Hoopern Valley Walk

This part of the Green Circle winds close to the City Wall and through the centre of St David’s revealing the now dry valley under the Iron Bridge. Elsewhere it follows parts of the picturesque Hoopern Valley through the University of Exeter’s Streatham Estate with its arboretum. Near the high point of the route, there are views to the sea in one direction and Dartmoor in another over Duryard Valley Park.

Look out for the interpretation board with a map and points of interest along the Hoopern Valley Walk at St David's rail station, or download a copy here.

Directions north to south, from the Mincinglake Walk

• Start at junction of Pennsylvania Rd and Stoke Valley Rd
• Walk down Pennsylvania Rd and cross at central refuge to Argyll Rd and left into Belvidere Rd
• Explore the nature reserve on the right then find path on left alongside field to university grounds*
• Follow path ahead, downhill, and cross stream in trees at wooden bridge and turn left
• At the pond turn right following trees beside Rennes Drive to Stocker Rd then turn left
• At University entrance turn left then cross Prince of Wales Rd at pedestrian crossing and left uphill
• Turn right at public footpath that runs alongside Lower Hoopern Valley
• Turn left at end of public footpath and straight ahead along Velwell Rd. Turn right and cross Howell Road at park gates
• Walk through Bury Meadow Park then turn left and use traffic signals to cross New North Rd
• Opposite Exeter College enter St David’s churchyard and follow path to St David’s Hill. Turn left
• Pass under the Iron Bridge using Lower North St and Exe St
• Walk along Exe St or through St Bartholomew’s Cemetery
• Turn right and cross Bonhay Rd at pedestrian crossing

From here, you can continue along the Green Circle on the Redhills Walk, or it is a half mile walk (approximately 12 minutes) to St David's rail station, with connections to the other stations within the city and beyond.

*Access to the University grounds is permitted subject to conditions shown at the entrances. Access to Belvidere Rd is permitted by the Duryard Trust.

Accessibility

Much of the Hoopern Valley Walk is along paved footpaths and quiet roads, so is accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair. The section near Belvidere Meadows may include some rougher paths.

Refreshment stops

On this section of the Green Circle you are never far from a refreshment stop! The route passes close to the city centre, with its wide choice of cafes and restaurants.

Towards the end of the route, as you pass close to Exeter St David's Rail Station, the Mill on the Exe is a riverside pub with wonderful views across the water and of the iconic Milers Crossing bridge, which features two 6 metre mill stones as anchors for the structure, echoing the mills that used to operate on this section of the Exe in times gone by.