Exe Valley Way (Stage 5): Bickleigh to Tiverton

Approximate Time: 2¼hrs

Distance: 4 miles/6.5km 

Type of Walk: This section of the trail is moderate and passes through woodland beside the River Exe and crosses farmland along both paved and rougher paths.

Much of the stage is waymarked with the Exe Valley Way logo. You can walk this stage either way from northbound from Bickleigh to Tiverton or southbound from Tiverton to Bickleigh. We have listed the northbound route here.
Bickleigh village is very picturesque with pubs and a village shop for refreshments. Tiverton has plenty of facilities including a Tourist Information Service based in Tiverton Museum of Mid Devon Life in Beck's Square.
Regular buses connect Bickleigh and Tiverton to each other.

Northbound:

1. Take the road into Bickleigh Mill and turn left immediately before the house 'Millhayes'.
2. Go through the gates to a field edge beside a stream then head for a wooden gate to a woodland path.
3. Follow the path parallel to the river - be aware that this path can get quite muddy!
4. Turn left off the path shortly after descending to the riverside.
5. Follow this permissive path across a ditch and alongside the Exe to an open field.
6. Continue alongside the Exe to a stile, cross and turn left, still parallel to the river.
7. Cross the stile and walk ahead into the wood.
8. Keeping to the path here you will pass a private suspension bridge on the way.
9. From the stile just after the bridge head diagonally left uphill to another stile.
10. Follow the woodland path and at the gate turn left, then right at the stile into a field.
11. (Please note there may be changes here. If in doubt follow the waymarks to the waterworks.) Cross the ditch then walk on to the next wood on the right to a gap in the hedge.
12. Continue ahead and head for the right hand side of the waterworks aiming for the stile in the far corner.
13. Cross the stile and pass the waterworks then continue straight ahead on the track.
14. Keep going for 1.5km/1 mile until you reach a road junction. Turn left into St Andrew Street.
15. Cross the footbridge and pass the museum to arrive in Tiverton.
16. You will find the town centre on the right at the Town Hall where you will find plenty of facilities or turn left to continue north on the Exe Valley Way.

For more information and a southbound option see the attached pdf file.