I’m always surprised by how much of rural Devon I’m still yet to discover – this month, exploring the River Exe as it meanders through the valley between Stoke Canon and Brampford Speke.

The walk starts from the small parking area on Chestnut Crescent, just past the level crossing at Green Lane. Make your way over the crossing and directly ahead, (1) on the corner, you’ll see a public footpath sign and a kissing gate. Enter through the gate, following the path through two more gates saying hello to any friendly cattle grazing as you go by.

Continue on this open footpath towards the tower of Brampford Speke church ahead of you, admiring far-stretching views of the countryside around you on either side. We watched cattle drinking from the breached banks of the river, and as we got closer to the water, swans and ducks calmly floating by.

With the footpath now closer to the river, you’ll go into a wooded section. (2) Follow the footpath sign down to the left, through another gate and then take the right fork until you reach a bridge.

The trees here were planted by local members of the community to commemorate the centenary of World War I.

(3) At this point, you can choose to take an optional detour over the bridge to see the village of Brampford Speke, and get a closer look at the church tower dating back to the 1400s.

(4) Otherwise, continue along the footpath, eventually curving around to the right and through a gate into a field. Continue ahead with the hedge on your right, through another field towards the river bend.

(5) Follow the footpath hugging the river, through another gate and over a stile, soaking up the peace and serenity as you go.

The path will turn into a track before putting you onto the corner of a tarmac lane. (6) Turn right to follow this until you pass a farm and reach a stone cross on the next junction. (7) Turn right here and follow the quiet lane for ¾ mile to where you started. 

Walked up an appetite? The unique community-owned Stoke Canon Inn is just 160m away. Staffed by volunteers, the pub offers real ales, traditional pub grub and a warm welcome. Fancy learning to pull a pint? They’re always on the lookout for more volunteers!