River Exe, River system in Somerset and Devon, England
The River Exe is a river system that runs from Exmoor through Somerset and Devon, forming an estuary at Exeter before reaching the English Channel. The waterway passes through rural valleys and towns, shaping the land as it flows toward the sea.
The Romans recognized the importance of this river and built a settlement at Exeter around where it offered a suitable crossing point. From that Roman period onward, the location became a permanent center of population and activity.
The river has long been central to local life, with communities built around mills that processed paper and grain for centuries. These places shaped how towns developed and how people organized their daily work around the water.
The river can be explored from various paths and trails that run along its banks in different sections. At Exeter, the estuary area is most accessible and offers good viewing points for understanding how the river reaches the sea.
The river holds a reputation for excellent salmon fishing, and anglers have traveled here for generations drawn by the quality of catches. This fishing heritage remains an important part of how local people connect with the water.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
