Exeter Green Circle

Rails to Trails – Explore Exeter’s Green Circle

Discover Exeter’s urban nature trail: the Green Circle, a 12-mile circular walking route that weaves through seven city wards and connects diverse neighbourhoods, leafy suburbs, and hidden heritage.

Thanks to a joint initiative between Exeter City Council, Great Western Railway, the Devon Wildlife Trust, Devon County Council and the University of Exeter, the Green Circle was relaunched in September 2025 as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, spotlighting the synergy between sustainable transport and green spaces.

Key railway stations - Exeter St Davids, Marsh Barton, and Polsloe Bridge – have been transformed into gateways to green adventure, with new map and information boards installed showing the route to the Green Circle, and highlighting points of interest along each section of the route.

Whether you want to tackle the full, 12-mile route or just fancy a gentle stroll between cafés and viewpoints, Rails to Trails is your ticket to a greener, healthier, and more connected Exeter.

Download the full route map here, or view an interactive version below, showing points of interest along the route. Click on the boxes below to find out more about the three highlighted walks.