River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal Loop 2 : Salmonpool to Countess Wear Paddle Trail

1-2 hours

Duration

2.8 miles

Distance

Circular

Very Easy

Difficulty

EX2 8QA

Start Postcode

EX2 8QA

End Postcode

A. Walk around 150m away from the canal and over to the river. Put in and turn right, downriver.

B. Please keep to the right side of the river, to avoid going too close to the houses on the east bank and any salmon anglers.

C. To he right is the greenery of a country park. The river sweeps around a long bend to the right before Countess Wear Bridge is reached.

D. Below the bridge, it is possible to portage along the old Exeter bypass to the canal, but our portage is an easier one; 200 yards downstream, over a narrow neck of land by the sewage works entrance.

E. The canal narrows as the paddler reaches the the crossing point of the old A38, the Exeter by-pass. Here there are two bridges, the old swing bridge and a newer lifting bridge opened in 1971. At Double Locks there is another Inn, dating from 1701.

F. The canal now skirts the edge of the Marsh Barton Trading Estate and in front is a magnificent view of the City and the Cathedral. Land back where you parked, on the right side of the canal by the road bridge.

Discover More

This is loop two of four on the River Exe and Exeter Ship Canal. You can combine all four loops to make a scenic 10.5 mile day trip. All weirs can be dangerous, and you should only shoot a weir if you are confident of your ability to do so. An inspection should be made of the weir to assess conditions. If you are unsure of the conditions for you and fellow paddlers, use the portage point and do not attempt to shoot the weir.

Many centuries ago, Exeter was an important wool trade exporter, until a dispute arose with the owner of Topsham and a weir was built to divert trade.

The Exeter Ship Canal is one of the oldest artificial waterways in the UK. First built in the 1560s, it underwent many improvements over the centuries and finally fell out of commercial use in the 1970s. It runs from the centre of Exeter out to the River Exe estuary.

On the Quay in Exeter is A/S Watersports – a paddling shop – and they are more than happy to help you with canoeing information in the area. There is also Haven Banks – an outdoor education centre.

Licence Information

The waterways on this trail do not require you to have a licence to paddle on them. However, if you paddle regularly and want to explore more places to paddle, you could consider becoming a member of Paddle UK. You’ll get a whole range of benefits as an On The Water member, including an annual licence to paddle on 4,500km of Britain’s waterways, liability insurance, and great discounts on paddling related products. Join today at www.paddleuk.org.uk

JOIN PADDLE UK

Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.