Lockdown has been lifted a little bit for a week now and I realised that I am definitely permitted to spend more than an hour per day outside. Although now we are allowed to drive somewhere to exercise or even just to be outside, this felt a step too far. Hence I looked for a short local adventure, so I would be “back in time for lunch” (I’m sure this is a near quote but can’t find who made it).
My plan was to run to the tidal path in Topsham, jog more slowly along it looking at the scenery and then run home. Of course any successful adventure needs some planning and so I checked the tide tables to confirm that my plan would fit well into the morning.
My outward route was past the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Stadium. In keeping with lockdown this was virtually deserted. Normally on a weekday the car park would be full with people using the gym and other sports facilities, people attending conferences and of course all the people needed to administer a successful top flight rugby ground. Instead there were a couple of workmen digging up the road. Ironically the Corona virus drive through swabbing facility located in the car park appeared to be a hive of inactivity; there was a prominent NHS car and I think there was one car actually driving through, the driver no doubt confused as to why there were quite so many temporary bollards and lanes designed for queues.
I ran along the quiet back lane and all the way down to the confluence of the Exe and the Clyst Rivers at Riversmeet House with its prominent flag pole. There were few people and all so far socially distancing without difficulty. To my relief I had read the tide tables correctly and indeed the tide was low with extensive exposed mud flats. Running along Goat Walk, proved to be a socially distancing challenge, solved by the person coming the other way turning her head towards the wall and me going as far to the precarious outer part of the path as I dared. Clearly it is called Goat Walk for a reason – it is narrow and precipitous. The views across, up and down the estuary were clear and impressive.
At Topsham Ferry there was a footpath sign pointing towards the mud flats. This path is tidal, but surely not that tidal! Silly me – of course normally in the summer the small ferry would be working and taking passengers to the footpath on the opposite bank.
Actually the tidal section of the path turns out to be relatively short. There are warnings at each end about turning back if necessary. Some sections were still wet underfoot, confirming that indeed this area is tidal. There are a number of small private slipways and jetties and some reed beds. I saw resplendent yellow irises in flower. The swans looking majestic were swimming and floating along, frequently dipping their necks deep in the water no doubt foraging for aquatic vegetation or possibly even the occasional fish. I saw one heron which rapidly flew away before I had my camera ready.
All too soon my little adventure was over and all that remained was the long run home. Yes I was home in time for lunch!
Where's Kathryn? 