You may find this information helpful when researching the area prior to your visit

Branscombe

Branscombe is one of the most relaxing and picturesque of East Devon 's many villages, it sweeps down along a spectacular valley, past colourful cottages down to the sea. There are pretty rows of thatched cottages with hanging baskets and climbing roses, a picturesque dovery and a church with one of the most inspiring views in the county. Life centres around the two pubs, the Fountain Head and the Masons Arms. Branscombe has a number of historic, but still working buildings, the old bakery and the forge being just two. The surrounding countryside is a walkers delight with direct access to the spectacular coastal path.

Farway

A peaceful village at the head of the Coly Valley and home to Farway Countryside Park Beer

A beautiful seaside fishing village and resort, where you can enjoy a holiday, go fishing or shopping, enjoy the sunshine on a sheltered beach or ramble on the cliffs and in the surrounding unspoilt countryside. The resort is well known for its skilful fishermen, they will take you angling, mackerel fishing or for a coastal trip. The River Exe is Devon's main river.

Rising on Exmoor, it flows south for more than 50 miles, through Tiverton and Exeter and into the sea at Exmouth. The Exe has caused some major flooding in its time, regularly bursting its banks.

Some of the floods proved devastating, destroying churches and other buildings in Exeter and wreaking havoc in other towns such as Tiverton and across farmland.

Flooding remains a problem along some stretches of the river, but a flood defence scheme built in Exeter itself in the 1970s has prevented major incidents in the city.

Where the river reaches the sea, there are important nature sites on each side of the estuary - at Exmouth and Dawlish Warren.

A bird-lover's paradise

Exmouth has a local nature reserve and Dawlish Warren is a national reserve as a result of the birdlife attracted by the estuary habitat. The entire estuary is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). The Exe Estuary Many species flock to the area, including avocet, curlew, teal, Brent geese, oystercatchers, dunlin, redshank, grey plover, and godwits.

At the right times of the year, the estuary is a birdwatcher's paradise. All the way along the Exe there are places to canoe, and the river these days is important to the holiday and leisure industry. It's traditionally been a favourite place for anglers, and in 1924, a salmon weighing 64lb was caught by fisherman Richard Voysey. It became known as the famous Exe Salmon.

You can see a photo of it on the website.

Because of the decline in salmon populations in Devon's rivers - including the Exe - the relevant authorities have launched an action plan to reverse the decline. But it's unlikely we'll ever see another 64-pounder!

The Exe's other role is providing water for Wimbleball Reservoir on Exmoor.