Megan Haynes shares the best walking spots in and around Exeter for you to enjoy this winter.

As an Exeter student, I’ve found that walking is the perfect way to relax. So, as we settle into the new term, why not use a walk as your peaceful escape? Exeter’s countryside location means there are countless walks right on our doorstep!

Not used to going on walks? Don’t know where to start? Stoke Woods is the perfect walk for you! Behind the Sports Park you can easily access Belvidere Road, instantly taking you away from the hustle of campus and everyday life. From here, you can follow Pennsylvania Road until you reach Stoke Woods Upper Car Park. As a Forestry England site, the woods have clear paths and signposts, so you shouldn’t get lost. Its close location to campus makes this a personal favourite; a great place to go with friends and a picnic!

The 10 mile walk from Exeter to Exmouth is great if you want to go further, and who doesn’t love a winter walk at the beach? Beginning with a gentle route down the quay, you follow the River Exe to the sea (with great views of the river the whole way). Once at Exmouth, enjoy a stroll along the beach – perhaps with some chips! Then, at the end of the day, simply get one of the regular trains back to Exeter. This walk is perfect because you can tailor it to the length you want: why not get the train to Topsham at the start of the day and then do a shorter walk to Exmouth? Why not walk back from Exmouth too? The choice is yours!

And if walking is something you’d like to do more, the Out of Doors Society is a really convenient and affordable way to explore the best walks that the South West has to offer. Whatever walks you choose, enjoy!