River Exe
The River Exe is Devon’s arterial waterway, flowing directly through the heart of Tiverton and defining its geographic and industrial identity. Its name originates from the Brittonic/Celtic word Isca, simply meaning “water”—a root it shares with the River Axe and the River Usk. Historically, the Exe was the lifeblood of the town’s development; the sheer force of its flow provided the essential water power required to drive the fulling mills of Tiverton’s once-dominant wool and serge industry.
Flooding and Engineering
Despite its economic utility, the Exe has a volatile history, frequently wreaking havoc on the town through catastrophic floods. To mitigate this constant threat to the Westexe area, a massive civil engineering project was undertaken in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This transformation of the riverbanks created the modern flood defenses and the scenic River Walk. Key features visible today include:
The Exe Bridge: A critical crossing point that has been rebuilt several times following flood damage.
The Tiverton Weir: Designed to manage water levels and power the Mill Leat.
The Confluence: The strategic point where the River Lowman joins the Exe, a historically flood-prone junction now carefully managed by modern revetments.
Journey and Landscape
Beginning its journey at Simonsbath on Exmoor, the Exe winds through over 50 miles of rolling Devon countryside. As it travels from the rugged moors through the historic centers of Tiverton and the cathedral city of Exeter, it serves as a corridor for diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. The river finally meets the sea at the Exe Estuary in Exmouth, a RAMSAR-designated site of international importance for wading birds, marking a grand conclusion to its transit through the county.
Location
With a few meaners on the way, the River Exe flows north to south through Tiverton, entering the town under the A361 and exiting at Ashley to the south.
Useful Links
River Lowman Provides a guide to the River Lowman’s route through Tiverton, highlighting its natural beauty and its historical role in the town’s development.
Exeter (Stonehenge to Exeter By Road) (Opens in new window) This website offers an interactive itinerary for a road trip from Stonehenge to Exeter, suggesting historical landmarks, museums, and scenic stop-offs for visitors traveling through the West Country. The Exeter page highlights the city's top visitor attractions, including its historic Gothic cathedral, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, the scenic Quayside, and unique medieval underground passages.
