The Cyclist’s Guide to Topsham

Cycling is a great way to see the best of Topsham. If you ride from Exeter, just four miles away, follow the signs for the South Coast National Cycle Network Route 2 – one of the prettiest such routes in the country – which will soon lead you along the side of the Exeter Canal towards Topsham.

In Topsham, you can park at racks near the well-signposted Matthews Hall, outside St Margaret’s Church or St Nicholas Church in the heart of the shopping area, or at Topsham Quay, an ideal place for a pit stop of food, drink and a glorious Exe estuary view.

At the junction of Strand and the Quay there is even a cycle-thru coffee and cake stop (honestly!) at Route 2 Café – look for the signs for the takeaway hatch. And a few steps further on there’s the Route 2 bike shop, an award-winning destination with a Bike Doctor and plenty of hire cycles too.

One great plus for cyclists is the number of cafés in the town: if you’re sitting outside you’ll see benches at the Quay, on the waterfront Underway, and at the Recreation Ground, most within sight of racks for security, and most with Wi-Fi too.

After fuelling up, you can continue your adventure along the Exe estuary, through the pretty villages of Exton and Lympstone, passing Lympstone Commando and then on to Exmouth and its beautiful beach and promenade – all very safe and predominantly on off-road dedicated cycle paths.

And if you’re lucky (or extremely good at advance planning) you might just turn up to Topsham on the summer Sunday of The Nello, a 100-mile pedal along a picturesque route over the roof of Exmoor and back. There’s a shorter route too, if you prefer. In the past this event has attracted 1,500 riders from across the UK, raising money for the local FORCE Cancer Charity in Exeter. Topsham is always the start and finish point.

For more information about where to eat, drink and shop in Topsham, take a look at our Local Business Listings page.

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