Starting out at Exeter Quay Antiques Centre, walk along the river Exe, passing The Waterfront restaurant and then the eclectic mix of shops, workshops and cafes situated in the historic cellars on the left. Five minutes past the shops, you’ll come to the Port Royal public house on the waterfront, keep walking, keeping an eye out for canoeists and swans, both of which are abundant on the river.

You’ll pass a development of smart waterside apartments, after which you should cross the water via the little footbridge adjacent to Trews Weir. You can often see heron here fishing, so keep an eye out. After the Weir the path splits in two – keep to the left Carry on along the path until it splits into two again and turn right skirting you past the edge of Belle Isle Park and you reach the Trews Weir Suspension Bridge.

I’ve always been keen on suspension bridges and this one, constructed in 1935 has particularly good views and just the right about of flex for it to be fun!

You have the choice here to take the slightly longer route by turning left, or the short route by crossing now.

Those taking the shorter route need to cross Trews Weir Bridge. From the suspension bridge, head straight to the footpath and you’ll see another small bridge in front which you need to cross.

For the longer route, don’t cross the bridge and instead turn left to continue further through Belle Isle Park and then behind some housing as you come out onto Salmonpool Lane. Continue straight ahead to stay on Salmonpool Lane, taking caution on the road, before taking the next footpath on your right over the bridge into Riverside Valley Park. Keep on the path to the right as you enjoy this beautiful area of parkland before turning right again and over a bridge over the river. Turn right to follow the footpath keeping the river on your right, admiring birds and other wildlife as you go.

Both routes will now be at the same point. Now take the path to the right and you’ll find yourself walking along Exeter Ship Canal, rather than the River Exe.

A little further down you’ll see two wooden bridges, one after another, both of which you need to cross and you’ll come to the River & Canal Office. Here you need to turn right and head for the moored boats, which are an interesting and ever-changing part of this walk.

Follow the road down the road past all of the boats until you reach the Quay Climbing Centre. Here turn right and walk past the restaurants and coffee shops until you see a restaurant called Venezia. Here you need to turn left, and walk on the path a few minutes until you come to the huge blue iron Cricklepit Bridge via which you can cross the water.

After the bridge turn right and walk passed the Tobacco House and Samuel Jones Smoke House. This part of the footpath is always littered with beautiful swans but can be slippery, so be careful! Cross on the tiny wooden footbridge and you are back at Exeter Quay Antiques Centre and surrounded by places in which to enjoy a drink with a great view.