Exploring Exmouth on foot from the train station is so easy I’m not sure I’ll take the car again. Not only that, the train journey from Exeter to Exmouth takes you along the scenic Avocet Line right beside the River Exe estuary.
It has beautiful waterside views.
This is a short Exmouth walking route but in my opinion, it is one of the best walks from Exmouth train station to the beach (and beyond). If you’re looking for Devon coastal walks but don’t want to have to work too hard, this Exmouth walking route is perfect.
It takes you to the Jurassic Coast Geoneedle but you could carry on to Budleigh Salterton.
Devon coastal walks are famous for being part of the 630-mile South West Coast Path but you don’t often hear much about the Exmouth section. This might be because, in the summer, Exmouth is a bustling family holiday destination.
With all the associated amusements and crowds.
But in the winter, walks around Exmouth town and train station are a great combination of peaceful, scenic and tasty (Exmouth has some rather good eateries).
A scenic walk from Exmouth train station to the seafront
This walk links with my Topsham to Exmouth station to station walk. In fact, you can train hike the whole of the Exe estuary if you also include the walking route between Marsh Barton and Starcross stations.
This Exmouth route is definitely a family-friendly walk. Even if the weather isn’t suitable for beach fun, it’s a mostly flat route with cafes and entertainment all along the seafront.
And you might even spot paragliders.
Your Exmouth train station walk
- Train station – Exmouth station (a GWR station)
- Distance – 4 kilometres
- Elevation – 40 metres
- Time – 1 hour (one way)
- Refreshments – The floating River Exe Cafe (April to September), Spoken (Mediterranean value), Bumble and Sea (excellent coffee, Orcombe Point)
- Toilets – Behind Exmouth station, Manor Gardens and Queen’s Drive (happily, Exmouth has lots of loos)
Walk route GPX – Exmouth station to the Orcombe Point Geoneedle
From Exmouth station
There are lots of routes to Exmouth seafront from the train station. This was mine but feel free to find your own.
Follow the round signs towards the Marina (not through the underpass). Cross at the zebra crossing to go through an alley that leads to the town square.
Traditional Beacon Hill
Skirt around the edge of the Square to the right, heading up the hill signposted ‘The Beacon’. Near the top of the hill, take the slope down onto the footpath and continue through the park until you reach the seafront.
Along Exmouth seafront
Turn left along the seafront walking on the prom or the beach. For the section before the Lifeboat Station you can also opt to walk along the grassy paths on The Maer, just above the road.
Rodney Point
Continue until you reach the cliffs and car turning point at Orcombe Rocks (Rodney Point). By the coffee hut, head up the zig-zag slope to follow the signs to Orcombe Point and the Geoneedle.
The coast path around Rodney Point is currently closed.
The Jurassic Coast
The Orcombe Point Geoneedle isn’t just a sculpture, it marks the start (or end) of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, which stretches all the way to Portland.
There are nine different stones, from the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods embedded in the structure. The Exmouth end of the Heritage Site has the oldest stone.
Author’s Exmouth train station walk
I walked this route in December and thoroughly enjoyed the windy-weather vibe of Exmouth beach. Be warned though, Exmouth sand is very mobile. When I was there, the prom and road were being cleared of piles of sand.
As the wind picked up, I felt a familiar crunching in my mouth.
My favourite part of the walk was being lucky enough to catch the paragliders dangling and soaring in the thermals around Orcombe Point.
They came really close.
I would recommend leaving yourself plenty of time to enjoy the Geoneedle area. There’s lots of information up there and fabulous views, as well as some great selfie opportunities if you’re that way inclined.
Obviously I am!
You must be logged in to post a comment.