New Year's Day in Exeter: The Canal Towpath Is Flat and Free

Short answer: The canal towpath runs flat and traffic-free south out of the city, and the quay and Riverside Valley Park are free. Exeter is the easiest city in Devon to walk off a New Year in.

The walk

The canal towpath

Flat, traffic-free, running south out of the city. You set your own distance and turn round whenever the party has had enough, and there is no mud to speak of.

The quay

Converted riverside warehouses on both banks. Short, pleasant, and the better end of Exeter to walk in.

Riverside Valley Park

Meadows and river paths running south from the quay — more open than the towpath if you want space.

Where to warm up

• The Prospect Inn on the quay — a serious commitment to dogs, and the obvious stop after a towpath walk.
• The Fat Pig just off the high street — a Sunday roast people travel for, with a proper gluten-free version.
• Samuel Jones by the quay — a large converted warehouse, which helps with a big group.

Almost everywhere opens later than usual on New Year's Day, and some places do not open at all. Ring in the morning rather than assuming.

What will be shut

The cathedral, the Underground Passages and the museums are all likely closed on 1 January. Exeter's advantage is that it is weatherproof the rest of the year; plan this day around the water.

Getting here

Exeter is the rail hub for the county, but New Year's Day services are heavily reduced. Check before relying on the train.