This week we had a walk around the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal paths.

Left click on the photos and you’ll get a much bigger picture open in a new tab.

Here’s the approximate route we took.   I forgot to turn my Garmin on so had to make it up as best i could plotting it out at home . . .

Most of the area we’ll be walking through today is Riverside Valley Park, which is run by Devon Wildlife Trust . . .

We had a lovely couple of quackers to send us on our way . . .

Plenty of water going over the wear with some nice graffiti to cheer the place up . . .

I don’t think new buildings will look this good in 245 years . . .

Trews Weir Memorial Park . . .

The first random hat of the day . . .

The trees are still mostly hanging onto their green along this bit of the Exe . . .

A lovely view of the cathedral towers with St Leonard’s Church tower in front . . .

And a couple of cygnets up by the canal, there was a third one but it didn’t want to be in the photo . . .

Mummy and Daddy decided to show of and do some synchronised head waving for the camera . . .

Not to be outdone by a couple of head waving swans, the moorhens chose to really show off with some synchronised swimming . . .

It’s almost as bad as Exmouth graffiti, almost . . .

Just in case anyone was tempted . . .

Alphin Brook hiding amongst the trees . . .

Today’s lunch break was at this house of refreshment . . .

An old phone box poking above the hedge . . .

Turned out to be a flower arrangement.   I’ve seen these converted into many things, usually village book banks, and other really useful things, even a tropical fish tank (amazing), this one looks the saddest so far . . .

Nice to see they made a bit more effort on the Autumnal wreath for the door: pretty . . .

Yes, it’s the Double Locks . . .

Due to it being next to the double locks on the Exeter Ship Canal . . .

To the picnic area with our own packed lunches: naughty us . . .

After lunch we kept walking South to Bridge Road to cross over to the other side of the Exe for the walk back . . .

And were immediately treated to this stunning show off of leaves . . .

The weather to the West didn’t look too great, but thankfully it never came our way . . .

A lovely little birch tree reminding us that Winter is coming . . .

A fair bit of history around Countess Wear . . .

Seeing how the other half live . . .

Cottage of the day award goes to the one with the new roof . . .

And some more history of this old part of Exeter . . .

There are still places producing paper in this way, Two Rivers Paper Mill in Somerset are still making handmade rag paper at their 400 year old mill.   Click on link if you’re interested in learning more, and visit Jackson’s if you’d like to buy some of this high quality paper . . .

The mill pool above the mill . . .

And the leat that flows into it . . .

Temptation . . .

And onto the path that runs alongside the Crematorium.   The gardens of remembrance are really nice: a delightful splash of colourful trees . . .

The second random hat of the day.   This was outside the gardens, on the path we were walking along.   Not sure what it’s about: but two random hats in one walk . . .

Autumn berries . . .

And into Belle Isle Park . . .

And finally back to the Quay for a nice sit down and cuppa in this lovely arch conversion . . .

It’s so cosy, and if you like cafes that are full of random things then this is for you . . .

And that concludes this Wonderful Walk.   I think Devon’s trees still have some way to go with their Autumnal colours, so i’m looking forward to some more colourful walks over the next few weeks.

See soon.