trains rushing by add an element of excitement.
Especially if you love trains as much as I do.
All you need to do now is follow the lane back to Starcross station and continue your journey from there.