ROC Active Exeter take an Avocet amble

As part of promoting “Avocet Ambles”, self-guided walks from the Avocet Line, the Exeter – Exmouth branch line, the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership recently took members of the ROC Active walking group for a day trip, travelling from Exeter St Thomas station to Topsham for a leisurely walk and lunch.

ROC Active is a charity which enables adults with a learning disability to take part in a wide variety of sports, gym, and swim sessions.

They organise a weekly walking group from their base at the Riverside Leisure Centre at Cowick Street, Exeter. 

ROC Active Team Leader Lloyd Martin led the group of fourteen as they boarded the train from St Thomas and embarked on their adventure across Exeter and over to Topsham. The sun was shining and the group were eagerly anticipating their leisurely walk throughout the town of Topsham and along the estuary.

Lloyd said: “The train journey was thoroughly enjoyable with the group all smiles as we approached our location. Our designated route included an easy walk to the south side of the town with a brief stop at the RSPB where everyone enjoyed a spot of bird watching across the marshland. The group then commenced their walk back to Topsham where they stopped off for a pub lunch at the Lighter Inn, many indulging in the wide range of sandwiches which were available.  A fantastic day was enjoyed by all.”

This initiative is part of the promotional campaign being run for the Avocet Line by the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership, working closely with Great Western Railway and the Avocet Line Rail Users Group (ALRUG).   Avocet Ambles leaflets of self-guided walks numbers 1 and 2 were produced by ALRUG with help from the Rail Partnership and can be found on the Avocet Line Rail Users Group website http://www.avocetline.org.uk/”

Celia Minoughan, the Partnership’s Avocet Line Project Officer said: “The leaflets are a great companion for people who like exploring Exeter and East Devon and there are some fabulous walks to explore along the Avocet Line.  This selection is just a taster of what is out there, more walks can be found on the Avocet Line Rail Users’ Group website www.avocetline.org.uk"

The free leaflets are also available from stations, tourist information centres, and libraries. Copies can also be obtained by emailing railpart@plymouth.ac.uk 

ROC Active can be contacted on 01392 270875 for more information about their activities.