Visit Exeter
A Wonderful way to #VisitExeter is by bicycle! You get to explore this marvellous city from a completely different perspective!
We parked our cars in Marsh Barton industrial estate (Alphin Brook Road) and then cycled down a pedestrian/cyclist path which will bring you out onto the canal. (Free parking!)
Thunderstorms and heavy rain was predicted for the day so we packed for all weather and braved it, fortunately for us it held off! First stop - we headed down to The Double Locks on the path to the left of the canal for a bite to eat and a drink. An amazing pub situated right on the canal bank. The outside area is massive so you’ll never be short of finding a table and there is lots of undercover seating as well, come rain or shine this place is a winner. There are quite often events held here also so keep an eye out for what’s on! Food is great and the service was super speedy! At the moment with Covid you can order on an app or at the outside bar. https://www.doublelocks.com/
After lunch we hopped back onto our bikes and cycled towards The Quay. It was nice to see lots of people enjoying their Saturday #BackInExeter again, paddle boarding, canoeing, kayaking, cycling and walking. There is a whole host of activities that can be done on or by the canal in Exeter. A great place to hire canoes, kayaks and bikes is a place called Saddles and Paddles located on The Quay. https://www.sadpad.com/
We rode the canal path all the way to the end of the canal, past The Quay which I had never done before so it was nice to see a different part of Exeter. I think a good thing to have come out of the pandemic is that people seem to be enjoying the outdoors more and more. There were so many people outside enjoying themselves, it was so lovely to see.
We crossed the bridge at the end of the canal and cycled over the Millstone Footbridge to have a drink stop at Mill On The Exe. A spectacular pub in a gorgeous location. Their stunning gardens look over the Blackaller Weir, a very special place to have some lovely food and drink. I recommend booking if you decide to go at peak times. Sometimes the gardens are shut off as they hold weddings there. https://millontheexe.co.uk/
After a nice refreshing drink, we headed back towards The Quay. We crossed over the Cricklepit Suspension Bridge. Exeter Quayside is one of the most attractive and popular parts of the city. There is an abundance of boutique shops, bars and restaurants and with only a 10-15 minute walk from the city centre its very accessible. We mooched around the quirky antique stores and workshops, before cycling back on the path left of the canal and crossed the Trews Weir Suspension Bridge to then re-join the cycle path back to the car.
Exploring the ancient city of Exeter this way was awesome, I’ll be sure to be back soon.