We are the Exeter and District Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Leaders Jane & Maggie.
We walk to the Tower Hide on the Black Hole Marsh, gaining panoramic 360 degree views over the intertidal lagoon and Axe Estuary, which attracts breeding oystercatchers, dunlin, black tailed godwit and ringed plover. Return, pausing at the Island Hide, on to the Discovery Centre of the Stafford Marsh (has toilets) with wildlife garden. Our fourth hide is among the reedbeds of Colyford Common, regularly flooded by high tides; this salt-marsh has unusual flora and fauna. Progress to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, Pratt’s Hill, Sand Pit Hill to Heathhayne Ford, and on to Colyton. View St. Andrews Church with octagonal, lantern tower, Saxon cross, splendid sculptural tombs of Margaret Beaufort, (d.1449) granddaughter of John of Gaunt and Sir John Pole reclining in full armour (d.1658), also the largest stained glass West Window of any English Parish Church. We inspect Colyton’s Saxon street plan, admire the ancient Chantry Bridge, discover the Ffeoffes, Church House and Pharmacy, cross the Coly via Ham Bridge, follow the river returning to the Wetlands stopping off for a drink at the 17th century Wheelwright Inn, Colyford. Bring binoculars!
If you would like to join this walk, please notify the leaders, preferably by email, so that they can inform you of any late changes to arrangements.
Cemetery Car Park, Black Hole Marsh Nature Reserve, Seaton Wetlands, charge voluntary £1 (Drive round periphery of cemetery to reach it) May be reached by 9A bus from Exeter Bus Station. Map: EXP116.
