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Start at the northern pedestrian exit of Haven Banks Car Park One, reached from Michael Browning Way. This level circuit links the canal basin, Double Locks, the old Countess Wear village and the River Exe, returning over Trew's Weir suspension bridge. Allow about 2 hours 30 minutes for the walk and short stops.
Follow the shared path north to Haven Road and Piazza Terracina, then turn along Haven Banks to the basin entrance. Cross the small swing bridge and follow the towpath on the western side of the canal. Continue past Double Locks to Bridge Road. Use the separate pedestrian and cycle walkway beside the A379 over the canal and River Exe, then turn into Countess Wear Road.
Stay on Countess Wear Road to the Tally Ho junction and turn left into Mill Road. This uses the council roadbook's wet-weather alternative to the lower muddy riverside section. Turn into the public footpath at Mill Lane, cross the mill leat by the old paper-mill ruins and follow the signed path north alongside the leat. At Salmon Pool Lane cross the leat and follow the lane and the narrow path beside Old Abbey Court to Belle Isle. Follow the river-side path to Trew's Weir suspension bridge, cross the Exe and the flood-relief channel, then turn north towards the canal basin. Cross the basin entrance and retrace the short approach through Piazza Terracina to the car park.
Most of the route is on surfaced shared paths and towpaths, with a gravel or muddy section by the leat and short village-road stretches. Give cyclists room and take care beside open water. Gates and the narrow suspension bridge can limit access. Avoid flooded paths and follow any signed works diversions. Belle Isle has posted park hours and dog restrictions, so plan this as a daylight walk and do not bring a dog through the park. Paid public parking, cafes and toilets are available around the quayside; check parking signs and opening times locally. The walk does not use the ferry, the lock gates at Double Locks or the tidal path to Topsham.
Route sources: Devon County Council Explore Devon, Exeter and Countess Wear roadbook; Devon Wildlife Trust Riverside Valley Park map and guide; Visit Exeter Belle Isle access information. This variation starts at Haven Banks and returns by Trew's Weir bridge.
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