About Clyst Valley Regional Park

Photo of Poltimore Park
Poltimore park
The Clyst Valley Regional Park is a new breathing space for the growing community of Exeter and East Devon.

What is the Clyst Valley Regional Park?

The park is east of the city of Exeter. It extends from the White Down and Paradise Copse woodland in the north and Whimple in the east, to Topsham in the south and Pinhoe in the west. It includes the settlements of Budlake, Broadclyst, Cranbrook, Rockbeare, Clyst Honiton and Sowton village. Stoke Valley Woods and Riverside Valley Park are outside the park to the west. The M5 motorway and the A30 and A3052 roads run through the park.

The Clyst Valley Regional Park is a new breathing space for the growing community of Exeter and East Devon. Centred on the River Clyst, it stretches from Ashclyst Forest in the north to Topsham on the Exe estuary.

What are our aims?

  • Connect communities with nature and each other, via new traffic-free trails
  • Grow your personal skills, knowledge and wellbeing through activities and events, and support local businesses and food producers.
  • Restore landscape, nature and water quality, preserve the heritage of the valley and promote guardianship of it.

What makes it special?

The historic gems of Killerton House, Poltimore House and Bishops Court, with their associated gardens and parklands. Traditional apple orchards. Ancient and notable trees.  The huge forest of Ashclyst. Picturesque villages like Sowton and Broadclyst, with thatched and lime washed cottages, ancient stone churches and welcoming pubs. Floodplain meadows. Green lanes.

Why is it needed?

People need access to nature-rich green and blue space, without relying on the private car. That means that traffic-free trails, quiet lanes, bus and train stations need to become part of a sustainable transport network. Nature needs nurturing and sanctuary. The unique character of the landscape needs protection and management. The river needs to be freed from constraint and pollution.

How can you get involved?

There are many ways to get involved. You can sign up to our newsletter to find out about the best walks and new traffic-free trails, family activities, tree planting projects and cultural heritage updates. You can volunteer, you can help us plant trees and you can share your views on improvements to cycling and walking routes in the area. We can't wait to meet you!