Car-Free Days Out

How do I plan a Clyst Valley car-free day?

1. 

   The East Devon Line (Great Scenic Railways) passes through the beautiful Devon countryside as it heads out from Exeter through Pinhoe, Cranbrook and Whimple to Honiton and Axminster. It then continues as the West of England Line onwards to Salisbury and London Waterloo.  Folding bikes can be carried on the train at any time, bigger bikes must be booked in advance. 

2. 

   The Avocet Line (Great Scenic Railways) runs between Exeter and Exmouth, hugging the Exe Estuary for much of its route and offers some excellent views, particularly for those who enjoy bird watching. The Riviera Line (Great Scenic Railways) runs between Exeter and Paignton via Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Torquay. Most trains run from Paignton to Exmouth, so you travel from Torbay to Topsham and beyond without changing trains. Get off at Digby and Sowton for a walk to Bishop's Court Park. Get off at Topsham to explore the RSPB Nature Reserves where the waters of the River Clyst join the Exe Estuary. Change trains at Exeter to travel on the East Devon Line to Pinhoe, Cranbrook or Whimple. You can hire bikes from Route2Bikes at Topsham or from Dart's Farm. Bicycles can be carried on Avocet Line and Riviera Line trains on a first-come first-served basis. 

3. 

   Stagecoach Buses travel through the Clyst Valley Regional Park on most days. Stagecoach route 1 travels from Exeter Bus Station to Tiverton with stops at Pinhoe, Broadclyst and near Killerton. Stagecoach route 4 travels from Exeter Bus Station to Cranbrook. Stagecoach route 44A travels from Exter Bus Station to Honiton or Axminster with stops at Clyst Honiton and Rockbeare. Save money with a Day Rider Ticket. Visit bustimes.org to find all the active buses in the Clyst Valley Regional Park on an interactive map. 

4. 

   Cycling Exeter Cycle Route E2 connects Exminster at Broadclyst through almost completely traffic-free routes. Exeter Cycle Route E3 aims to connect Exeter City Centre to Cranbrook through almost completely traffic-free routes. In 2020 this 10km (6 mile) route was just over 50% traffic-free. Exeter Cycle Route E4 aims to connect University of Exeter, Stratham to Redhayes Bridge, Monkerton (where it joins the E3) through almost completely traffic-free routes. In 2020 this 5km (3 mile) route was almost 80% traffic-free.

Talk to us

Tell us what would make a difference to help you explore without a car. Perhaps you have children that can't get to school safely on foot or by bike?

Tell us about your car-free experiences so we can share with others and look at ways to improve them. Your stories are very powerful and can help us win funding to make a difference to you and your family.