Exeter Ship Canal is a canal leading from (and beside) the River Exe to Exeter Quay in the city of Exeter, Devon.

It was first constructed in the 1560s and was the first canal to be built in Britain since Roman times. It was also the first canal in England to use the pound lock. The canal was built to bypass the weirs that had been erected on the river by the Countess of Devon and later by the Earls of Devon, which prevented ships from reaching Exeter and forced them to unload at Topsham.

The canal was enlarged and extended several times over the centuries and reached its present form in the 1830s. The canal basin was also built at that time and became a busy port with warehouses and workshops.

Today, the canal is mainly used for leisure activities such as boating, walking and cycling. You can follow the Exe Estuary Trail alongside the canal and enjoy the scenic views of the river and the countryside.

Natalie

July 21, 2022

The Exeter Ship Canal runs for five miles from the River Exe to Exeter Quay. Opened in 1566 it sees little ship traffic now due to the swing and lifting bridge which makes navigating it more challenging.

You are now much more likely to see kayaks, canoes and paddleboards on the water with cyclists and walkers enjoying the flat path alongside it.

Andy Smith

April 16, 2019

Interesting mix of boats in various states of repair.

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Details

Informations

Distance 1.59 km

Uphill 10 m

Downhill 10 m

Weather

Today

Thursday 6 November

16°C

12°C

10 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

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See rides here

Take Me There

Location: Exminster, Teignbridge, Devon, South West England, England, United Kingdom

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Exeter Canal Basin

Exeter Quay

Exeter Ship Canal

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Exeter Ship Canal

1. The Exe Estuary trail loop from Exeter to Exmouth

2. The Exe Estuary loop from Exeter to Dawlish

3. Turf Hotel – Exeter Ship Canal loop from Dawlish

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