Eight circular routes around the city, making one full 26.2 mile marathon distance.
The Exeter COSY Route project is a community wellbeing and dementia awareness initiative created for Exeter Dementia Action Alliance to signpost people of all abilities to routes on the edge of the city where they can walk and run.
From its roots in an ancient Greek battle to mass participation events around the world, the marathon length of 26.2-miles is a distance that capture’s the imagination. Perfect for Exeter’s unique COSY route – COSY being an acronym for circle of somewhere yours as that’s what it is.
The full circle will take you to every compass and hill viewpoint around Exeter, following footpaths, quiet lanes, field tracks, over stiles, through woodland, paved roads, some busier parts of the city, along its suburban fringe and into neighbouring village communities.
You’ll cross the river and canal, go under and over the M5 motorway, step over both the Exeter to London rail lines, and pass churches, pubs, schools, and local businesses.
Whether you take on this challenge over months, weeks, days or in one strenuous go, you’ll see the city as never before, and complete a marathon in doing so.
https://exetercosyroutes.wordpress.com/
Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exetercosyroutes
The idea of creating this 26.2 mile route embracing the city was conceived by marathon runner and dementia campaigner Jo Earlam to mark the community caring and awareness raising role of EDAA, which in May 2020 marked its fifth anniversary.
The choice of route was chosen to encompass the widest area of the city as possible, whilst accessing the safest pedestrian options. At some points the route follows the city boundary exactly, in others it weaves a path in and outside the border, inspiring the COSY acronym, as those taking part walk or run around the central busy heart, which is the community and city of Exeter.
The route breaks down into eight shorter, also circular sections, of between four and seven miles, with dementia accessible suggestions for each.
The individual routes all have their own character, points of interest and history – these have been captured in a series of stunning illustrations by Private Eye cartoonist Tony Husband and photographed in detail by former BBC Radio Devon breakfast presenter and keen walker and photographer Vic Morgan.
As a full marathon distance, the COSY route format differs from existing city marathon concepts, by being away from the city centre, avoiding main roads and provide for a run or walk that could be undertaken in solace or small groups.
Photo: View from Countess Wear Bridge by Des Blenkinsopp https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5109466
Cosy Map, illustration by Tony Husband https://exetercosyroutes.wordpress.com/about/
Click on above image for 2000x2000 pixel .png
Walking and running the Exeter COSY Routes by public transport
The first Exeter COSY Route starts at Countess Wear Bridge. The nearest bus stop from the city centre is on Bridge Road opposite Parkside Garage
Countess Wear Bridge via Exminster to Marsh Barton - 4 miles
With return along canal bank 6.4 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Haines Watts, Chartered Accountants.
There are a series of bridges near Countess Wear, the original red sandstone bridge was built in 1774, swing and bascule bridges were built in later centuries to span Exeter Canal, which, dating from the 1560s, is one of the country’s oldest canals. The route follows the towpath and footpaths to Exminster, a village dating from the 8th century. There’s a steep climb to high above the motorway, descent to the Devon Motel and into Matford Business Park and Marsh Barton, which has Europe’s largest number of car showrooms. This route finishes at the bridge over the Alphinbrook on Hemyock Road. You can return to Countess Wear Bridge by following the path along the canal.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-one.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57365328
There are bus stops in both directions by Westerly Exeter Mini at the junction of Matford Park Road with Hemyock Road.
Marsh Barton Bentley West Country (E-bound) – bustimes.org
Marsh Barton, opposite Bentley West Country – bustimes.org
There are also bus stops in both directions on Hemyock Road by the Mercedes Benz showroom.
Marsh Barton Hennock Road Central (N-bound) – bustimes.org
Marsh Barton Hennock Road Central (S-bound) – bustimes.org
Work has started on the construction of a new railway station at Clapperbrook Lane East in Marsh Barton. The station is expected to open by the end of 2022.
Marsh Barton via Twisted Oak, Barley Lane and Exwick to Red Cow level crossing - 4 miles
With return via riverside path 7 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Stonehaven Care Group.
Alphington is a former village, now south western suburb of Exeter, among former notable residents were the parents of Charles Dickens. The route mostly follows quiet lanes or pavemented roads on the edge of St Thomas, Redhills and Exwick, all suburbs of the city. It climbs initially and has wonderful views from Barley Lane across the city. A notable feature is the Twisted Oak, a huge oak with a twisted corkscrew like trunk. The origins of it being twisted are unknown, but it’s said that at one time passers-by would raise their hats to it. After descending on pathsthrough Exwick to the Red Cow level crossing, you can return to the start on an easy flat walk alongside the river and canal.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-two.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57365027
Red Cow level crossing is a short walk from Exeter St David's Railway Station where you can catch trains and buses to most parts of the city.
Level crossing via Argyll Road to Pennsylvania Road - 2 miles
With return via Duryard Valley Park 3.8 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Southern Healthcare.
The first mile of this route is of busy road and rail. Red Cow level crossing is on the main Exeter to Paddington railway line, and also the Tarka line for North Devon. A steep uphill climb, with a return descent through woodland trails and splendid views.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-three.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57364867
Turn right at the junction of Argyll Road and Pennsylvania Road for a short walk to the bus stop.
Pennsylvania Pensylvania Road (NW-bound) – bustimes.org
Pennsylvania Road via Stoke Hill and Beacon Hill to Pinhoe - 3.75 miles
With return via Beacon Heath and Mincinglake Valley Park 6.5 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Green Tree Court care home.
The start of this walk passes just below the highest point in Exeter at the top of Stoke Hill, once the site of a Roman signal station. From this elevation, the route descends through quiet footpaths, fields, tracks, and stretches on roads without pavements. There are scenic views at Beacon Hill by St Michaels and All Angels Church, a descent to Harrington Lane. You can return to the start via Mincinglake Valley Park.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-four.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57364490
Turn right on to Harrington Lane to catch the bus to the city centre
Pinhoe Harrington Gardens (W-bound) – bustimes.org
Pinhoe Bradfield Road (W-bound) – bustimes.org
Other buses may be taken from Pinbridge Mews or the Heart of Oak
Pinhoe Pinbridge Mews (W-bound) – bustimes.org
Pinhoe Heart of Oak (SW-bound) – bustimes.org
Pinhoe Railway Station has trains to Exeter Central and Exeter St David's every hour
Pinhoe Railway Station (W-bound) – bustimes.org
Pinhoe via Pinn Lane, Gipsy Hill and Redhayes Bridge to Blackhorse - 2 miles
With return via Mosshayne Farm 4.5 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Cumberland Grange care home.
Pinhoe is a former village that in 1966 became a suburb of Exeter. It was called Pinnoch in the Domesday book. In recent years it’s seen a huge growth in housing development. There are small shops and refreshment outlets. The route heads over the Waterloo rail line towards the motorway and Redhayes pedestrian and cycle bridge. The circular return is along quiet lanes until the main road back to Pinhoe, which is busy but fully pavemented.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-five.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57364337
There are bus stops in both directions at the Black Horse on Honiton Road
Clyst Honiton The Black Horse (E-bound) – bustimes.org
Clyst Honiton The Black Horse (W-bound) – bustimes.org
Blackhorse via Sowton to Clyst St Mary - 2 miles
With return via Bishop’s Court 4.5 miles. Thanks to our route sponsors, the Baker Family.
This route is entirely within East Devon District Council area, the villages of Clyst Honiton, Sowton and Clyst St Mary being Exeter’s closest eastern neighbours. Clyst is a Celtic word meaning clear water and the villages take their name from the River Clyst, a tributary of the Exe. This is a mainly level route along footpaths and quiet lanes to Clyst St Mary. The circular return includes a busier road without pavements and two short, but steep climbs.
NB: Fields on this route are in an area of flood plain, and may be muddy and wet after rainfall, inaccessible in times of heavy rain. There is a difficult stile over the bridge at Clyst St Mary, but an easier alternative is available.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-six.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57364003
There are bus stops in both directions near the footbridge that crosses the A3052 at Clyst St Mary Primary School
Clyst St Mary, opposite Shelter (E-bound) – bustimes.org
Clyst St Mary Shelter (W-bound) – bustimes.org
Clyst St Mary via Clyst St George to Darts Farm - 3 miles
With return via Ebford 7.3 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Wilkinson Grant & Co.
Clyst St Mary was the site of a brutal battle in the 1549 Prayer Book Rebellion. But this is a peaceful route taking footpaths through the housing development Winslade Park, quiet roads to Clyst St George, and on to Darts Farm. Circular return on footpath to Ebford, quiet road looping east of Clyst St George, back to Kenniford Cross and returning on same footpaths to Clyst St Mary.
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-seven.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57363902
There are bus stops in both directions at Darts Farm shopping village.
Clyst St George, opposite Darts Farm – bustimes.org
Clyst St George Darts Farm (E-bound) – bustimes.org
Topsham Railway Station is 3/4 of a mile from Darts Farm. COSY Route 8 passes close to the station so you may want to continue your walk to Topsham.
Topsham Quay (NE-bound) – bustimes.org
Darts Farm via Topsham to Countess Wear Bridge - 4 miles
With return via University sports field and Newcourt Road 7 miles. Thanks to route sponsor Rodney Spiller Wealth Management.
Darts Farm is a family business that began as a pick your own farm shop 50 years ago. Topsham dates from Celtic times, becoming the port of Exeter under the Romans. There are many Dutch style houses from its days as an important cotton port. It became part of the city of Exeter in 1966. The route crosses the Clyst and follows the River Exe east bank to Countess Wear, with good opportunities for bird watching, returning on inland roads and footpaths.
NB: CHECK TIDE TIMES FOR TOPSHAM, AS THE RIVERSIDE PATH IS UNDER WATER AT HIGH TIDE, WHEN THE ALTERNATIVE ROAD OPTION SHOULD BE FOLLOWED
https://exetercosyroutes.files.wordpress.com/2021/05/exeter-cosy-route-eight.pdf
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/57362767
There are bus stops near the shops on Glasshouse Lane, and also on Lakeside Avenue and Wear Barton Road
Countess Wear Shops (NE-bound) – bustimes.org
Countess Wear Lakeside Avenue (SE-bound) – bustimes.org
There are more bus stops in both directions on Topsham Road
Countess Wear Roundabout (NW-bound) – bustimes.org
Countess Wear Roundabout (SE-bound) – bustimes.org
Countess Wear InFocus (NW-bound) – bustimes.org
Countess Wear InFocus (SE-bound) – bustimes.org
Walks From Exeter
Keep healthy in Exeter by using walking and cycling. Get buses to find new walks when it is safe to do so. Exeter is full of relaxing or energetic walks.
- Stroll by the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal
- Train for a marathon by walking or running the Exeter Cosy Routes
- Visit the green lungs of Exeter by walking Exeter's Green Circle
- Look for wildlife on the River Exe Wild Walk
- Go farther by cycling the Exe Estuary Trail or walking the Exe Valley Way and the Devonshire Heartland Way
Use this site to plan your walks, look at the Covid19 data on the Devon Dashboard, listen to the science and exercise your personal responsibility as well as our body and mind.
Regional Bus Routes
City Bus Routes
Railway Stations
