Powderham Castle is easily accessed by foot or by bicycle. It is situated on the western side of the 16 mile circular Exe Estuary trail. The route is sign posted as NCN2. More information on the Exe Estuary Trail can be found on www.cycledevon.info
From Exeter Quay it is about 6 miles to Powderham Castle, which should take approximately 45 minutes by bicycle. The route is traffic free with a section of quiet road between Powderham church and the castle.
Directions: From Exeter Quay, follow the blue NCN2 signs to Turf Locks/ Dawlish. Once you have passed the Turf Locks pub, you will continue along the newest section of the trail which leads on to a quiet road called Estuary Road. Do not turn right at the church, but carry on toward Starcross Village. You will see the Castle on the right hand side. Turn right at the permissive footpath/ cycle path at the Starcross Lodge. This will take you to Powderham Caslte shop and ticket office.
From Dawlish it is about 4 miles along a mixture of quiet roads and traffic free sections.
Directions: From Dawlish, follow the blue NCN2 signs to Starcross and on toward Exeter. After Starcross village continue to follow the signs toward Exeter. You will turn right onto a quiet country lane called Estuary Lane, and you will see the Starcross Lodge on your left. Just before the lodge, turn left onto the permissive footpath/ cycle path which will take you to the Powderham Castle Shop and ticket office.
From the eastern side of the river Exe The Exe Estuary Trail also runs along the Eastern side of the river Exe, connecting Exmouth to Exeter via Lympstone, Exton and Topsham.
Directions: From Exmouth, Lympstone, Exton and Topsham, follow the blue NCN2 signs toward Exeter. Once you reach Bridge Road, and cross both the river and the canal, follow the signs to Turf Locks/ Dawlish. Once you have passed the Turf Locks pub, you will continue along the newest section of the trail which leads on to a quiet road called Estuary Road. Do not turn right at the church, but carry on toward Starcross Village. You will see the Castle on the right hand side. Turn right at the permissive footpath/ cycle path at the Starcross Lodge. This will take you to the Country Store and down the drive to the Castle. Please note this is not a through-route.
It is possible to take a short cut and hop on to one of the three pedestrian and cycle ferries at Exmouth or Topsham. (see section ‘by boat’)