Paddle from Exmouth to Cockwood
One of our groups favourite paddles is from Exmouth to Cockwood. The trick is to get the last of the incoming tide and paddle slightly toward Dawlish Warren and allow the tide to push you ever so slightly north until you see the gap under the railway bridge that leads to Cockwood Harbour.
For best results you'd best depart at least 1 hour before high water on a calm day and preferably on a spring tide as you will want maximum water in the harbour - it can get quite muddy!
Once there you can grab a drink in the Ship Inn which is situated alongside the harbour - it's all very self contained.
Aim to depart no later than 1 hour after high water and once under the bridge head slightly up river allowing the tide to gently push you back down to the slip on the Imperial ground Exmouth.
For the more competent paddler why not drop in on the Exe Cafe on route?
The beautiful Devon harbour of Cockwood
Cockwood is a small village on the west side of the Exe Estuary in Dawlish civil parish, Teignbridge district, in the county of Devon, England. Lying between the villages of Dawlish Warren and Starcross, it is separated from the estuary by the main railway line between Exeter and Torquay, and is set around a small tidal harbour which boats must reach via a bridge under the railway line.
Cockwood has two public houses
Cockwood has two public houses. The Anchor Inn which is on the harbour front and the Ship Inn, nearer the village hall. The Anchor Inn is over 450 years old and was originally opened as a Seamen's Mission. It was a haven for seamen and smugglers and is said to be haunted by a friendly ghost and his dog.
South of the village centre, the railway line is crossed by a pedestrian track leading to Cockwood Steps, with a landing for small boats and a view over the estuary.
The railways tracks have occasionally been affected by flooding from the Exe.
Paddle Boarding Tips to get to Cockwood safely
- Leave well before high water and head toward Dawlish allowing the slower drift of the tide to push you north toward Cockwood.
- Try arrange your trip to make around the spring tides for best results (saves getting muddy)
- Depart from Cockwood no later than 1 hour after high water ideally - less is better.
- Take an arc north allowing the tidal drift to bring you back to Exmouth.
- WEAR A WAIST LEASH! Cockwood is across the estuary and in the estuary are moorings - you really don't want to get tangled up in those with an ankle leash.
- Wear a PFD and bring a phone for emergencies.
- Bring money for the Ship Inn!
- Join us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/exesup