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 to for South Coast National Cycle Network Route 2 – one of the prettiest such routes in the country, and soon leading you along the side of Exeter Canal towards Topsham.

You can park at racks near the well-signposted Matthews Hall, at St Margaret’s Church in the heart of the shopping area, or at The Quay – an ideal place for a pit-stop of food, drink and a glorious Exe estuary view. There’s also an Exeter Co-Bikes pick-up and drop-off point outside St Nicholas Church in the main shopping area.

There’s a cycle-thru coffee and cake stop (honestly!) at Route 2 Cafe – look for the bright signs at the junction of Strand and The Quay. And a few steps later there’s the Route 2 bike shop, an award-winning destination with a Bike Doctor and plenty of hire cycles too, including Batribikes.

One great plus for cyclists is the number of cafes in the town: if you’re staying 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 you fuel up, continue your adventure along the 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 classic annual Nello Bike Ride, a 100-mile pedal with a picturesque route over the roof of Exmoor and back. There’s a shorter 55-mile 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.

Take a browse around the town’s website for lots of ideas of things to do in Topsham.

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